Construction companies in West Lothian have united to offer mutual support amid the industry's current challenges.

At the recent West Lothian Construction Forum held at the Sibbald Training Centre in Blackridge, a sense of camaraderie prevailed among attendees. The meeting drew a record number of participants, with around 20 different companies represented. Lynn Martin of Business Gateway West Lothian was the guest speaker, providing insights into available resources for growing businesses.

Developers, landscapers, electricians, renewables experts, roofers, and house builders discussed various strategies for assisting one another during this difficult period for the construction industry.


"It was great to see so many businesses come along and engage with each other," said Forum chairman Jamie Taylor of Taylor Roofs, who is approaching his first year at the helm.

"There is no doubt that momentum is building as regards to the Forum and this week’s meeting was the busiest one yet. There were lots of good ideas exchanged and it was encouraging to hear everyone discuss how we could all help each other going forward."

Key to the growth of the Forum has been the return to in-person meetings, with Jamie adding: "We are making a conscious effort to get people along and gather in one meeting space as it definitely helps create an energy in the room and in turn build better relationships.

"More and more businesses are showing an interest in joining the Forum and that has to be good for the sector in the region."

The next meeting of the West Lothian Construction Forum takes place at the Sibbald Training Centre on Thursday, 13 November (4.30pm-6.30pm), with the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) presenting on the evening.