The Chartered Institute of Public Relations (CIPR) has become an associate member of the Construction Industry Council (CIC).

Speaking after the announcement Paul Wilkinson, chair of CIPR CAPSIG (Construction & Property Special Interest Group) said: “The Chartered Institute of Public Relations, through its construction and property group, is looking forward to taking an active role in the Construction Industry Council. The traditional media image of business sectors such as construction is a continuing challenge, and, contrary to many people's view, PR is not to blame. The industry’s reputation is the result of what it does, what it says, and what others say about it. It can’t control the latter – it can only control its own behaviour and communications. As associate members of the CIC, we aim to bring the expertise of professional communicators to bear on this challenge.”

CIC chief executive, Graham Watts OBE, said: “CIC warmly welcomes the CIPR as an associate member. By working together with our professional colleagues in the field of communications, industry will be better placed to improve its public image and perceptions of the built environment as a career path. This in turn will attract the new talent we need to help deliver the economic, sustainability and climate change imperatives that lie before us.'