THE MEETING PLACE FOR INFRASTRUCTURE
ABOUT US
The Infrastructure Forum brings together the key players in infrastructure, whether investors, operators, contractors, economic regulators or professional advisors. It has become the meeting place for confidential and constructive discussion about ways to promote the development of infrastructure networks in the UK and to broaden the range of options available to policymakers and regulators.
The expertise of its team, the knowledge and experience of its specialised working groups, and
its excellent trusted relationships with public authorities and agencies in the UK and internationally all contribute to its effectiveness.
Its annual policy summit, seminars, roundtables and discussions attract ministers, chairmen and chief
executives and agency heads to share their thinking and exchange ideas and perspectives with those in The Infrastructure Forum’s network.
The Infrastructure Forum which is cross party and independent attracts engagement from policymakers in government and opposition.
It has worked to promote long termism in the development of infrastructure policy, the joining up of the various parts of government dealing with infrastructure and the establishment of bodies like the NationalInfrastructure Commission and Infrastructure & Projects Authority, which can take a long-term view on infrastructure development.
It has been actively involved in discussions regarding the design and establishment of the UK Infrastructure Bank. It makes regular contributions to the chancellor’s annual budget, where the establishment of Structures and Buildings Allowances and super-deductions were proceeded by much Forum work.
OUR FOCUS
Financing in the new environment including the role of government and banks and the lessons of PFI and PPPs.
Planning for major projects including collaboration with the Infrastructure and Projects Authority and the National Infrastructure Commission.
Obsolescence, capacity and key renewal dates across the sectors.
Resilience, risk, procurement challenges, efficiency in project delivery and best practice.
Infrastructure access regimes including access to wholesale systems, tariffs, franchising and access design.
Regulatory roles, including as gatekeepers and potential providers of incentives.
Government organisation to address infrastructure including lead departments and joining up of policy.
OUR PEOPLE
LORD JAY OF EWELME
Lord Jay of Ewelme GCMG is Chairman of the European Policy Forum's Advisory Council. He sits in the House of Lords as a crossbench member. In his diplomatic career he was Permanent Under Secretary of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Head of the Diplomatic Service. He also served as Ambassador to France and Director General for European and Economic Affairs. He is Chairman of the Advisory Council of the British Library and was Chairman of the House of Lords Appointments Commission. He has been a board member of Associated British Foods, Credit Agricole, EDF, Candover and Valeo.
GRAHAM MATHER CBE
Graham Mather CBE is President of the Forum. He chairs its Regulatory Best Practice Group and serves as a non-executive director on the Boards of Ofcom and the Office of Rail and Road. Having previously served on the Competition Appeal Tribunal and the Monopolies and Mergers Commission. He was a Member of the European Parliament in the 1990s. He has also been General Director of the Institute of Economic Affairs and Head of the Institute of Directors Policy Unit. He was an open scholar of New College, Oxford and Visiting Fellow of Nuffield College.
RICHARD THRELFALL
Richard Threlfall, is Chairman of the Infrastructure Forum Advisory Council. Richard is Global Head of KPMG IMPACT at KPMG. Richard previously held roles in the investment banking team at Citigroup and was a civil servant at the Department for Transport. Between 1996 and 1998 he was Private Secretary to the Secretary of State for Transport and the Deputy Prime Minister.
DOROTHY SMITH
Dorothy Smith is Stakeholder Partner at the Forum. Until June 2012 she was Director of Group Public Policy at BT Group. She was previously based in Brussels as Director of European Affairs for BT; Chair of the European Telecommunication Operators Association (ETNO) in 2002 and 2003 and Director of European Affairs for British Gas plc up to 1997. In the 1980’s she was Assistant Secretary to the British Coal Corporation. She was Private Secretary to the late Lord Lever of Manchester, when he was Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, in the Cabinet Office, from 1977-1979.