Government-backed Constructing Excellence has merged with independent supply chain body Be (Collaborating for the Built Environment) to form Constructing Excellence in the Built Environment. Construction minister Nigel Griffiths welcomed the move, which is aimed at making the new body a strong facilitator between clients, industry and the government, to provide support and resources to the industry. Griffiths said: "I'm very enthusiastic about Constructing Excellence and Be coming together. It gives a powerful voice for the improvement agenda and creates one of the largest construction business networks in the UK." Dennis Lenard, chief executive of Constructing Excellence in the Built Environment, outlined how it would progress. “This new organisation will lobby the industry for progress on the change agenda. It will be influential at government level, helping to shape and drive policies that are positive for the industry. It will be supportive and educational at client level, driving innovation through demand.“