Barrister and construction law professor wins industry award

Professor Rudi Klein is a barrister by profession, a former academic, visiting professor of construction law at the University of Northumbria and chief executive of the Specialist Engineering Contractors’ (SEC) Group.

The SEC Group has developed under Professor Klein into an influential lobbying body in both Westminster and the devolved administrations, allowing its core messages to be heard and acted upon.

The Group’s lobbying has focussed on banishing outmoded procurement methods, wasteful tendering procedures and contractual practices that encourage late payment and damage cash flow.

The organisation represents electricians, plumbers, heating and ventilation engineers, lift and escalator specialists and structural steel engineers.

Professor Klein’s award recognises that, during more than 25 years in construction, he has championed the interests of all specialists in the sector – particularly SME firms involved in engineering-related disciplines.

David Wright, head of external affairs at SELECT, said: “Rudi Klein continues to bring to his role a keen legal mind, a talent for sharp forensic analysis and a determination to protect and promote the interests of specialist engineering contractors.”