A NETWORK to improve performance in the UK construction industry is to have a base in the region.

Durham County Council is providing space at County Hall, Durham, for the headquarters of the Rethinking Construction North East Network (RCNEN).

Partners in the network, including Durham County Council, aim to showcase innovations in products and performance through demonstration projects, and highlight best practice within the industry.

Catriona Lingwood, manager of the network nationally, moved into County Hall earlier this month, and the council will be working closely with the organisation.

She said: "Local authorities have a big part to play in the Rethinking Construction agenda and having an office in County Hall is an excellent base for the regional initiative. Everyone in the supply chain needs to be involved, right down to the builders' merchants, and regional centres such as this are crucial to achieve that goal."