INDUSTRY leaders and representatives from North Yorkshire County Council hope to build on progress made at a seminar in Thirsk.

Leaders of the local construction industry were invited to a seminar at the town's racecourse to thrash out health and safety issues and the growing influence of computers.

However, North Yorkshire County Council is hoping partnerships will develop from it.

"We all face the pressure of change; we all want to improve and streamline processes and reduce costs," said council chief executiv, Jeremy Walker.

"We can do this more effectively by working in partnership."

and this seminar has been an important step in that direction.''

Regional director of the National Federation of Builders, George Rafferty, added: ''We have

plans to run a number of training events during 2002, which are aimed at increasing the skills base throughout the building industry.''