The importance of the construction industry and related professions such as building surveying in the UK really cannot be underestimated. Not only does the industry change the shape of the British landscape, but also has an enormous effect on other British industries such as transport and tourism.

Some buildings were much maligned before, during and after construction but have since received belated credit for drawing visitors to their home cities with the Millennium Dome in London a prime example. That was described as a white elephant and stood unused for periods before becoming the O2 arena and a prime entertainment venue.

Whilst the media and other critics knock back construction projects, it has to be remembered that Britain has some of the best construction workers as well as quantity and building surveying professionals in the world. The last decade or so has seen some excellent projects in the UK that have drawn in many tourists such as the Eden Project in Cornwall and the Millennium Wheel in London.

Even though their football club is encountering massive problems at the moment, the city of Portsmouth has a tourist attraction it can be proud of too. The excellent Spinnaker Tower was also beset with problems during construction but it now provides visitors with a spectacular view of the city and surrounding areas.

This achievement has been recognised with the Spinnaker Tower being added as a member of the World Federation of Great Towers, joining other notable builds such as the Eiffel Tower and Empire State Building. If anyone was in any doubt that Britain?s construction and building surveying professionals are undervalued, this should dispel the myth, as they are still and will continue to be in demand.