A ROMSEY-BASED firm has supplied the new chairman of the Southern Regional Group of the Institution of Structural Engineers.

Alastair Craig, technical director at consulting civil and structural engineering firm WFBA has taken the chair for the next two years of the institute.

The organisation has a membership of more than 900 professional engineers and works closely with universities to encourage career development.

Alistair took over the chairmanship at a ceremony held at Winchester Guildhall which was attended by the institituion’s president, Joe Kindregan, who flew in from Dublin, and Saprava Bhattacharya the outgoing regional chairman.

Alastair said: “During my tenure as chairman I am keen to strengthen our relationships with local universities and assist in improving the pathway from education to industry.

“Beyond that I would like to improve the support we offer our recently graduated engineers in preparation for their professional exams. We have a new and enthusiastic committee and I look forward to concentrating our energy in these areas over the next year.”

For the last two years WFBA has supported architectural students at Portsmouth University by providing practical advice on design project on a monthly basis. During each visit Alastair has the opportunity to demonstrate the key role structural engineers play in the development of a building and how an architect can make best use of that experience and expertise.