When I had the opportunity to sit down with Alper Yılmaz, a dynamic and forward-thinking representative from the Bursa Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BTSO), I was eager to delve into the recent journey undertaken by a delegation from Bursa’s construction and building materials sector. This group of approximately 40 professionals embarked on a significant mission to London, driven to explore the advanced practices of green transformation and sustainability—a hallmark of the United Kingdom’s construction industry.
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Yılmaz, with palpable enthusiasm, recounted the delegation’s ambitious venture. “The trip was truly an eye-opener,” he began, detailing their participation in the UR-GE Project, an initiative by the BTSO and supported by Turkey’s Ministry of Trade. The primary objective was to assimilate the UK’s pioneering practices in green building and energy efficiency, while also scouting for potential opportunities that could be harnessed upon their return to Turkey. This journey was not just about observation but learning and paving the way for future collaborations.
A significant highlight of the trip was their interaction with Ant Yapı UK, a Turkish contracting firm thriving in the UK market. Meeting with Cengizhan Karaduman and Ertan Demirkıran inspired the delegation, as Yılmaz noted, “They demonstrated how a Turkish company could excel internationally by embracing innovation and maintaining high standards.” The success of this firm provided reassurance that Turkish enterprises could indeed make a mark in competitive global arenas by adopting progressive practices.
The delegation’s itinerary also included a visit to the historic Building Centre, where they engaged with John Bonning, the General Manager. There, the ‘New Homes in New Ways’ exhibition captivated the group’s interest, highlighting the UK’s steadfast commitment to sustainable construction and housing innovations. Such exhibitions underscore the importance of forward-thinking approaches in addressing contemporary construction challenges, offering insights that can be adapted to the Turkish context.
A pivotal moment in their journey was the meeting with Turkey’s Ambassador to London, Osman Koray Ertaş, and Commercial Counsellor, Gözde İnaneri Bakıcı. These discussions offered profound insights into the UK economy and the evolving trade dynamics between Turkey and the UK. Yılmaz emphasised that understanding the economic landscape and the opportunities within the UK construction sector was essential. It underscored the necessity of fostering strategic partnerships and aligning with local business practices to seize forthcoming opportunities effectively.
Further enriching their experience, the delegation visited construction sites managed by the Berkeley Group, a leading UK real estate developer. Witnessing green building standards being actively implemented was particularly enlightening. “The UK is not merely articulating sustainability—they are actualising it,” Yılmaz observed. The delegation gained invaluable insights into innovative technologies and sustainable business models, which they are eager to adapt for projects back in Turkey. This practical exposure highlighted the tangible benefits of sustainability in construction, reinforcing the delegation’s commitment to integrating these practices within their own industry.
The visit concluded with an engaging session at the Turkish-British Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TBCCI), where insights from Mete Uluyurt and Mehmet Gurulkan broadened the delegation’s understanding of the UK construction sector. These discussions identified potential avenues for trade and investment, fostering a sense of optimism about future collaborations. Reflecting on the visit, Yılmaz articulated the delegation’s collective ambition to lead a transformation in Turkey’s construction industry. The insights gained in London have equipped them with the knowledge to penetrate the market for construction materials and services, especially those aligned with renovation and sustainable practices.
As our conversation drew to a close, Yılmaz underscored the importance of global engagement and innovation. “We must keep pace with worldwide developments,” he asserted. “Our sector is robust, but to maintain competitiveness, we must integrate these innovations into our systems. The Green Deal is not just a passing trend; it represents the future of construction.” Listening to Yılmaz, it became evident that this visit was more than just a professional excursion—it was a catalyst for change and growth. The Bursa delegation’s experience in London highlighted the potential for Turkish companies to play a pivotal role in the global sustainability movement. As Yılmaz aptly stated, “We have the potential and the drive to be influential players in this evolving market.”
Though the journey to London has concluded, for Yılmaz and his colleagues, it marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in Bursa’s construction sector—a narrative shaped by innovation, sustainability, and international collaboration.
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