The news came as construction was confirmed as a priority sector by the Welsh Assembly to drive economic growth.

National Assembly for Wales’ Enterprise and Business Committee Edwina Hart said the construction panel would feed-in expert advice to the government’s investment plans

Hart said: “The construction industry in Wales has an estimated 10,000 businesses employing 100,000 people and has a pivotal role to play in the delivery of affordable housing, improved transportation infrastructure, better schools and hospitals and green energy infrastructure.”

David Joyce said: “I am delighted that the Welsh Government has recognised construction as a priority sector and recognised its status as an economic enabler across the economy.

“I am relishing the challenge of chairing the construction panel and the challenges and opportunities it presents to support the growth of the sector in Wales and provide strategic guidance to the Minister.”

The move was welcomed by builders across Wales.

Richard Jenkins, Director of FMB Wales said:  “We are extremely pleased the Welsh Government has listened to our calls to put construction at the heart of the economic recovery.

“Our policy programme ‘Building for Success’ explains how construction is already at the heart of most of the things communities value, including new homes, better transport, schools and hospitals.

“We have also said investment in construction offers good value for money, but more needs to be done to increase the value of construction spend.

“We look forward to working with the Minister and the new advisory panel to develop solutions that are innovative and fair to SMEs in order to get Wales building.”