The construction sector is vast and diverse, with a wide range of distinct sub-sectors. The UK has a comparative advantage in several construction services related to low-carbon built environment solutions.
The public sector invests in construction both directly and indirectly, especially in agreements to renew and expand national infrastructure, thus procuring roughly 40% of the industry’s output.
The government plans to increase infrastructure spending by £12B over the next five years, following the directives of the Construction 2025 programme that are bound to boost the construction industry.
The challenges to which companies will have to respond are:
Unbalanced cash flow
Underestimated costs
Dependence on less contracts
High insurance premiums
Safety liability
Toxic materials
Vandalised locations
More environmentally friendly standards
Facilities Management
Facilities management is one of the fastest growing professions in the UK. It has grown steadily over the last decades and has witnessed a rising realisation of the benefits outsourcing offers. The market is deemed relatively mature, nevertheless, there are still niche services that can be exploited to add value. Facility management companies are looking to a wider range of services to add value to the market like energy management, compliance services and workspace management.
Key industry targets in the government’s Construction 2025 programme: