How Healthy is the UK Construction Sector Today?

Resilience, costs, sustainability, innovation, policies, infrastructure, digitalisation, growth, labor, stability, competitiveness.

28th March 2025

12.00 - 13:00

Webinar Overview

Some 5 years ago on the 23^rd of March 2020 the country went into the first Covid Pandemic lockdown. This lockdown saw the birth of the CE Noon webinars of which have now run nearly 400 with over 20,000 people having attended these over that period.

We believe that we should not let this go un-noticed and we are going to take a look at the crucial issue ‘How healthy is the UK Construction Sector Today?’ in our post-Covid world through the lens of stagnant productivity and a growing skills shortage. Both are major factors that the sector entered the Covid lockdown with that have not improved but have worsened over this period.

The two are inextricably linked with the result that the Construction Sector today faces significant productivity, skills shortages, and demographic challenges compared to other key sectors of the UK economy. Addressing these issues and taking ownership and action is vital if the sector is to avoid a potential existential crisis.

This webinar on the 28^th of March we want to make significant and will comprise of a Panel Discussion with representatives from across the Constructing Excellence regions of the North East, Midlands, and South West. There will be both the opportunity to participate through a Q&A session and with live Polling your views can be included into a session with the aim of finding ways to reverse the skills shortage and turn around productivity.

Recording & Reflections

What is the current health and performance of the UK construction sector...
How are economic challenges impacting growth in the UK construction industry...
What role do sustainability and innovation play in UK construction today...
How are government policies and investments shaping UK construction sector growth...
What future opportunities and trends exist for the UK construction sector...

Learning Points

What is the current health and performance of the UK construction sector.
The UK construction sector is experiencing mixed performance, showing resilience despite economic pressures. While infrastructure and housing projects remain steady, commercial construction has slowed. Rising costs, supply chain disruptions, and labor shortages continue to challenge productivity and profitability. However, government-backed projects and major infrastructure investments are providing some stability. The industry is also adapting to new regulations and environmental goals, with a growing emphasis on sustainable practices. Despite economic uncertainty, construction remains a crucial contributor to the UK economy. The sector’s ability to navigate financial pressures and embrace innovation will determine its long-term health and success.
How are economic challenges impacting growth in the UK construction industry.
Economic challenges such as inflation, rising material costs, and high interest rates are slowing growth in the UK construction sector. Increased costs for essential materials and labor are squeezing profit margins, leading to project delays or cancellations. Supply chain disruptions, caused by geopolitical tensions and Brexit, have further complicated operations. Higher borrowing costs have also reduced investment in new developments. However, government spending on infrastructure and ongoing demand for residential projects have provided some stability. While the sector faces financial pressures, its ability to adapt through cost-saving measures and innovative solutions will determine future resilience and recovery.
What role do sustainability and innovation play in UK construction today.
Sustainability and innovation are transforming the UK construction industry, driven by environmental regulations and efficiency goals. Green building practices, such as energy-efficient designs and sustainable materials, are becoming more common. Modern methods of construction (MMC), including modular and prefabricated techniques, help reduce waste and improve productivity. Digital tools like Building Information Modelling (BIM) are streamlining project management and cost control. However, high costs and slow adoption rates present challenges. Despite these obstacles, sustainability and innovation are crucial for the industry’s future, helping it meet net-zero targets while improving efficiency, reducing costs, and maintaining long-term competitiveness.
How are government policies and investments shaping UK construction sector growth.
Government policies and investments play a key role in the UK construction sector’s growth. Large infrastructure projects like HS2, road expansions, and green energy initiatives provide stability and job opportunities. Policies promoting sustainability and net-zero commitments are influencing construction practices and materials. However, regulatory delays and planning constraints have slowed project approvals. The government’s focus on digitalisation and modern construction methods aims to improve efficiency and reduce costs. Funding for skills development is also helping address labor shortages. While government support is essential, ongoing policy uncertainty and bureaucracy remain key challenges for the sector’s long-term success.
What future opportunities and trends exist for the UK construction sector.
The future of the UK construction sector is shaped by digitalisation, sustainability, and evolving infrastructure demands. Green building initiatives and low-carbon solutions will expand as net-zero targets drive industry change. Investment in smart cities, renewable energy projects, and resilient infrastructure will create new opportunities. Emerging technologies, including AI, robotics, and modular construction, will enhance efficiency and reduce costs. However, overcoming skill shortages and improving supply chain resilience remain critical challenges. While economic uncertainty persists, firms that embrace innovation, sustainability, and government-backed initiatives will be well-positioned for long-term growth and competitiveness in the evolving construction landscape.

Presenter Bio

Kathryn Gardner

Project Director for K2 Construction Management

Kathryn is a Projects Director at K2 Construction Management, with over 30 years’ experience in the construction industry. As both a Chartered Surveyor and a Chartered Project Professional, she has delivered a wide variety of schemes from schools to major infrastructure projects.
She is also a Board member of Constructing Excellence North East and chairs their Value theme group, supporting clients and the supply chain to procure and deliver better project outcomes.

Iain Garfield

Director of Estates & Facilities for Newcastle University

Livvy Moorey MRICS

Senior Project Manager at Coreus Group

Livvy is a Senior Project Manager at Coreus Group, based in the Exeter office. Her project experience spans across various sectors, including public estates, commercial, and education. As the public estates sector lead, she has a particular focus on local government, blue light and defence projects.

Livvy took over the role of Chair of Generation 4 Change South West committee in October 2024, and leads the six regional sub-committees. She is proud to be part of G4C and is motivated to drive positive change in the industry through attracting young people to work in construction.

Mark Wakeford

Chairman of EvoEnergy

Mark Wakeford is a dynamic and visionary business leader and strategist with over 30 years of experience in the engineering and construction industry. He is the Chairman of EvoEnergy, a company dedicated to the professional installation of electrical technology to reduce commercial customers' energy bills, secure their energy supplies, and reduce their carbon footprints.

As a Fellow of the Institution of Civil Engineers, a Chartered Director and a graduate of the Oxford Artificial Intelligence Programme and the Business Sustainability Management course from Cambridge, Mark has in-depth knowledge and expertise in sustainable and innovative solutions for the built environment. He is passionate about excellence in construction, education, and net-zero, and has led collaborative teams and partnerships across various sectors and regions. He is a critical thinker who can successfully leverage industry trends and best practices to deliver value and quality to his clients and stakeholders.

Paul Richards

CEO at Aquarian Holdings Ltd.

Paul has worked in the ‘supply link’ of the construction industry chain since 1986, having worked for the UK’s largest brick and timber distributor for over 20 years.
Starting by counting bricks and timber for stock-checking, he climbed the promotional ladder with no professional qualifications and eventually became a director based at head office. This proved to provide an invaluable education, helping him understand how to respond to people at every professional level.
Good communication and people skills are the foundation of Aquarian Cladding Systems, which he founded in 2007. Ensuring he has a solid understanding of the company’s role in the marketplace, he is absolutely committed to ensuring he and his team provide excellent technical, commercial and logistical advice to their clients throughout the supply chain.

Paul served as Chair of School Governors for 5 years and is a Board member of Clevedon Chamber of Commerce. He is also an active Board member of Constructing Excellence South West and is an advocate of modern methods of construction, with a burning desire to change the adversarial culture of the UK Construction Industry through collaborative working.

Specialties: Over 35 years of supplying cladding to the construction industry; over 20 years experience of introducing innovative new cladding solutions to the UK construction industry; creating, running and building a company over the past 16 years that imports cladding systems from Europe; team building, business development & supply chain management.