A transformative
deal between government and the construction industry which could add billions
of pounds to the economy has been announced by Business and Energy Secretary
Greg Clark.
Government and
industry have worked extensively since the launch of the Industrial Strategy
green paper to agree the Sector Deal, developing a joint strategic direction
for the sector that reflects shared ambition to modernise the industry and to
respond to the challenges of demographic change and Brexit.
The deal, announced
in the Industrial
Strategy white paper on Monday will prepare the UK construction sector for
the future, helping companies build better performing buildings and
infrastructure at a greater speed and reduced cost, while supporting the
government’s ambitious programmes in both infrastructure and housing.
By transforming the
sector through better adoption of digital and manufacturing technologies the
Construction Sector Deal aims to deliver quality infrastructure and housing
more quickly, and at reduced cost to the taxpayer, while boosting the skills of
construction workers and training the next generation of workers.
Supported by £170
million of government investment over three years through the Industrial
Strategy Challenge Fund, and £250 million of match funding from industry, the
deal will bring together the construction, manufacturing, energy and digital
sectors in a new hub to commercialise technologies capable of building assets
which are both cost effective and energy efficient.
Business Secretary
Greg Clark said: "Our construction industry makes a vital contribution to
the UK economy and is one of our most important sectors, with businesses that
add £138 billion a year to the economy, contribute 8% of our GDP, and employ over
3.1 million workers."
Andrew Wolstenholme,
Chair of the Construction
Leadership Council, said: "With a projected £600 billion pipeline of
infrastructure projects to be delivered over the coming decades, it is vital
that the industry and government work together to realise the full potential of
the deal.
"We have a
golden opportunity to reap economic gains from improved productivity and the
more efficient construction of assets, creating high-skilled, well-paid jobs in
all parts of the UK and driving up exports to the global infrastructure market."
