The General Election is well underway.
However construction-specific policy, beyond building more homes, has been
noticeably light.
As a sector that has pulled itself up by
the bootstraps over the past decade, many industry players will be looking to
the new administration to support the sector, as it continues to battle
multiple socio-economic pressures.
As manifestos are launched, with the Lib
Dems kicking things off this morning, we approached a handful of clients and
partners to get their hot takes on the hopes, fears, ambitions, and aspirations
across the built environment.
With the two major parties yet to announce
their intentions, there’s still time to get some last-minute
construction-specific policy in…
Allan Wilen, Economics Director, Glenigan: “The
construction sector has experienced a steady decline over the past couple of
years, struggling to return to pre-COVID levels. Whilst there are various
socioeconomic factors at play, a lack of long-term policy vision and major
infrastructure decisions made on the hoof, including major project
cancellations or pauses, are partly responsible. Nowhere is this more evident
than in the revolving doors of the Department of Business and Trade and DLUHC
where we’ve seen minister-after-minister covering the construction and
housebuilding briefs since this Government came to office.
“I hope the next administration, whichever
party it is, puts MPs in these posts and keeps them there to ensure they
understand the challenges facing the sector, and the consistency to deliver the
crucial reforms the sector needs from digital transformation to chronic labour
shortages.
“Not only that we need to raise these
office’s status from a junior position to one that attends the Cabinet at the
very least. For one of the country’s most important industries it does feel
like we’re treated as the poor cousin, elevating the status of the responsible
politician would go some way to boost confidence and showing that the next
Government means business when it comes to UK construction’s future.”
Adrian Attwood,
Executive Director, DBR (London) Ltd: “UK construction
faces a skills shortage of unprecedented scale. Whoever comes into office next
month needs to offer a clear vision of how we plug this growing, problematic
gap. With personnel numbers drastically reduced by Brexit, then the Pandemic, a
lack of home-grown talent persists.
“Current initiatives have failed to have
much impact and we’re not seeing nearly enough school leavers choosing
construction as a career path, particularly in specialist professions such as
the heritage niche we occupy.
“The next Government has a big mountain to
climb, perhaps requiring a root and branch reform of our education system, and
a more direct awareness raising campaign around the virtues and benefits of a
life in construction. We need to show as many young people as possible why our
sector offers plenty of opportunities to succeed, no matter who you are or
where you come from.
“Crucially, the new administration needs
to get the industry round the table at the earliest convenience to work out a
solid strategy to achieve this, as we’re fast approaching a point of no
return.”
Maria Hudson, Director,
Zutec: “Whichever party takes charge
on the 4th July, we would urge them to build on the progress made within the
construction and built environment sectors over the past few years.
“Whilst it’s easy to criticise the
industry for not moving fast enough when it comes to innovation, reform, and
building new homes, I think many are unable to appreciate the challenges the
industry has had to contend with. This includes: rising supplier costs and
labour shortages, new and updated regulatory regimes, a volatile economic
climate and the move towards digital transformation.
“However, right here and now we’re seeing
attitudes change. More contractors, housebuilders, developers and asset owners
than ever before are harnessing the power and potential of digital solutions to
manage data and information for higher quality work, safety and better building
outcomes.
“Not only that, there’s been a sea change
in terms of transparency and responsibility, and all for the better.
Regulations like the Building Safety Act 2022 have driven new ways of thinking
about information delivery to meet the mandatory digital information
requirements. What’s clear, whoever emerges triumphant needs to maintain the
momentum the industry has built and support an acceleration of the
modernisation of UK construction and building operations.”
Steve
Callow, Manager, Masonry & Concrete Products, MPA Masonry: “The
next Government needs to double down on its efforts towards decarbonising the
built environment, and this starts with the products used, how they’re sourced,
manufactured and dealt with at end-of-life. It’s something our members take
very seriously.
“One area we can affect real, immediate
change is by removing fossil fuels from the production process. For example, we
want to see policies introduced that encourages the entire supply chain
prioritise alternative fuels and no-carbon electricity, hydrogen or waste
biomass for on-site equipment, vehicles and industrial processes. Whilst it’s
fair to say progress is being made, it’s not happening nearly fast enough and
needs the smack of firm legislation to help catalyse change.
“However, this needs to be coupled with
incentivising manufacturers to make this change. One way in which this could be
done is by tackle the high costs charged by Distribution Network Operators for
new grid connections and upgrades, whilst ensuring enough generation capacity
to support all industries to decarbonise. Another important change a new
administration could easily effect is levelling the playing field for waste
biomass by, for example, ending current measures like the Green Gas Support
Scheme, that divert waste streams to electricity or heat production.”
Rob Norton, UK
Director, PlanRadar: “Labour's
pledge to construct 1.5 million new homes over the next parliament as part of
its ‘New Towns Code’ addresses the urgency of the UK’s housing crisis, however,
it's crucial to ensure quality isn't compromised in the pursuit of quantity and
the proposed stringent design standards are stuck to.
“This proposed housing agenda, coupled
with technological advancements and support for smaller developers, presents an
opportunity to revitalise the housing sector while upholding quality and safety
standards.
“Prospective developers will need to
innovate to keep pace in the face of strict accountability under safety
standards such as the Building Safety Act, with the Act’s grace period having
ended in April. Those who adopt a collaborative approach to this shift using
digital tools that can easily capture and share crucial documentation will be
well-placed to survive in this new landscape.
“Whichever government we see in number 10,
the Golden Thread will continue to dominate construction workflows, and many
businesses will increase their investment in digital technologies and systems
to ensure industry compliance. I hope to see further collaboration in
construction’s approach to fire safety, bringing greater consistency and
quality to fire-safety checks and strategies.”
“As you can see a sizeable shopping list
and on which will be a considerable undertaking for whoever comes in.
“One thing remains clear, that if we want
to maintain the momentum built in a post-Grenfell landscape and mitigate the
effects of Brexit and COVID, a clear plan is urgently needed from Government,
spearheaded by a Minister sitting at the top table.”
Christian Mabey, Managing
Director at Optima: “As the
General Election fast approaches, the future Government, whichever shade, has
the power to affect positive change to benefit the construction industry.
“First, tougher sanctions on Russian
aluminium imports are essential with legislation to ensure transparency,
requiring a declaration of origin for all imported aluminium. It’s a moral
obligation, as much as a commercial one recognising responsible manufacturers
and vendors.
“Addressing carbon levels, better tax
incentives would drive the industry towards sustainable practices by rewarding
firms that adopt innovative building techniques and developers which include a
greater proportion of affordable housing in schemes.
“As part of this, we also need greater
funding allocated towards the research and development of green building
products. Funding for innovative materials, techniques, and low-carbon
technologies will drive industry advancements. Additionally, mandatory carbon
reporting for manufacturers and eco-labelling programmes will provide
transparency and allow informed choices.
“Finally, Government-back,
industry-delivered training and awareness campaigns will be essential to equip
construction professionals with the knowledge to use low-carbon materials and
best practices; currently a painfully-obvious, missing link in the supply
chain. Our future leaders must commit to initiatives like this to benefit the
sector as a whole, contributing to our environmental and societal goals.
“New regime should mean a fresh approach.
Now’s the time for bold steps towards a sustainable and innovative
future."
Neela Ahmed, Country Manager
UK & Ireland at E1, says: "The
looming 2024 general election promises significant changes, and the industry
must be prepared despite limited details from both political parties. Labour,
currently leading the polls, has pledged to ‘get Britain building by securing
the highest sustained growth in the G7’, which we hope will lead to direct
investments in construction.
“At E1, this growth agenda fuels our
optimism, especially as the construction industry tops the latest insolvency
rankings after a challenging year. Effective recovery measures focusing on
boosting supply-side capacity are crucial to overcoming constraints that have
driven inflation and stifled growth since COVID-19 and Brexit.
“On the Conservative side, Rishi Sunak's
International Technology Strategy, aimed at ‘setting the UK’s path straight’,
emphasises prioritising sectors where technology can drive significant growth.
This strategy holds the potential to offer essential opportunities for growth
to various sectors, including construction, which stands as a prime candidate
for such advancement.
“In summary, whether through Labour’s
growth initiatives or the Conservatives’ tech strategy, clear and targeted
investment in construction and technology is essential for a robust recovery
and a sustainable future for the industry."
