The UK’s civil engineering contractors have described the government’s new industrial strategy, due to be formally launched at today’s Government Construction Summit, as a potential ‘game changer’ for the sector.

Known as Construction 2025, the strategy has been developed to set out a vision of how UK construction can become a global leader by 2025, as a vital first step in the long-term transformation of the sector.

Members of the Strategic Forum for Construction worked closely with government to develop the vision, which will target improvements in the way the sector delivers skills; adopts new technologies and innovation through the supply chain; supports more sustainable construction; and drives growth in the wider economy.

The Forum said it is committed to work together with government and other industry representatives to support:

• the industry wide roll-out of BIM
• improving the UK balance of trade for construction products
• tackling skills and manufacturing capacity and capability issues
• assisting the wider use of apprenticeships and encouraging new entrants developing the construction pipeline and a demand map to 2025
• identifying new approaches to rationalise pre-qualification
• improving SME access to financial support and tackle lengthy and late payment increasing levels of innovation in the sector
• improving the image of the industry

Members of the Strategic Forum for Construction have welcomed the publication of Construction 2025 - commenting on the new strategy, Strategic Forum for Construction Chairman Bill Bolsover CBE said:

“Over the last six months we have seen genuine partnership working between industry and government to produce today’s strategy. Construction 2025 has the full support of the Strategic Forum for Construction.

“However this must not be a document that sits on a shelf. There is a real opportunity to change our industry and we must grasp it. As the lead body representing all parts of the industry, the Forum is uniquely placed to fulfil this role”

Members of the Strategic Forum will now work with Government to help develop the action plan for Construction 2025, identifying which members will take lead responsibility for each action

The Strategic Forum for Construction members comprises:

• Construction Alliance
• Construction Clients Group
• Construction Industry Council
• Construction Products Association
• National Specialist Contractors’ Council
• Specialist Engineering Contractors Group
• Trades Unions

The UK’s civil engineering contractors have described the government’s industrial strategy for construction as a potential ‘game changer’ for the industry.

Alasdair Reisner, director of external affairs for the Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA), said:

“At the heart of the Construction 2025 strategy is a commitment to remove barriers to innovation and help to build a leaner, greener construction industry for the benefit of the wider economy.

“Construction 2025 could be a genuine game changer for the construction sector if its recommendations are implemented in full. By 2025 it is hoped that UK construction could deliver lower costs, faster project delivery, and an improvement in its share of exports.

“Currently, an estimated 10 per cent of the UK population is employed in construction, and the sector is worth an estimated 7 per cent of GDP. Industry must be able to attract top talent if it is to drive and sustain growth across the entire economy and lead the world in construction-related research and innovation.

“CECA believes that Construction 2025 sets out the necessary strategic vision to transform the construction sector over the coming years, and looks forward to working with government, our members, and industry stakeholders to ensuring this vision is implemented in full.”