UK Construction Pulse

Spring Statement and Economic Forecasts

• 🔥 OBR Lowers Growth Outlook: The OBR forecasts UK GDP growth to slow to 1.1% in 2026 from 1.4%...

Devon & Cornwall PCC's Prisoners Building Homes trains inmates in modular construction with NVQs, pays them, and cuts reoffending to under 5%.

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Key implications for construction pros:

• Growth tempered: GDP at 1.1% in 2026 (down from 1.4%), risks from energy volatility delaying projects.
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ICE's programme delivers knowledge, confidence, and resilience to stay relevant in buildings and structures via tailored resources.

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Key sustainability advances from London's new Circular Construction Hub:

• Diverts 950 tonnes of materials from landfill over 5 years by reusing waste...

Maritime Transport inaugurates ninth SRFI at SEGRO Logistics Park Northampton, a 17-acre facility expanding inland rail freight via West Coast Main...

Round 5 progress: Ocean Winds signs Agreement for Lease with Crown Estate for Celtic Sea floating wind site, third leased after Nov 2025 bidder...

Key momentum in UK's green transition for construction pros:

• £12.6B funding surge (2023) drives 37% renewables growth since 2022, solar up 58%
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Kier Group's H1 results signal sector strength:

• Net cash position marks major balance sheet improvement
• Record order book ensures multi-year...

UK Government introduces 'fast track' apprenticeships reforms to deliver a major skills boost to Britain's growth sectors. Reforms accelerate the development and approval of apprenticeships rapidly.

Key angles on the deal:

• Transaction: French utility Engie acquires UK's largest electricity distributor, UK Power Networks, from Hong Kong's CK...

Fresh UK planning updates with practical impacts for developers:

• Planning fees up 33% since Covid; scale work to dodge hikes and save hundreds.
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• Site overview: 14.7 Ha deprived area in Bristol for mixed-use redevelopment by council; HAUS monetises health impacts for 2,091 residents + 6,435...

Key angles on accelerating 1.5m homes delivery:

• Council delays hit 64% of projects (housing, transport) due to funding shortages, reorgs (34%),...

Net zero risks escalate as campaigners demand developers prove projects won't hike UK CO2 or cause water scarcity via new NPS.

• Scale exposed: 140...

Port decarbonization milestone: DP World and Svitzer bunkered Svitzer Bargate with 100% HVO, avoiding 900+ tonnes CO2e annually.

• Programme surge:...

ICE identifies skills, financing, and data/digital solutions as vital for sustainable infrastructure planning:

• Skills: Connect stakeholders to...

New deputy CEO Jonathan Knott appointed to drive international expansion amid rising subsea demand.

• Brings trade/diplomacy expertise from UK...

Key Q4 trends in UK civil engineering pipelines:

• 17% net workload growth YoY from airports, electricity/gas projects, reversing prior decline.
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Key signs of gender diversity progress:

• Southampton's Connect It Utility Services spotlights women driving change during Women in Construction...