Introduction

With economic growth slowing to a crawl, the UK’s built asset programmes find themselves surrounded by challenges.

Despite falling client demand across the construction sector, labour costs continue to increase. And with many contractors facing a simultaneous drop in revenue and a jump in interest payments, the risk of supply chain insolvencies has surged.

At times like these, it’s tempting for clients to focus on firefighting – pausing strategic priorities such as net zero to tackle immediate-term issues.

Such a short-term approach is understandable but dangerous. Ditching sustainability commitments in the name of expediency doesn’t just jeopardise long-term goals. It may also reduce productivity and amplify project risk, both now and in the future.

This edition of the UK Market Intelligence report will explore how astute programme managers can solve today’s problems without sacrificing their strategic ambitions.