Insights
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Mace has retained its 2026 tender-price forecasts amid rising costs. Steel inflation, weaker orders, and aggressive bidding are reshaping commercial risk across UK construction.
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UK construction starts and contract awards weakened throughout the quarter. Glenigan recorded a stronger planning pipeline, but financing, viability, and commercial confidence continue to delay its conversion into live work.
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SEND reforms give schools firmer grounds for estate planning decisions. Pick Everard says inclusion hubs and specialist spaces should be assessed before new duties take effect.
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Geneva remains construction’s costliest city as London ranks second globally. Arcadis places Zurich, Munich, and Copenhagen behind them as capital becomes more selective across complex urban building markets.
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Q2 extended construction’s slowdown as costs rose and starts weakened. Major programmes advanced, but conversion from pipeline to site remained uneven.
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Mace says workforce churn now costs UK construction £1.3bn annually. Its analysis links site turnover to lost productivity, weaker continuity, and disappearing project knowledge.
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Trimble has added AI takeoff tools to MEP estimating software. The launch targets faster, cleaner pre-construction workflows.
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Construction retentions face a proposed ban under UK payment reforms. Contract terms and defects security will need rapid review.
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Right-to-work checks will extend across self-employed construction labour this October. Contractors must tighten onboarding, records, and labour-chain controls.
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GOLDBECK has relocated to a Birmingham headquarters in Brindleyplace district. The relocation supports UK growth, recruitment, collaboration, and client engagement.