BSRIA Brexit white paper
BSRIA is a non-profit distributing, member-based association, providing specialist services in construction and building services.
In February 2017, following consultation with its members and the wider industry, BSRIA published a Brexit White Paper, The voice of the built environment, identifying the key issues in the specific context of the built environment industry.
The White Paper points out the industry that supports the built environment has a major impact on the overall UK economy and plays a positive role in supporting the government’s climate change and emissions reduction objectives. But it is technology intensive, requiring a highly-skilled work force which takes years to train, and it is very dependent on international trade.
The White Paper suggests the major opportunities arising from Brexit are:
- The possibility of greater international trade.
- The possibility of a more streamlined regulatory environment.
- Increased motivation to boost the UK skills base.
The key threats are:
- The potential lack of access to skilled labour.
- The potential lack of access to the single market.
- Future divergence from, and lack of influence over, European standards and regulations.
- Uncertainty over future research funding in the UK.
The priority issues the government should prioritise in its negotiations are:
- Access to the remaining EU.
- International trade.
- Access to skilled labour from the remaining EU.
- Research funding.
- Standards and regulation.
- Skills funding.
BSRIA intends to embark on a programme of government and parliamentary engagement to ensure the industry’s voice is heard throughout the negotiation process.
Julia Evans, BSRIA Chief Executive, said: “There are several issues that are of severe concern to our industry. Without satisfactory resolution, these could have a large negative impact on the industry and the 562,000 people employed within it.
“Likewise, the EU negotiation and the UK’s new role in the world represent a real opportunity to strengthen and grow this vital industry with opportunities for greater international trade, better focussed regulation and developing a stronger indigenous UK skills base.
“The transitional period will undoubtedly be challenging and from time to time difficult, however, there is a sense of purpose around the subjects which affect this sector of the economy and they deserve and indeed demand attention.”
--BSRIA
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
- Architects' Brexit statement.
- Brexit.
- Brexit - the case for infrastructure.
- Brexit Topic Guide.
- BSRIA articles on Designing Buildings Wiki.
- BSRIA Brexit survey 2018.
- BSRIA calls for clarity following Brexit Article 50 High Court ruling.
- BSRIA response to Brexit speech.
- BSRIA response to Brexit white paper.
- HVAC and smart energy post-Brexit.
- Overcoming the challenges of Brexit.
- Post brexit, house building and construction remains a safe sustainable industry.
- Post-Brexit vision for construction.
- Triggering article 50 of the Treaty of Lisbon.
- What does Brexit mean for construction?
Featured articles and news
Boiler Upgrade Scheme and certifications consultation
Summary of government consultation which closes 11 June 2025.
Deputy editor of AT, Tim Fraser, discusses the newly formed society with its current chair, Chris Halligan MCIAT.
Barratt Lo-E passivhaus standard homes planned enmasse
With an initial 728 Lo-E homes across two sites and many more planned for the future.
Government urged to uphold Warm Homes commitment
ECA and industry bodies write to Government concerning its 13.2 billion Warm Homes manifesto commitment.
Places of Worship in Britain and Ireland, 1929-1990. Book review.
The emancipation of women in art.
CIOB Construction Manager of the Year 2025
Just one of the winners at the CIOB Awards 2025.
Call for independent National Grenfell oversight mechanism
MHCLG share findings of Building Safety Inquiry in letter to Secretary of State and Minister for Building Safety.
The Architectural Technology Awards
AT Awards now open for this the sixth decade of CIAT.
50th Golden anniversary ECA Edmundson awards
Deadline for submissions Friday 30 May 2025.
The benefits of precast, off-site foundation systems
Top ten benefits of this notable innovation.
Encouraging individuals to take action saving water at home, work, and in their communities.
Takes a community to support mental health and wellbeing
The why of becoming a Mental Health Instructor explained.
Mental health awareness week 13-18 May
The theme is communities, they can provide a sense of belonging, safety, support in hard times, and a sense purpose.
Mental health support on the rise but workers still struggling
CIOB Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025 shows.
Design and construction material libraries
Material, sample, product or detail libraries a key component of any architectural design practice.
Construction Products Reform Green Paper and Consultation
Still time to respond as consultation closes on 21 May 2025.
Resilient façade systems for smog reduction in Shanghai
A technical approach using computer simulation and analysis of solar radiation, wind patterns, and ventilation.