Infrastructure Exports: UK (IE:UK)
Infrastructure Exports: UK (IE:UK) is a partnership between the Department for International Trade (DIT) and leading UK infrastructure firms. It was established in July 2017 in response to the failure of UK companies to compete with large international companies. It brings together companies of all sizes as ‘Team UK’ consortia to bid for global infrastructure contracts and deliver complex projects.
The industry-led body will pursue infrastructure projects with government support to increase UK infrastructure exports and identify gaps in the supply chain for foreign direct investment to fill. It decides which projects to pursue and how to bring smaller companies into the infrastructure export supply chain and supports UK exporters by:
- Selecting, and targeting, projects and markets.
- Participating in, and helping form UK partnerships to deliver projects.
- Scoping new markets and deciding on prioritisation.
- Creating an innovative capability demonstrator that highlights UK expertise.
- Identifying gaps in the existing UK supply chain.
DIT support IE:UK with its network of local staff, identifying important projects in their areas for consideration. Activities are co-resourced between industry and government, supported by a government-funded project management office. IE:UK meets 3 times a year, co-chaired by the Minister of State for International Trade, and a senior industry representative.
At its launch, Trade minister Greg Hands said; “Global infrastructure investment is set to increase rapidly in the coming years and we must make sure UK firms are in prime position to take advantage of it. Our ‘Team UK’ approach will bring together leading UK infrastructure companies to showcase their expertise on a global scale and work together to successfully bid for the biggest contracts.”
Co-chair James Wates, Chair of Wates Group, said; “This is a timely, fresh and strategic approach. The UK has a wealth of expertise in developing major infrastructure projects. This is a great opportunity for business to work together, alongside the government, to target overseas projects, as many countries around the world plan to develop their physical infrastructure to support their own economic growth.”
[edit] Find out more
[edit] Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
A safe energy transition – ECA launches a new Charter
Practical policy actions to speed up low carbon adoption while maintaining installation safety and competency.
Frank Duffy: Researcher and Practitioner
Reflections on achievements and relevance to the wider research and practice communities.
The 2026 Compliance Landscape: Fire doors
Why 'Business as Usual' is a Liability.
Cutting construction carbon footprint by caring for soil
Is construction neglecting one of the planet’s most powerful carbon stores and one of our greatest natural climate allies.
ARCHITECTURE: How's it progressing?
Archiblogger posing questions of a historical and contextual nature.
The roofscape of Hampstead Garden Suburb
Residents, architects and roofers need to understand detailing.
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.





















