What does 2015 hold for construction contractors?
There may be good news on the horizon for contractors in the UK, with a number of large-scale developments beginning in 2015 and steady growth predicted across the sector.
As of September 2014, the constructor sector had experienced 16 consecutive months of year-on-year continual growth. The only issue seems to be a shortage of skilled workers on hand to complete upcoming projects. Although there are 3 million construction workers in the UK, there aren’t enough skilled workers to meet the needs of the booming industry.
It was recently estimated that London and South East need a 51% increase in training provision to meet demand in the coming years (see Skills to Build for more information). This skills gap is made even more significant by the £96 billion pipeline of construction projects scheduled for the area in the near future.
Housing developments, energy and transport projects will be amongst the many areas of expansion next year. The Construction Products Association recently released its autumn forecast, predicting huge growth, with road construction expected to rise by 46%, private housing starts by 6.1% and energy infrastructure by an amazing 118.2%. Whilst 2014 was a time for investment, 2015 may be the time for return on investment.
The infographic below reveals what 2015 has in store for the construction industry. It was prepared by Quantic UK and is reproduced here with permission from Quantic UK Brand Development Manager, Bethany Trenbath.
Bethany Trenbath is Brand Development Manager at Quantic UK, a specialist accountancy firm based in the UK, with over 11 years' experience helping you make the most of your money.
See more Construction industry infographics.
Featured articles and news
Future Homes Standard Essentials launched
Future Homes Hub launches new campaign to help the homebuilding sector prepare for the implementation of new building standards.
Building Safety recap February, 2026
Our regular run-down of key building safety related events of the month.
Planning reform: draft NPPF and industry responses.
Last chance to comment on proposed changes to the NPPF.
A Regency palace of colour and sensation. Book review.
Delayed, derailed and devalued
How the UK’s planning crisis is undermining British manufacturing.
How much does it cost to build a house?
A brief run down of key considerations from a London based practice.
The need for a National construction careers campaign
Highlighted by CIOB to cut unemployment, reduce skills gap and deliver on housing and infrastructure ambitions.
AI-Driven automation; reducing time, enhancing compliance
Sustainability; not just compliance but rethinking design, material selection, and the supply chains to support them.
Climate Resilience and Adaptation In the Built Environment
New CIOB Technical Information Sheet by Colin Booth, Professor of Smart and Sustainable Infrastructure.
Turning Enquiries into Profitable Construction Projects
Founder of Develop Coaching and author of Building Your Future; Greg Wilkes shares his insights.
IHBC Signpost: Poetry from concrete
Scotland’s fascinating historic concrete and brutalist architecture with the Engine Shed.
Demonstrating that apprenticeships work for business, people and Scotland’s economy.
Scottish parents prioritise construction and apprenticeships
CIOB data released for Scottish Apprenticeship Week shows construction as top potential career path.
From a Green to a White Paper and the proposal of a General Safety Requirement for construction products.
Creativity, conservation and craft at Barley Studio. Book review.
The challenge as PFI agreements come to an end
How construction deals with inherited assets built under long-term contracts.
Skills plan for engineering and building services
Comprehensive industry report highlights persistent skills challenges across the sector.
Choosing the right design team for a D&B Contract
An architect explains the nature and needs of working within this common procurement route.
Statement from the Interim Chief Construction Advisor
Thouria Istephan; Architect and inquiry panel member outlines ongoing work, priorities and next steps.

























