Written evidence from Build UK

Executive Summary

HS2 has the potential to mobilise the UK UK’s construction supply chain on an unprecedented scale and will be a catalyst for change across the construction industry, building British skills and expertise, building careers and transforming the image of the industry.

Background

  1. Build UK provides a strong collective voice for the contracting supply chain in construction.
  2. We bring together the industry’s largest Main Contractors and leading Trade Associations representing over 11,500 Specialist Contractors.
  3. As an organisation we focus on key industry issues that can deliver change and enable the contracting supply chain to improve the efficiency and delivery of construction projects to the benefit of the industry’s clients.
  4. Providing influential and dynamic leadership, Build UK ensures a joined up approach from the supply chain, making us the ‘go to’ representative organisation for industry stakeholders.
  5. Build UK was created as a result of a merger between the National Specialist Contractors’ Council (NSCC) and UK Contractors Group (UKCG) in 2015.

Views on HS2

  1. As one of the biggest infrastructure projects in Europe HS2 presents a huge opportunity to the construction industry. It will mobilise the UK’s construction supply chain on an unprecedented scale and will be a catalyst for change across the construction industry, building British skills and expertise, building careers and transforming the image of the industry.
  2. In light of the Brexit decision and the need for both the public and private sector to set out their ambitions for the built environment and infrastructure confirming
  3. projects such as HS2, which will deliver benefits across the economy and society is essential.
  4. In making strategic decisions to recruit, develop capacity and capabilities and allocate resources effectively the supply chain is starting to prepare for the construction phase of HS2. 
  5. Sufficient lead in periods are essential to ensure that the businesses involved are geared up and ready to deliver the management and specialist required for such a substantial project. Any delays or uncertainty around the project would be harmful to the industry and our member and would undoubtedly impact on the ability of the construction supply chain to meet delivery expectations.
  6. Preparing for, and delivering, HS2 has the added benefit of building capacity and capability into the UK construction supply chain which benefits the delivery of subsequent and major infrastructure projects. HS2 can help us to address the skills shortage in infrastructure and rail engineering industries by upskilling the UK’s workforce, providing long term career opportunities and boosting UK-based businesses in the supply chain.
  7. HS2 is the only shovel-ready major infrastructure project in the UK at the moment, and the construction industry’s growth forecast is remaining positive largely because of the opportunities HS2 will bring. The continued progress of HS2 is vital in reassuring the construction industry and our members of the UK Government’s commitment to other projects within the infrastructure pipeline and is vital in keeping cash flowing through the economy in these uncertain times.
  8. It is important to remember that the UK is competing on a global scale and the construction industry is highly competitive, there are real opportunities for the UK increase its level of investment in skills and innovation, certainly around major infrastructure projects, which will boost the UK’s international competitiveness. 
  9. We would strongly urge the Public Accounts Committee to support HS2 and clearly set out its intentions.   The timetable, however ambitious, can only be met if there is certainty and confidence surrounding such an important project and the industry will then be able to respond appropriately and deliver the programme efficiently.

 

Suzannah Nichol

Build UK

July 2016