The construction industry is facing a challenging, yet exciting year.
Five years on from COVID, the industry is finally starting to return to normal and with the use of new AI technology as well as a drive to encourage the next generation, the industry is beginning to look brighter. However, that is not to say that there will not be some bumps along the road!
Digital tools and AI
AI might just be the single advance available in every industry, from science to sales. This is no different in the building and construction industry.
There are tools are being developed in all aspects of the construction process; tools such as OpenSpace.ai are becoming more vital in preconstruction, according to the company, OpenSpace.ai has “750 million square feet of construction space” available for data analysis.
This makes site walkthroughs, mapping construction sites and project planning a virtually automated process.
In addition to this, tools such as Fusion360 are incredibly useful surveying.
The computer-aided design (CAD) has an enhanced suite of AI tools, allowing for unique design features that points to the best materials for construction as well as how you can optimise any possible structure that you build.
Engaging, Upskilling and recruitment
Training and recruitment are a vital cog in helping the next generation of construction talent fulfil their potential and maybe more importantly tackle challenges with labour shortages.
This has never been more vital than at this current moment, with the tech industry booming, it is vital that the industry plays its part to incentivise young people to stay within the industry.
This has been a key aim of our partners here at Build North, CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) continues to standardise plant training across the construction industry, with phase two of its new standards due to be launched in June 2025.
CITB and the Plant Sector Representative Organisation (PSRO) have been working together closely to introduce short-course training standards for plant categories.
In addition to this, CITB is preparing is to host its signature event for the year, Open Doors 2025. Open Doors offers a unique opportunity for young people and those looking for a change of career to go behind the scenes of live construction sites, manufacturing facilities, offices, and training centres across the UK.
In addition to this, the BMF (Builders Merchants Federation) BMF have started to launch a new careers scheme called ‘Building Materials Careers’. With an attractive new website: Building Materials Careers | Explore the Building Materials sector, the BMF is hoping to bring potential recruits and companies together in efficient and transformative way.
Material costs
Although the outlook is generally bright one of the challenges that the industry continues to face is the rising costs of materials in building and construction.
Steel, concrete, lumber and insulation materials have all risen sharply in cost. According to a Market Insights report by Linesight: ‘volatility in metal prices remains a concern.’
Pressure on such materials has put increased pressure on UK businesses, according to the same report ‘the total number of construction firms that went insolvent in the year leading up to August 2024 reached 4,310. This reflected a 1.1% increase from the 4,263 insolvencies documented in the year to August 2023.’
The report does indicate that the industry is somewhat held at the mercy of global factors; a protracted conflict in the middle east could further disrupt supply chains, delivery times and projects in the UK and beyond.
