Construction firms in the UK will face continued challenges in 2019 due to Brexit uncertainty. Owners will demand a more active role in projects, while the role of large tier 1 contractors may decline with the rise of specialized integrators. New safety regulations following the Hackitt Review will require digital tools for documentation. Talent shortages will intensify, making staff engagement critical. Sustainability and green practices will remain high priorities for clients, and technology will be key for navigating changes in the industry.

1. 7 Predictions for the UK
Construction Industry in 2019

2. 7 Predictions for the UK Construction Industry in 2019
1
Construction’s challenges
continue amidst Brexit uncertainty
• Uncertainty over the deal has led to significant risk-aversion
throughout the sector
• Successful firms will focus on improving productivity through
technology to offset the risk

3. 7 Predictions for the UK Construction Industry in 2019
2
Power shifts to the owners
• Amidst greater scrutiny of construction practices in 2019, owners will
demand a more active role in the construction process
• Developing collaborative roles with owners will be critical to firms’ success

4. 7 Predictions for the UK Construction Industry in 2019
3
The decline of the Tier 1 contractor–
and the birth of the integrator
• In 2019, we’ll see a significant change in the role of the Tier 1 contractor–
and the birth of a new delivery model
• More opportunities will be available for Tier 2 contractors, who can find a
niche in highly-skilled specialisation and innovative construction methods

5. 7 Predictions for the UK Construction Industry in 2019
4
Concern over safety drives reforms
in the wake of the Hackitt Review
• At the end of 2018, the government announced that it will be
adopting the recommendations of the Hackitt Review in full
• For many construction businesses, this will necessitate the adoption
of digital tools to track safety documentation and deliver as-built
records on handover

6. 7 Predictions for the UK Construction Industry in 2019
5
Firms are forced to focus on staff
engagement amidst talent challenges
• Talent shortages were felt across the construction industry in 2018
• Given the sector’s reliance on migrant labour, the Brexit transition deal
could intensify this issue making staff retention and engagement a
critical competitive advantage in 2019

7. 7 Predictions for the UK Construction Industry in 2019
6
Sustainability remains high
on the agenda and the green
dividend sets businesses apart
• Sustainability is high on the agenda of clients in the public and
private sectors
• Construction firms have the opportunity to differentiate themselves
through ‘green services’, such as using digital records to track the
profile of materials used on projects

8. 7 Predictions for the UK Construction Industry in 2019
7
Technology is key for construction
firms navigating months of change
• As the construction industry navigates the changes ahead, technology
will be a critical support
• The most successful businesses will look beyond the uncertainty of 2019,
to make the most of the challenges and opportunities ahead