Weekly News Bulletin – 2nd November 2018

This week, Building discussed the new Autumn 2018 budget and what impact it has on the construction industry. Chancellor, Philip Hammond, spoke in the House of Commons about key changes regarding topics such as construction, housing, apprentices and more. We recommend reading the full piece to find out more information on the changes that have been confirmed so far.

Another insightful piece by Building focused on a topic of current interest about attracting young talent into the industry. There is a lot that can be done to encourage the next generation into construction and make the industry more attractive. Richard Threlfall, global head of infrastructure at KPMG, outlined his view and recommendations for companies to aspire to achieve.

On a similar note, The Construction Index reported on an initiative by The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), allocating £5m to support the industry and widen the talent pool. The different target audiences include women, long-term unemployed, armed service leavers and young people who are not in any education or training. The hope is to get under-represented groups into construction and help employers to find the right people.

Construction Enquirer announced that HS2 has started contractor consultations to build the additional section of the high-speed railway that will connect the West Midlands with Crewe. The 58km route will open up opportunities to serve more destinations. Work is set to begin as early as 2021 with expected costs around £3.5bn.

Finally, The Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce shared that a new report by PwC places Birmingham and Coventry among the fastest improving cities in the UK. The two cities are attracting new businesses and performing well in areas such as health, environment, and income distribution. The report also highlights areas for improvement such as housing affordability and increases in average commuting times. We recommend reading the piece below for more report insight from Matthew Hammond, PwC Midlands region chairman.

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Budget 2018: impact on construction at a glance

Housing, apprentices and high streets all mentioned during Hammond’s hour-long address

https://www.building.co.uk/budget-2018-impact-on-construction-at-a-glance/5096287.article

What’s the best way to attract and recruit young people into construction? Get them young
The industry’s approach to attracting and hiring new talent is haphazard. The Construction Leadership Council, if properly funded, could do something about it

https://www.building.co.uk/communities/whats-the-best-way-to-attract-and-recruit-young-people-into-construction-get-them-young/5096311.article

CITB drive to widen talent pool
The Construction Industry Training Board has allocated £5m to initiatives to get under-represented groups into the construction industry.

https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/citb-drive-to-widen-talent-pool

HS2 starts contractor consultation for £3.5bn Crewe link

HS2 has started contractor consultations to build the West Midlands to Crewe section of the high speed railway.

https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2018/10/30/hs2-starts-contractor-consultation-for-3-5bn-crewe-link

Report finds Birmingham and Coventry two of the fastest improving cities in the UK
Birmingham and Coventry are amongst the fastest improving cities in UK, according to a new report by accountancy giant PwC.

https://www.greaterbirminghamchambers.com/latest-news/news/2018/11/1/report-finds-birmingham-and-coventry-two-of-the-fastest-improving-cities-in-the-uk/