A dozen large infrastructure and construction contractors and consultants in the UK have published their Blueprint for Growth, which includes 12 recommendations for a future government.
Launched during the general election campaign, AtkinsRéalis, Balfour Beatty, BAM, UK & Ireland, Costain, Galliford Try, Laing O’Rourke, Mace, Morgan Sindall, Mott Macdonald, Eurovia and VINCI, and VolkerWessels UK, have outlined what they believe is needed to boost economic growth and productivity.
Collectively the firms employ more than 100,000 people across the UK and represent £25bn in UK revenue, which can be multiplied three-fold when considering greater supply chain and community benefits.
It calls on a “clear collective ask” on a number of key areas including:
- Depoliticise infrastructure.
- Appoint a Cabinet Minister responsible for infrastructure.
- Increase private investment in public infrastructure.
- Timely, holistic decision-making on key areas.
- Improve budget setting for infrastructure schemes.
- Efficient risk allocation.
- Investment continuity.
- Simplify the judicial review process.
- Mandate consideration of the national interest.
- Self-certification system to accelerate delivery of infrastructure projects.
- Transform the Apprenticeship Levy.
- A flexible immigration system.
The firms said the Blueprint represented a “collective commitment from the UK infrastructure and construction industry to collaborate with policymakers, industry stakeholders and government agencies to help develop the twelve recommendations and realise the shared vision of a thriving infrastructure sector which continues to drive sustainable growth, create jobs and build a brighter future for the UK.”
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