RICS gives evidence on construction sector challenges to the UK Trade and Business Commission

For UK construction to remain a world class leader and exporter of expertise around the world, we must embrace digital, embrace modern methods of construction and embrace the modernisation of our industry.

RICS were invited by the UK Trade and Business Commission to give evidence on the challenges and opportunities for UK construction and its relationship to international trade.

RICS were invited by the UK Trade and Business Commission to give written and oral evidence looking into the challenges and opportunities of UK construction and its relationship to international trade.

Vincent Clancy, CEO of Turner & Townsend represented RICS and delivered a positive and forward-looking presentation, exploring how the UK construction industry can navigate the challenges, and take full advantage of both domestic and global opportunities to decarbonise and reach net-zero.

Vincent Clancy, CEO of Turner & Townsend remarked:

“To be successful at exports, we have to reinvent the industry to embrace digital, embrace modern methods of construction and to embrace net-zero. The challenge, if you want to export, you got to have something that the rest of the world wants.”

The coming decades will be unprecedented for the built environment. The drivers of change are more fundamental than any we have witnessed before and all those involved in the built environment will need to work together to adapt to these changes.

25% of all UK emissions come from buildings. RICS in our Decarbonisation of Real Estate Report has called on Government to enact a number of policy changes that will benefit the industry, society and consumers, which includes establishing a national programme to fund retrofits.

Dominic Collyer, Senior Public Affairs Officer, RICS commented: 

“The UK construction sector is uniquely placed to help deliver for government, society and consumers. But it is vital at this time for Government to drive investment towards net-zero and funding of infrastructure programmes to ensure stability and clarify in the market.”

You can find the full video of the UK Trade and Business Commission’s session on UK construction here and our full written evidence submission here.