Construction project pipelines in 2025: labour, skills and macro-economic conditions

Overview

The past 12 months have a seen a little more optimism coming through around construction workloads. However, market confidence varies over the ability of the industry to secure the necessary skills and labour to deliver an increase in construction activity. Uncertainty over the short-, medium- and long-term pipeline of labour and skills, combined with macro-economic headwinds of cost inflation, changing interest rate regimes and new government leadership are challenging the financial viability of many construction projects. Access to finance, a consistent value proposition, and clear policy incentives can help to address the skills gap and restore progress on projects in the pipeline and underway.

Covering the UK, Europe, Middle East, and the Americas, our panel of experts will examine the measures and approaches that are proving effective in managing construction projects and skills in the face of on-going headwinds. The panel will also assess the tailwinds that could positively impact the pipeline, particularly those related to labour and skills.

Speakers

• Simon Rubinsohn, Chief Economist, RICS (moderator)
• Kirk Smith, Director of Cost Management Services, T&T
• Laeeq Hassan FRICS, Associate Director, Mace
• Holly Davis MRICS, Director, Major Projects Advisory, KPMG
• Rachel Personius, Associate Director, Currie & Brown
• Will Turton, Partner, Turton Bond