Luton town centre development with construction cranes.

Luton’s £120m Town Centre Project Poised for Revival After Regulatory Hurdles

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A significant ray of hope has emerged for Luton’s stalled £120 million town centre regeneration scheme, with work potentially resuming in January 2026. The project, known as ‘The Stage’, has been on hold pending crucial approval from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR) under the post-Grenfell safety regime. Officials are optimistic that regulatory sign-off is imminent, paving the way for the completion of nearly 300 homes and vital community facilities.

Key Takeaways

  • Work on the £120m Luton town centre regeneration scheme is anticipated to restart in January 2026.
  • Resumption is contingent on final approval from the Building Safety Regulator (BSR).
  • The project includes residential towers, mixed-use retail space, and a performance venue.
  • A £20m government Levelling Up grant must be utilised by 2026.

Project Set to Resume Pending Regulator Approval

Roger Kirk, director of property and infrastructure at Luton Borough Council, indicated a positive shift in relations with the BSR, stating a “constructive and open relationship” is now in place. He expressed confidence that the regulator would grant stage two sign-off by November 7th, enabling work to recommence on January 5th, 2026. The main contractor, Willmott Dixon, has been working closely with the council to manage costs during the delay and is eager to begin the “exciting and important project for Luton.”

Overcoming Building Safety Concerns

The delay in the project, which includes two residential towers offering nearly 300 homes, a mixed-use building, retail space, and a performance venue, has been attributed to the stringent requirements of the post-Grenfell building safety regulations. The BSR acknowledged “significant progress in resolving the outstanding concerns” and is moving towards a “positive outcome.” However, a final decision hinges on ongoing discussions between the BSR and Bedfordshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Funding and Government Support

The scheme benefits from a £20 million government Levelling Up grant, which has a deadline for expenditure by 2026. While concerns were raised about maintaining this funding, councillors were assured that the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities is aware of the delays and has demonstrated flexibility regarding timelines. Previously, Luton Council had expressed frustration with the BSR’s responsiveness, but the regulator defended its position, noting that initial applications had fallen below the required standard. The BSR is reportedly on track to clear its backlog of similar legacy applications by January 2026.

Sources

George Hotel

Kirklees Council Approves George Hotel Redevelopment Amidst Victorian Society Objections

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Kirklees Council has controversially granted itself planning permission for the £30 million redevelopment of the historic George Hotel. Despite objections from the Victorian Society regarding the modern design of new extensions, the council proceeded with the approval, arguing the objection did not meet the legal threshold for referral to the Secretary of State.

Key Takeaways

  • Kirklees Council approved its own planning application for the George Hotel redevelopment.
  • The Victorian Society raised concerns about modern extensions being out of keeping with the historic area.
  • The council determined the objection did not legally require referral to the Secretary of State.
  • The revised plans increase the hotel’s capacity to 108 bedrooms and aim for a 2026 opening.
  • Radisson Group remains committed to operating the hotel under its Radisson RED brand.

Planning Permission Granted

The council’s planning department initially intended to grant approval for the revised plans. These revisions became necessary when it was discovered that the John William Street wall required costly underpinning, leading to its demolition and the construction of new extensions. This change also allowed for an increase in the number of bedrooms from 90 to 108, enhancing the hotel’s potential profitability.

Victorian Society’s Concerns

The Victorian Society expressed that the proposed modern extensions on the John William Street side were “too modern and out-of-keeping with surrounding historic architecture” and “does not reflect Huddersfield.” However, their objection did not explicitly request a referral to the Secretary of State, a condition required by planning law for such objections from national amenity societies to necessitate a government review when the applicant is also the planning authority.

Council’s Decision and Rationale

Following advice from civil servants on the definition of an “objection” under the Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Regulations 1990, Kirklees Council concluded that the Victorian Society’s objection did not trigger the mandatory referral. The council sought clarification from the society, which confirmed they did not wish to refer the decision to the Secretary of State, despite still holding an objection to the works.

Project Details and Future Outlook

The redevelopment aims to transform the Grade II*-listed building into a Radisson RED hotel. Clr Graham Turner, Cabinet member for finance and regeneration, hailed the decision as “another major milestone” for a “treasured landmark” that will play a key role in supporting the local economy. The council anticipates the new hotel will open within the next two years. Opposition councillors, however, continue to call for more detailed financial information regarding the £30 million investment and the repayment timeline for council taxpayers.

Stakeholder Support

Historic England, while expressing concerns about the extensions, stopped short of a formal objection and remains supportive of the redevelopment. Huddersfield Civic Society also supports the hotel’s restoration but suggested the new design could have been more sensitive to the original character of the building. The Radisson Group is reportedly still on board, with a deal signed in March 2023.

Sources

Stonehenge monument with construction barriers and equipment nearby.

Stonehenge Tunnel Project Officially Scrapped by UK Government

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The UK government has officially revoked the Development Consent Order (DCO) for the controversial A303 Stonehenge Tunnel project. This decision effectively ends the long-debated plan to build a tunnel near the ancient monument, citing “exceptional circumstances” for the revocation. The move follows a suspension of the project in July 2024 by the new Labour government due to budgetary concerns.

Key Takeaways

  • The UK government has formally revoked the Development Consent Order (DCO) for the A303 Stonehenge Tunnel.
  • The decision was made by Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, citing “exceptional circumstances.”
  • The project, estimated to cost £2 billion, was previously suspended by the Labour government in July 2024.
  • Campaigners have long argued the tunnel would cause irreversible harm to the Stonehenge World Heritage Site.

A Controversial History

The Stonehenge Tunnel project, officially known as the “A303 Amesbury to Berwick Down Improvement,” has faced significant opposition and legal challenges for years. The plan involved constructing an 1.8-mile road tunnel to reroute the busy A303 away from the iconic standing stones. However, heritage groups and archaeologists warned that the tunnel and associated roadworks would cause “permanent, irreversible harm” to the Stonehenge World Heritage Site and its wider ritual landscape.

Despite these concerns, the previous Conservative government granted consent for the project in July 2023. This decision was a redetermination after an earlier DCO granted by Grant Shapps in November 2020 was ruled unlawful by the High Court in October 2022. The High Court had found the decision to be “unlawful,” and the DCO was sent back for re-determination, eventually being granted again by then-Transport Secretary Mark Harper, against the advice of the Planning Inspectorate.

Reasons for Revocation

The Labour government, upon taking office, paused the project in July 2024, citing budgetary constraints and the project being “unfunded or unaffordable.” The official revocation order, published by the Department for Transport, cites “exceptional circumstances” without further elaboration. However, the decision aligns with the government’s broader review of infrastructure projects and a commitment to fiscal responsibility.

Campaigners, including the Stonehenge Alliance, have welcomed the government’s decision. Tom Holland, president of the Stonehenge Alliance, described the project as a “monstrous project” and expressed relief that it has been cancelled, also noting the significant cost savings of approximately £2.5 billion.

International Concerns and Archaeological Discoveries

International bodies, including UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee, had repeatedly expressed concerns about the potential negative impact of the tunnel on the “Outstanding Universal Value” of the Stonehenge World Heritage Site. Archaeological discoveries in recent years, revealing a vast ritual landscape surrounding Stonehenge, further amplified these concerns, with experts arguing that tunneling would cause irreparable damage to these significant findings.

The Department for Transport is currently consulting on the proposed revocation, with representations accepted until November 21. This move effectively halts any future attempts to proceed with the tunnel construction, preserving the integrity of the ancient monument and its surrounding landscape.

Sources

Beckton Gasworks site undergoing transformation with new homes.

Beckton Gasworks Set for Major Transformation with 2,900 New Homes Approved

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East London’s iconic Beckton Gasworks site is poised for a significant regeneration, with plans for 2,900 new homes receiving the green light from the London Borough of Newham’s strategic development committee. This approval marks a crucial step towards transforming the derelict 30-acre site, which has been disused since the 1960s, into a vibrant new neighbourhood.

Key Takeaways

  • Full planning permission granted for enabling and remediation works.
  • Outline permission secured for 2,900 homes, a five-acre riverside park, and commercial/community spaces.
  • Developer St William (part of Berkeley Group) to invest £250 million in site transformation.
  • Construction could commence in 2028, with first homes expected in 2030.

A New Chapter For Beckton Gasworks

The extensive redevelopment of the former Beckton Gasworks, once the largest in Europe, has been granted planning permission by the London Borough of Newham. The scheme, spearheaded by St William, part of the Berkeley Group, will see the creation of 2,900 new homes alongside a substantial five-acre riverside park and various commercial and community facilities. This decision follows a comprehensive package of enabling and remediation works that are essential before residential development can begin.

Significant Investment and Remediation

St William is set to invest approximately £250 million to unlock the 30-acre site. This includes a substantial £47.4 million dedicated to enabling and remediation costs. The crucial work will involve repairing the river wall, enhancing flood defences, and raising site levels to ensure the long-term viability and safety of the development. The developer has also committed to a £38 million Section 106 contribution to Newham Council, alongside £15 million in Community Infrastructure Levy payments.

Catalysing Wider Regeneration

Dean Summers, managing director of St William, described the approval as a “significant step forward” for the complex, long-term regeneration project. He emphasised the ongoing collaboration with the council, the Greater London Authority (GLA), and Homes England to bring the vision to fruition. The regeneration of Beckton Riverside is anticipated to act as a catalyst for further investment in the surrounding area and could bolster the case for extending the Docklands Light Railway (DLR) to Beckton and Thamesmead.

Community Engagement and Future Outlook

As part of the masterplanning process, JTP led a series of community consultations, including workshops with local groups and engagement events focused on young people. These efforts aimed to reflect the area’s diverse cultural identity and shape proposals that would create attractive public spaces and amenities along the riverside. If all progresses as planned, construction could begin in 2028, with the first homes anticipated to be completed by 2030, marking the beginning of a new era for this historic East London site.

Sources

Steel mill with molten metal and smoke.

UK Proposes Western Steel Alliance to Counter China and Avoid EU Tariffs

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Britain is actively seeking to forge a strategic alliance with the European Union, potentially including the United States, to address China’s overwhelming influence in the global steel market. This initiative aims to harmonise tariff policies among Western nations and secure preferential trade terms, while also helping the UK sidestep impending EU tariffs designed to protect European producers from Chinese overcapacity.

Key Takeaways

  • The UK is proposing a Western steel alliance with the EU and potentially the US.
  • The alliance aims to align tariff policies and counter China’s dominance.
  • This move could help the UK avoid new EU tariffs on steel imports.
  • Both the EU and UK have expressed concerns about global steel overcapacity.

A United Front Against Chinese Steel

In a significant diplomatic push, the UK is advocating for a collaborative approach with the European Union to tackle the challenges posed by China’s substantial presence in the international steel sector. Officials familiar with the discussions indicate that London hopes a unified strategy will enable the UK to secure exemptions from the 50 percent tariffs the EU plans to implement. These tariffs are intended to shield EU manufacturers from the impact of China’s industrial overproduction.

Navigating Post-Brexit Trade Relations

Following its departure from the EU, the UK finds itself subject to the bloc’s trade actions. The current proposal for a Western steel alliance is seen as a way to gain preferential treatment on steel trade and align tariff strategies. This concept of a steel “club” has been discussed previously and is gaining traction as a viable solution to the growing problem of overcapacity.

Addressing Global Overcapacity

Senior EU officials have acknowledged the necessity of defending the bloc’s steel industry, citing “deep trouble” due to overcapacities. While the door remains open for negotiations with London, the EU has stressed the urgency of addressing the issue. The UK and EU already collaborate on steel-related matters in international forums and have agreed to align their carbon taxes on imports from polluting manufacturing processes.

Potential Benefits for the UK Steel Industry

With half of its steel exports directed towards the EU, the UK faces significant repercussions from the bloc’s planned tariffs. Industry bodies in the UK are urging the government to secure carve-outs from these measures and strengthen domestic trade defenses. However, a broader alliance could offer a more comprehensive solution by addressing global overcapacity and preventing heavily subsidised imports from entering the British market.

International Coordination

The United States has also voiced concerns, with its Trade Representative calling for enhanced coordination against Chinese steel and questioning the adequacy of current international trade rules. The UK government has confirmed ongoing engagement with the EU and collaboration with international partners to find solutions for the overcapacity issue.

Sources

Construction site with machinery and workers at Atlantic Park.

Winvic Construction Breaks Ground on £42m Second Phase of Liverpool’s Atlantic Park Logistics Hub

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Winvic Construction has commenced work on the second phase of the Atlantic Park logistics hub in Bootle, Liverpool. This £42 million development follows the successful completion of the first phase, further expanding the 52-acre site into a significant logistics and manufacturing centre within the Port of Liverpool Freeport zone. The project is set to deliver state-of-the-art facilities and create substantial employment opportunities for the region.

Key Takeaways

  • Winvic Construction has begun the £42 million second phase of Atlantic Park.
  • The first phase, valued at £36 million, has been completed, delivering four industrial units.
  • The entire 52-acre site, formerly occupied by Rolls-Royce, will offer 800,000 sq ft of industrial space upon completion.
  • The development is designed with sustainability at its core, targeting net-zero carbon in operation.
  • The project is expected to support over 1,100 jobs during its construction phase.

Phase Two Commences

Winvic Construction has officially started work on the £42 million second phase of Atlantic Park, a major logistics and manufacturing hub located in Bootle, Liverpool. This new phase will deliver an additional 420,000 sq ft of commercial space across three purpose-built units, with sizes ranging from 53,750 sq ft to 216,000 sq ft. Completion of this phase is anticipated in the summer of 2026.

Successful First Phase Completion

The commencement of phase two follows the practical completion of the £36 million first phase by Winvic. This initial stage saw the delivery of four industrial units totalling 350,000 sq ft, with unit sizes varying from 3,700 to 11,600 square metres. These units were designed to meet the evolving needs of occupiers and investors, featuring high haunch heights, large service yards, and two-storey office spaces. The first phase also incorporated new services, separate concrete service yards, an access road, landscaping, and electric vehicle charging points.

Strategic Location and Sustainability

Atlantic Park is strategically situated on a 52-acre site, formerly the Rolls-Royce Engineering works, within the Port of Liverpool Freeport zone. Its location offers excellent connectivity, being just over two miles from the Port of Liverpool and close to the M57 and M58 motorways, making it ideal for national and international logistics operations. The development is being delivered in line with Royal London Asset Management’s (RLAM) sustainability strategy, which aims for net-zero carbon in operation by 2030. Winvic is undertaking the second phase as a net-zero-carbon-in-construction scheme, utilising its independently verified Life Cycle Assessment methodology.

Economic Impact and Job Creation

This significant development is projected to inject £62.9 million annually into the Liverpool city region economy. During the construction of phase two alone, the project is expected to support over 1,100 jobs, including the creation of approximately 140 new roles. Winvic is actively implementing an employment and skills plan, collaborating with local authorities and educational institutions to provide career talks, work experience placements, and local employment and training opportunities, further benefiting the community.

Future Outlook

Upon full completion, Atlantic Park will provide a total of 800,000 sq ft of high-quality industrial space. The development is designed to attract leading occupiers from the logistics and manufacturing sectors, contributing to regional growth and reinforcing Liverpool’s position as a key hub for supply chains. Both RLAM and Winvic have expressed enthusiasm for the project’s potential to deliver long-term value and support the next generation of businesses.

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Housing and clean energy projects with streamlined permits.

UK Government Streamlines Environmental Permits to Accelerate Housing and Clean Energy Projects

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The UK government is set to overhaul its environmental permitting system, removing requirements for pre-construction activities on low-risk projects. This significant regulatory reform aims to reduce red tape, speed up the delivery of new housing and clean energy infrastructure, and boost economic growth while maintaining environmental protections.

Key Takeaways

  • Environmental permits will be scrapped for certain low-risk pre-construction activities.
  • The move is expected to save developers up to 16 weeks on project timelines.
  • The reforms aim to fast-track housing, solar, and onshore wind farm developments.
  • Safeguards will be in place, with the Environment Agency consulting on proposed exemptions.

Reducing Red Tape for Builders

The government is introducing legislation to relax the environmental permitting system, targeting early hold-ups for construction projects. Environment Minister Emma Hardy stated that these changes will make the permitting regime quicker, more flexible, and proportionate for low-risk activities. Currently, activities like site investigations, waste material storage, and drainage operations require permits despite posing minimal environmental risk. These will now be exempt, subject to appropriate controls, potentially saving builders significant waiting time.

Accelerating Clean Energy and Housing

This reform is particularly aimed at speeding up the construction of new homes and vital infrastructure, including renewable energy projects like solar and onshore wind farms. Projects that do not require ongoing operational permits may now be built without any environmental permits if they meet the necessary conditions. The government estimates that some small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) could save around £360 on average permit costs and reduce delays.

Environmental Safeguards and Consultation

While streamlining the process, the government assures that environmental protections will not be compromised. The Environment Agency will consult on any proposed exemptions, basing decisions on transparent risk assessments. Jo Nettleton, the Environment Agency’s chief regulator, emphasized that protecting the environment and sustainable development can and must coexist, welcoming the move towards a more proportionate permitting regime.

Broader Regulatory Reforms

These changes are part of a wider “Plan for Change” initiative aimed at reforming environmental regulation to boost growth and protect nature. Other measures include appointing a single lead regulator for major infrastructure projects, revamping environmental guidance, and streamlining digital systems for planning advice. The government aims to create a more dynamic and streamlined regulatory environment that supports both economic development and nature recovery.

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UK data centres, digital growth, financial investment, futuristic cityscape.

UK Data Centre Spending Set to Skyrocket Past £10 Billion Annually by 2029

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Spending on new data centres in the UK is projected to surge dramatically, exceeding £10 billion per year by 2029. This represents a more than fourfold increase from the current annual total of £1.75 billion, according to new analysis from construction data firm Barbour ABI. This significant growth is primarily fuelled by the escalating demand for artificial intelligence and Internet of Things infrastructure, with nearly 100 new facilities currently in various stages of the planning process.

Key Takeaways

  • UK data centre spending is forecast to surpass £10 billion annually by 2029.
  • This growth is driven by AI and IoT demand, with numerous new facilities planned.
  • Investment is expanding beyond London and the South East to regions with lower costs and cooler climates.
  • Challenges such as rising energy costs, planning hurdles, and labour shortages could impact expansion.
  • Environmental impact and transparency in energy usage are growing concerns for the sector.

Market Growth and Shifting Investment

By 2029, the data centre market is expected to rival the education and industrial construction sectors, which are predicted to reach £10.5 billion and £10.7 billion respectively. While new office construction is forecast to be worth £18.4 billion, infrastructure (£48.2 billion) and residential (£70.4 billion) are expected to remain larger markets.

Traditionally dominated by London and the South East, new data centre projects are increasingly being planned in the North, East of England, and Wales. These regions offer advantages such as cheaper land and cooler ambient temperatures, making them more attractive for large-scale developments. Government initiatives, including AI Growth Zones and regional development policies, are also playing a crucial role in attracting investment to non-metropolitan areas, with Barbour ABI anticipating over £25 billion in inward investment over the next five years.

Challenges and Environmental Considerations

Ed Griffiths, head of business and client analytics at Barbour ABI, highlighted that operators are investing in hyperscale facilities outside urban centres to manage immense computing workloads. However, he cautioned that rising energy costs, planning complexities, and labour shortages could impede this rapid expansion. Furthermore, concerns are mounting regarding transparency and the environmental footprint of these energy-intensive facilities.

“Data centres are now recognised as critical national infrastructure,” Griffiths stated. “But given the immense power they consume, operators will come under growing pressure to adopt greener practices. There is currently no requirement to report energy usage publicly, so it will be difficult to hold firms to account.”

The report stresses that while many companies are committing to renewable energy sources and energy-efficient technologies, sustainability must become an integral part of long-term strategic planning to mitigate potential environmental consequences. Recent significant investments, such as plans by Microsoft and Blackrock to invest billions in UK data centre infrastructure, underscore the sector’s rapid growth trajectory.

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Construction site with cranes, houses, and a blueprint.

Government Streamlines Environmental Permits to Accelerate Housing and Infrastructure Projects

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The UK government has announced significant changes to its environmental permitting system, aiming to expedite the construction of new homes and vital infrastructure projects across England. By removing the requirement for environmental permits for certain pre-construction activities deemed low-risk, the reforms are designed to cut red tape and reduce significant delays, thereby boosting economic growth and the construction sector.

Key Takeaways

  • Environmental permits will no longer be required for specific low-risk pre-construction activities.
  • The move is expected to save up to 16 weeks on project timelines and reduce costs for businesses.
  • Safeguards remain in place to ensure environmental protection.

Reducing Red Tape for Faster Building

Environment Minister Emma Hardy announced the reforms, which are part of the government’s “Plan for Change” and a “common-sense approach” to environmental regulation. Currently, activities such as site investigations, waste material storage, and drainage operations require environmental permits, even when they pose minimal risk. These early-stage requirements often lead to substantial delays, holding up new developments from the outset.

The new measures empower the Environment Agency to identify and exempt low-risk activities from the permitting process, provided appropriate environmental controls are in place. This flexibility is expected to significantly speed up the commencement of construction for new housing, energy facilities like solar and wind farms, and other infrastructure projects.

Economic Boost and Environmental Safeguards

Officials estimate that these changes could save builders up to 16 weeks on project timelines, allowing work to begin much sooner. For individuals and small businesses, this could translate to savings of around £360 in permit fees and associated delays for certain low-risk temporary activities, such as flood risk works on farms.

While streamlining the process, the government has emphasised that environmental protections will not be compromised. Safeguards will be maintained, and the Environment Agency will be required to consult on any proposed exemptions, basing decisions on transparent risk assessments. The core environmental objectives within the regulations will continue to apply, ensuring that development is sustainable.

Delivering on Government Targets

The reforms align with recommendations from the Corry Review of Defra’s regulatory framework, which advocated for a more risk-based decision-making approach by regulators. These changes are a key component of the government’s broader strategy to build 1.5 million new homes and the necessary infrastructure to support them, while also fostering economic growth and protecting the environment.

Legislation to implement these changes will be brought forward when parliamentary time allows. The Welsh Government is considering similar reforms, with a decision expected after the Senedd elections in May 2026.

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UK construction and housing market downturn.

UK Construction and Housing Markets Face Downturn Amidst Post-Budget Uncertainty

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The UK’s construction sector and housing market are experiencing a significant slowdown, with forecasts revised downwards following the recent Autumn Budget. Uncertainty surrounding potential tax increases and spending cuts is causing both businesses and households to postpone investment and purchasing decisions, leading to a palpable chill in economic activity.

Key Takeaways

  • Construction output forecasts have been lowered for 2025 and 2026.
  • Private housing activity is particularly affected, with reduced growth predictions.
  • House prices have seen a notable drop, with further sensitivity expected.
  • Infrastructure projects face mixed fortunes, with some areas boosted by investment while others, like roads, are set for decline.
  • Pre-Budget jitters have transitioned into post-Budget disappointment, impacting market momentum.

Construction Sector Forecasts Plummet

Construction output is now only predicted to grow by 1.1% in 2025 and 2.8% in 2026, a downward revision from earlier expectations. Firms across the supply chain report a slowdown since spring, with private housing, infrastructure roads, and commercial new build offices being particularly impacted. Private housing output forecasts have been reduced from 4.0% to 2.0% for 2025 and from 7.0% to 4.0% for 2026. Demand and affordability remain significant challenges, especially in areas with higher house prices, while site viability is an issue in more affordable regions due to additional government-imposed costs.

Infrastructure is expected to see growth of 1.9% in 2025 and 4.4% in 2026, driven by water, sewerage, and energy sectors. However, road spending is anticipated to decline due to delays and funding cuts in the next Road Investment Strategy. Concerns also linger over the HS2 project and the private financing of major stations like Euston.

House Prices See Sharp Decline

The average price of a UK property coming to market has fallen by 1.8% this month, equating to a £5,366 reduction, bringing the average cost to £366,592. This marks the second consecutive month of higher-than-average declines. Property portal Rightmove attributes this to “post-budget disappointment” and a larger-than-normal seasonal slowdown as the year-end approaches. Despite this, activity is stronger than last year, buoyed by optimism around interest rate cuts, which Rightmove forecasts will lead to a 4% increase in average new seller asking prices next year. However, the market is expected to remain price-sensitive, with a decade-high number of sellers competing for buyers.

Broader Economic Headwinds

Uncertainty surrounding the Autumn Budget has intensified, leading households and businesses to delay spending and investment. This hesitancy is expected to limit demand in key construction sectors. While some analysts predict a modest rise in house prices for 2025, ranging from 1% to 4%, the overall sentiment suggests a cautious market. Speculation about potential property tax changes, such as a tax on homes above £500,000 or changes to capital gains tax exemptions, has already caused a slowdown in the higher-value segments of the market. The full impact of the Budget’s tax rises is anticipated to be felt most strongly as the industry moves into 2026, with the potential for growth or contraction depending heavily on government fiscal decisions.

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