Tag Archive for: Breaking News

Construction and engineering training bodies merging.

Construction and Engineering Training Bodies Face Potential Merger Following Government Review

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The UK government is set to launch a 12-week public consultation on the potential merger of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) and the Engineering Construction Industry Training Board (ECITB). This move follows an independent review that highlighted the need for greater collaboration and a strengthened role for industry training bodies in addressing critical skills gaps within the construction and engineering sectors.

Key Takeaways

  • A government consultation will commence this month on merging CITB and ECITB.
  • An independent review recommended a “fundamental reset” and a single, rebranded body.
  • The review identified significant skills challenges and proposed 63 recommendations.
  • Both training boards have already increased collaboration on key projects.

Review Highlights Need for Consolidation

An independent review, finalised in early 2025, assessed the effectiveness of both the ECITB and CITB. It concluded that while these Industry Training Boards (ITBs) play a vital role in addressing skills needs, their effectiveness could be significantly enhanced through a unified approach. The review proposed merging the two organisations into a single, rebranded body tasked with improving workforce capacity, capability, and resilience across both sectors. It also stressed the importance of retaining the levy-grant model but recommended a refocused strategy with clearer Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to drive measurable outcomes.

Enhanced Collaboration Underway

In anticipation of the review’s findings and to address common workforce challenges, the CITB and ECITB have been increasing their collaboration over the past year. Joint workstreams have focused on areas such as infrastructure development, increasing the number of trainers and assessors, clean energy job creation, and skills passporting. Examples include strategic skills planning for major projects like Sizewell C, where training pathways are being developed to span both civil construction and engineering construction phases.

Industry Response and Future Outlook

Andrew Hockey, CEO of ECITB, emphasised the critical role of both industries in meeting government growth and clean energy targets, noting the forecast need for 40,000 additional workers in engineering construction by 2030. He stressed that any structural changes should not detract from the immediate need to attract and retain skilled workers. Tim Balcon, CEO of CITB, welcomed the review’s recognition of the skills challenges and highlighted the industry’s vital contribution to the wider economy. He added that the CITB is already implementing many of the report’s recommendations through its strategic plan and is committed to working collaboratively to meet industry needs.

Government’s Next Steps

The government has confirmed it will launch a 12-week consultation to gather further input on the proposed merger. While the review recommended a single body, the Department for Education has stated it currently has no plans to legislate for such a merger but will work with the ITBs and other government departments to implement many of the report’s recommendations over the coming year. A steering group will be established to oversee the implementation of all recommendations.

Sources

HS2 tunnel boring machine at Euston, London.

HS2 Tunnelling to Euston Commences: A New Era for High-Speed Rail in London

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The first of two colossal tunnel boring machines (TBMs) has officially begun its journey from Old Oak Common to Euston Station, marking a significant milestone for the High Speed Two (HS2) project. This crucial step brings the high-speed railway closer to its central London terminus, promising substantial economic benefits and improved connectivity.

Key Takeaways

  • Tunnelling for HS2 into Euston has officially begun, with the first of two TBMs starting its 4.5-mile journey.
  • This development is seen as essential for unlocking HS2’s full economic potential, with estimates suggesting up to £41 billion could be added to the UK economy by 2053.
  • The project is expected to support approximately 34,000 jobs through redevelopment around Euston.
  • The start of tunnelling signifies renewed momentum for HS2, addressing previous concerns about the line potentially terminating at Old Oak Common.

A Monumental Engineering Feat

The TBM, named ‘Madeleine’ after Madeleine Nobbs, former president of the Women’s Engineering Society, weighs a staggering 1,624 tonnes. As it advances, it simultaneously excavates the tunnel and constructs its lining using pre-cast concrete segments. This process will remove over 1.5 million tonnes of excavated material, much of which will be transported by rail to minimise environmental impact and disruption.

This operation is one of the most complex engineering challenges on the HS2 project, with the two parallel tunnels requiring the installation of over 8,000 pre-cast tunnel rings. The entire tunnelling phase is anticipated to take between 12 to 18 months.

Unlocking Economic Potential

Bringing HS2 into Euston is considered vital for realising the project’s full economic benefits. Estimates suggest that redevelopment around Euston could inject approximately £41 billion into the UK economy by 2053, creating around 34,000 jobs. Furthermore, HS2 is projected to contribute £10 billion to the west London economy over the next decade, fostering the development of new homes and employment opportunities.

Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “It was brilliant to switch on the tunnel boring machine at Old Oak Common today – not just because it’s an engineering marvel – but because it brings HS2’s journey to Euston another step closer to reality.”

A Modern Transport Hub for London

The plans for Euston extend beyond the new HS2 station, envisioning a fully integrated transport hub. This will combine the new HS2 facilities with a redeveloped mainline station and upgraded London Underground services. A new body, the Euston Delivery Company, will oversee both the transport improvements and wider commercial development at the site.

Broader Railway Modernisation

The commencement of tunnelling to Euston underscores the government’s commitment to modernising Britain’s railways. This initiative aligns with wider reforms aimed at consolidating rail services under Great British Railways, with the objective of enhancing value, reliability, and passenger experience across the network.

With over 33,000 people currently employed on HS2, the project continues to be a significant driver of employment and economic activity. The successful completion of the Euston tunnels is seen as a crucial step in delivering faster, more reliable journeys and freeing up capacity on existing rail lines.

Sources

Building Safety Regulator concludes legacy cases by year-end.

Building Safety Regulator Set to Conclude Gateway 2 Legacy Cases by Year-End

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The Building Safety Regulator (BSR) is on track to resolve the remaining complex legacy cases under the Gateway 2 process by the end of the year, marking a significant milestone in its efforts to enhance building safety across England. This push aims to clear a substantial backlog and transition towards a more streamlined regulatory approach.

Key Takeaways

  • The BSR is actively reviewing the final 29 long-running legacy schemes.
  • Applications that cannot be resolved within the next one to two months will be rejected.
  • The regulator has seen a significant acceleration in Gateway 2 performance, with a 250% increase in decisions in late 2025.
  • The BSR is moving to arm’s-length status, a step towards a single construction regulator.

Clearing the Backlog

The BSR has confirmed it is meticulously reviewing the final 29 legacy schemes on a case-by-case basis. Developers with applications that cannot be resolved within the next one to two months will be required to start afresh with new submissions, as information gaps on some projects are too significant to bridge. This stricter approach is being implemented as the BSR transitions to arm’s-length status under the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, a move that signals progress towards the establishment of a unified construction regulator, a key recommendation from the Grenfell Tower Inquiry.

Accelerated Progress and Future Outlook

Legacy new-build cases have seen a dramatic reduction, falling from 81 in early November to just 29. While approval rates for viable legacy cases remain high at 87%, the regulator acknowledges that these cases continue to consume disproportionate resources. The BSR’s latest progress report highlights a sharp acceleration in Gateway 2 performance, with the final quarter of 2025 delivering a record 673 decisions, a substantial increase from just over 200 in early 2025. In the 12 weeks leading up to January 24th, an additional 698 decisions were issued, bringing the total live applications across all categories to 1,159.

Broader Responsibilities and Challenges

Charlie Pugsley, acting chief executive officer of the BSR, stated that the move to standalone status represents a significant new chapter, expanding the regulator’s mandate beyond high-rise oversight to encompass broader safety and standards across all buildings in England. The aim is to foster a holistic approach from design through to lifelong building management by enhancing professional competence and refining regulatory guidance. Despite the progress, challenges persist, particularly concerning application quality. Over half of applications submitted to the Innovation Unit fail initial validation due to missing essential design information.

Addressing Remediation and Future Approvals

While new build approvals are gaining momentum, progress on remediation projects remains slower, with over 250 applications covering more than 22,000 homes awaiting clearance. To address this, the BSR plans to establish a new centralised Remediation Unit, modelled on the successful Innovation Unit, supported by additional technical staff and closer collaboration with Homes England. A new batching system has also been introduced to send weekly bundles of new build and remediation cases to engineering service suppliers, aiming to clear the current backlog and expedite future approvals.

Sources

Builder threatens inspectors, claims to be James Bond.

Builder Fined Over £10,000 After Threatening HSE Inspectors and Claiming to Be ‘James Bond’

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A site manager, who identified himself to Health and Safety Executive (HSE) inspectors as ‘James Bond’, has been fined over £10,000 for threatening behaviour and obstructing their work. David Robert Lane, 59, refused to cooperate with inspectors investigating unsafe practices at a cottage refurbishment site in Staffordshire.

Key Takeaways

  • A builder claimed to be ‘James Bond’ when confronted by HSE inspectors.
  • He threatened the inspectors and refused to allow them to inspect the site.
  • The builder was fined £3,000, with £6,450 in court costs and a £1,200 victim surcharge.
  • The HSE emphasised its zero-tolerance policy towards the obstruction of its inspectors.

Confrontation and Threats

The incident occurred on February 11, 2025, when two HSE inspectors observed workers accessing a roof from an excavator bucket at a site in Rugeley. When they approached to conduct their inspection, Lane intervened. He refused to provide his real name, stating he was ‘James Bond’, and claimed to be the property owner. He asserted that the workers were unpaid friends and relatives and that the inspectors had no legal right to be there. Lane then made threats of violence, leading the inspectors to withdraw from the site.

Return with Police and Prosecution

The inspectors returned a week later, accompanied by officers from Staffordshire Police. Lane greeted them with a shout of “It’s PC Plod!” and continued to refuse identification. He instructed his staff not to speak to the HSE, reiterating that they were not at work and that the inspectors should leave. Following further inquiries, Lane was identified as the site manager and served with enforcement action. Upon notification of prosecution for obstruction under the Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, Lane sent three expletive-laden emails, stating, “I won’t jump through your hoops.”

Court Proceedings and Sentencing

David Robert Lane, of Rugeley, Staffordshire, failed to attend Birmingham Magistrates Court on two separate occasions. He was found guilty in his absence on January 9 and subsequently fined £3,000. He was also ordered to pay £6,450 in court costs and a £1,200 victim surcharge, bringing the total to £10,650.

HSE Statement

HSE inspector Gareth Langston commented on the case, highlighting the challenges faced in ensuring workplace health and safety across Great Britain. He stressed that HSE inspectors have a vital role in safeguarding workers and that while most employers cooperate professionally, obstruction will not be tolerated. “HSE will not tolerate the obstruction of its inspectors, and may prosecute offenders in rare cases such as this, where this is necessary,” Langston stated.

Sources

Chinese embassy building in London with security concerns.

London Approves Controversial Chinese Embassy Scheme Amid Security Fears

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The UK government has officially approved David Chipperfield Architects’ controversial plans for a new Chinese embassy in London, located on the former Royal Mint site opposite the Tower of London. The decision, announced by Housing Secretary Steve Reed, comes after years of delays and significant political and media backlash concerning national security risks, particularly related to the building’s proximity to sensitive data cables and a network of underground rooms.

Key Takeaways

  • The 2.3-hectare scheme, set to be Europe’s largest embassy, consolidates China’s seven current London sites.
  • Concerns focused on subterranean rooms near fibre-optic cables carrying financial data and potential espionage.
  • MI5 and the Metropolitan Police have withdrawn earlier objections, citing security measures.
  • The decision faces criticism from opposition parties over national security implications.

A Contentious Approval

Housing and Communities Secretary Steve Reed gave the final approval on January 20th, agreeing with the planning inspector’s conclusions. This decision follows multiple missed deadlines and mounting concerns, amplified by reports of unredacted plans showing a subterranean complex near critical fibre-optic cables in the City of London. These revelations prompted calls from MPs to reject the proposal, with fears raised that the embassy could be used to “exploit the critical infrastructure of our closest allies.”

Security Concerns and Rebuttals

Opposition to the embassy has largely centred on its proximity to a key data network and the proposed underground rooms. However, the government stated that intelligence agencies were involved throughout the process and that an extensive range of measures have been developed to manage any risks. Notably, MI5 has indicated it has no security concerns about the project, and the Metropolitan Police have withdrawn an earlier objection, suggesting that large-scale protests can be policed safely and that the proposed development would not interfere with the cables.

The government also highlighted that consolidating China’s seven current sites into one location brings “clear security advantages” for the UK. Despite these assurances, shadow ministers have labelled the approval a “disgraceful act of cowardice” and a “shameful super embassy surrender,” suggesting it grants China a “colossal spy hub.”

Design and Heritage

The scheme, designed by David Chipperfield Architects, involves repurposing existing listed buildings, including the Johnson Smirke Building and the Seaman’s Registry, while demolishing others to construct new residential and office blocks. The planning inspector described the design as “exemplary,” noting its positive contribution to heritage assets and the enhancement of the Tower of London World Heritage Site’s setting. The proposal was initially rejected by Tower Hamlets Council in 2022 due to concerns over resident and tourist safety, heritage impact, and highway safety, but planning officers had previously recommended approval.

Diplomatic Context

The approval comes as Prime Minister Keir Starmer is reportedly planning a diplomatic trip to China. The issue of the embassy’s approval was previously discussed during Starmer’s meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. While officials maintain the planning decision was taken independently, the timing has been noted, with some suggesting it could be seen as a gesture to smooth relations.

Sources

Minister looking at distant train tracks, Northern Powerhouse Rail project.

Northern Powerhouse Rail: Minister Dodges Deadline for £45bn Project

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Rail minister Lord Peter Hendy has declined to provide a specific completion deadline for the £45bn Northern Powerhouse Rail (NPR) project, stating that significant railway improvements “take a very long time.” While acknowledging that benefits will begin to be felt in the 2030s, Lord Hendy could not offer a precise timeline for all components of the scheme, emphasizing the need for careful planning and safe delivery.

Key Takeaways

  • No firm completion date set for the £45bn Northern Powerhouse Rail project.
  • Benefits expected to emerge in the 2030s, with full completion potentially by 2045.
  • Industry bodies call for a clear delivery timetable to enable investment and planning.
  • Government commits to £1.1bn spending by 2029, with a £45bn cap thereafter, in 2026 prices.

Project Timeline Uncertainty

During a House of Lords debate, Baroness McIntosh of Pickering pressed Lord Hendy for a completion date for the ambitious project aimed at improving rail links across the North of England. The minister responded by stating, “I can’t tell her precisely when all the parts of the improvements will be delivered because… we do need to plan this out properly.” He cautioned that railway improvements are lengthy processes, stressing the importance of safe execution, a stark contrast to historical construction methods.

Reports following the initial announcement of the revived NPR plans suggested a completion date of at least 2045. This lack of a definitive timeline has drawn concern from industry stakeholders.

Industry Calls for Clarity

The Civil Engineering Contractors Association (CECA) has urged the government to provide a “clear delivery timetable” for NPR. Ben Goodwin, CECA’s director of policy and public affairs, highlighted that such clarity is “essential for industry to invest and deliver.” He added that maintaining momentum and allowing the industry to plan for “spades in the ground” are crucial for transforming the project from an aspiration into tangible improvements for people’s lives.

Funding and Scope

The NPR proposals outline a £45bn investment to connect cities from Liverpool to Newcastle through a three-stage plan, including a new line between Liverpool and Manchester. The government plans to allocate £1.1bn to the project by 2029, with a spending cap of £45bn for subsequent phases. Lord Hendy confirmed that this £45bn figure is in “2026 pounds,” aiming to avoid the inflationary accounting issues seen with HS2.

Lord Hendy also pushed back against assumptions that NPR would face the same budget overruns as HS2, citing the progress on the Transpennine route upgrade as evidence that substantial enhancements can be achieved with proper planning and within budget constraints.

Future Infrastructure Plans

In addition to NPR, the government intends to construct a new line between Birmingham and Manchester, distinct from the cancelled northern leg of HS2. Lord Hendy confirmed that land is being retained between the West Midlands and Crewe, anticipating that a railway will eventually be needed to address capacity issues. However, he indicated this would likely not be a high-speed line, nor built to the costly specifications of HS2 Phase 1.

Sources

Bricklayer in court over asbestos case.

High Court Ruling: Self-Employed Bricklayer Deemed Employee in Landmark Asbestos Case

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In a significant ruling, the High Court has determined that a self-employed bricklayer, exposed to asbestos, should have been classified as an employee. This decision has far-reaching implications for how employment status is viewed, particularly in cases involving occupational health risks and potential compensation claims.

The case centred on a bricklayer who had worked for a company for many years, undertaking numerous jobs. Despite being issued with invoices and operating under a contract that labelled him as self-employed, the court found that the reality of his working relationship pointed towards an employment status.

Key Takeaways

  • The High Court has reclassified a self-employed bricklayer as an employee for the purposes of an asbestos-related claim.
  • The ruling emphasises that the true nature of the working relationship, rather than contractual labels, will determine employment status.
  • This decision could impact future claims for workers exposed to hazardous materials and potentially lead to a review of employment practices.

The Ruling’s Rationale

The court’s decision was based on a detailed examination of the control exercised by the company over the bricklayer’s work. Factors considered included the level of supervision, the integration of the worker into the company’s operations, and the degree of autonomy the individual possessed. The court found that the company exerted a significant degree of control, consistent with an employer-employee relationship, despite the contractual designation.

This judgment highlights the importance of looking beyond the surface-level contractual arrangements to understand the genuine nature of the working relationship. It suggests that companies cannot simply label individuals as self-employed to avoid employment obligations and responsibilities, especially when it comes to health and safety.

Implications for Asbestos Claims and Beyond

The ruling is particularly pertinent for individuals who have suffered or may suffer from asbestos-related diseases due to historical workplace exposure. By being recognised as an employee, the bricklayer may have a stronger basis for claiming compensation from the company or its insurers. This could open the door for other individuals in similar situations, who were classified as self-employed but worked under conditions indicative of employment, to pursue their own claims.

Furthermore, the decision serves as a stark warning to businesses that rely on a contingent workforce. It underscores the need for a thorough review of their employment practices and contractual agreements to ensure compliance with employment law and to mitigate potential liabilities, especially concerning health and safety at work.

Gavel striking sound block near coins and legal papers.

Contractor’s £22,000 Levy Appeal Fails Amidst System Criticisms

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A Surrey-based contractor, MJL Construction Associates, has been ordered to pay nearly £22,000 after losing its appeal against the Construction Industry Training Board’s (CITB) levy system. The company disputed levies for 2021 and 2022, citing concerns over apprenticeship training quality and questioning the assessment of subcontractors.

Key Takeaways

  • MJL Construction Associates was ordered to pay £21,913.27 in CITB levies.
  • The contractor argued that subcontractors should be responsible for their own levy payments.
  • The tribunal ruled that the company was correctly assessed under current legislation.

The Legal Challenge

MJL Construction Associates took the CITB to an employment tribunal, arguing that the levy system was failing. Director Leslie Blay contended that there was a “lack of face-to-face apprenticeship training courses,” questioning their standard, distance, and perceived lack of support. He also disputed the assessment, believing that subcontractors, who were also registered with the CITB, should be liable for the levy themselves.

Blay acknowledged that his only legally viable ground for appeal was the CITB’s assessment of his firm. However, he expressed a desire to critique the broader system, which he felt was not functioning effectively. He claimed that knowledge of the levy was “patchy” and that some eligible companies were not paying, leading to a disproportionate burden on others.

CITB Levy Explained

All firms with employees spending more than half their time on construction activities are mandated to pay the CITB levy. This funding is crucial for developing training within the industry, particularly benefiting smaller enterprises. Contractors are also liable for the levy on payments made to “net paid” subcontractors.

Tribunal’s Verdict

Judge Samantha Moore stated that legislation clearly obliged MJL Construction Associates to pay the levy concerning net-paid bona fide contractors. She clarified that this was not a case of the appellant paying on behalf of others, as many subcontractors should also be liable for their own levies. While acknowledging Blay’s concerns about the system’s fairness, the judge ruled that such arguments held no legal standing in this jurisdiction. Consequently, the tribunal found MJL had been correctly assessed and ordered the payment of £21,913.27.

CITB’s Response

A CITB spokesperson confirmed that MJL Construction Associates had exercised its statutory right to appeal. The spokesperson reiterated that the law requires registered employers to declare and be assessed on all payments made to net CIS subcontractors, irrespective of the subcontractor’s own levy status. This can indeed lead to both parties being assessed on the same work, a practice deemed lawful.

Sources

London skyline with construction cranes and unfinished buildings.

London’s Housing Crisis Deepens Amidst Critical Construction Skills Shortage

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London is grappling with a severe housing crisis, exacerbated by a significant shortage of skilled construction workers. This deficit is not only delaying new home builds but also prompting potential buyers to opt for older properties, further straining the market. The situation highlights a critical need for workforce development in the capital’s building sector.

Key Takeaways

  • Over 10% of Londoners face waits exceeding a year for essential tradespeople like handymen and electricians.
  • A similar percentage of prospective buyers have delayed moving into new builds due to construction delays caused by a lack of tradespeople.
  • Many are choosing older homes over new builds because of projected longer construction timelines.
  • A tenth of potential buyers have abandoned purchases entirely due to mortgage offer expirations caused by building delays.

The Scale Of The Skills Gap

New data reveals the stark reality of London’s construction labour shortage. Polling indicates that more than one in ten London residents have endured waits of over a year for services from handymen or electricians. The situation is equally dire for other trades, with less than five percent of residents able to secure a roofer within a month, and only three percent finding a bricklayer in the same timeframe.

Impact On New Builds And Homebuyers

The consequences for the new build sector are significant. Thirteen percent of survey respondents reported delays in moving into their new homes because construction was not completed on schedule, directly attributed to a shortage of skilled workers. Furthermore, the same proportion opted to purchase older properties instead of new builds, citing concerns about significantly extended construction periods. Alarmingly, one in ten individuals were forced to withdraw from purchasing a home altogether when their mortgage offers expired due to these persistent building delays.

Challenges For Tradespeople And The Wider Economy

Clive Holland of Fix Radio highlighted that the demand for construction work consistently outstrips the available workforce, a gap that has been widening. He noted that working in London has become increasingly challenging due to factors such as high daily charges, elevated operating costs, the risk of tool and van theft, and general safety concerns. These pressures are leading many tradespeople to relocate to areas like the Midlands or Bristol, where the day-to-day pressures are more manageable.

Government Targets And The Reality On The Ground

The Mayor of London is tasked with delivering 88,000 new homes annually for the next decade. However, last year saw the completion of only 11,600 new properties. The Deputy Mayor for Housing, Tom Copley, has acknowledged a “crisis” in construction skills, expressing concerns about the insufficient number of trained workers and a lack of educators to train the next generation. This shortage impacts not only the quantity but also the quality of new homes, with an increase in snagging and remedial work suggesting a decline in build quality.

Proposed Solutions And Future Outlook

Calls are being made to make London a more viable place for tradespeople, including suggestions to scrap ULEZ and congestion charges for them and to strengthen enforcement against tool theft. While the government has pledged significant funding to create more skilled construction workers by 2029, the immediate impact on London’s ambitious housing targets remains to be seen. The complexity of the issue extends to attracting talent to teach in further education colleges, with current pay scales being insufficient to draw experienced professionals from lucrative building sites.

Sources

Thurston Group building, securing jobs for over 200 employees.

Jobs Secured: Thurston Group Acquired Out of Administration, Safeguarding Over 200 Roles

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Wakefield-based modular building manufacturer, Thurston Group, has been successfully acquired out of administration, securing the future of over 200 jobs. The deal, finalised on December 23rd, 2025, sees the company purchased by privately owned industrial firm GCH Corporation Ltd, preventing significant redundancies.

Key Takeaways

  • Over 200 jobs saved at Thurston Group.
  • GCH Corporation Ltd has acquired the modular building specialist.
  • Thurston Group faced “several business challenges” leading to administration.
  • The new owners are committed to stabilising and investing in the business.

Administration and Acquisition

Thurston Group, a manufacturer of modular and offsite buildings for sectors including healthcare, education, commercial, and industrial, had filed a notice to appoint administrators in late November 2025. The company, which employed 275 people at the time, appointed restructuring specialists Leonard Curtis to manage the administration process and identify a potential buyer. The sale to GCH Corporation Ltd was completed swiftly, with administrators confirming that the deal successfully protected over 200 jobs, although some redundancies were unavoidable.

New Ownership and Future Outlook

GCH Corporation Ltd, a London-based industrial manufacturing and distribution firm, acquired Thurston Group for an undisclosed sum. Cassie Hutchings, CEO of GCH Corporation, expressed enthusiasm for the acquisition, stating, “Thurston is a respected UK manufacturer of modular buildings with a strong heritage and deep sector expertise. As a long-term, privately owned industrial group, GCH is committed to stabilising and investing in the business. We are excited to welcome Thurston into the GCH family and look forward to supporting its next phase of growth.”

Business Challenges and Strategic Position

Thurston Group’s most recent annual results, for the year ending October 31, 2024, showed a revenue of £46.5m and a pre-tax profit of £2.5m. However, the company had warned of “numerous external pressures” impacting the construction industry, including decreased client spending, cost inflation, and labour shortages. Despite these challenges, Thurston Group holds positions on several significant public-sector frameworks, such as LHC Procurement Group’s £265m modular buildings framework and the £3bn Major Works Education Framework in London. The company had also made strategic acquisitions in the past year, including Storplan Racking Ltd and Alsim System Building, and had set ambitious turnover targets for 2027.

Sources

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