Government Engages Industry Leaders to Drive Investment and Reform.
In a major push to accelerate growth in the UK’s construction sector, Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds held a virtual roundtable yesterday with over 50 CEOs from across the construction and planning industries. The discussion focused on unblocking barriers to growth, boosting investment, and driving forward much-needed planning reforms.
Joined by Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook, Reynolds emphasized the critical role of planning and construction in the Government’s strategy to stimulate economic growth. The session provided industry leaders from real estate, planning, construction, and infrastructure sectors a platform to share their perspectives on existing barriers and how government support can unlock further investment.
A Commitment to Action
Reynolds reinforced the Government’s commitment to creating a business-friendly environment, stating:
“Our construction sector is vital to the economy, supporting thousands of jobs across the UK, and will play a key role in delivering our Plan for Change as we race to get Britain building.
“Backed by the certainty of our upcoming Industrial Strategy, we’re committed to working in partnership with industry to make sure our reforms deliver for communities in every part of the country. That’s why discussions like these are so important, as we work to unblock planning barriers to drive growth and investment.”
Government Steps Toward Reform
The UK Government has already taken significant steps to streamline the planning system and accelerate economic recovery. In December, it published an updated National Planning Policy Framework (NPPF), receiving over 3,000 responses from industry stakeholders as part of its Industrial Strategy green paper consultation.
Looking ahead, the 10-year Infrastructure Strategy and 2025 Spending Review will be key milestones, offering long-term stability and clarity for investors and the supply chain. These initiatives aim to drive forward the Plan for Change, ensuring the construction sector can continue to fuel economic growth while meeting the country’s infrastructure and housing needs.
With industry and government working closely together, the UK is poised to break down barriers, encourage investment, and build a more resilient and future-ready construction landscape.
