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Last updateMon, 17 Nov 2025 1pm

Scotland’s construction industry reaches levels not seen since 2007

It has been widely documented that the financial crisis has caused mass instability to the construction industry. However, in the past 18 months the industry has shown signs that it is bouncing back, and this recovery was underscored in a recent “State of the Trade” survey by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Read more: Scotland’s construction industry reaches levels not seen since 2007

Subbies continue to finance the multi-million pound players

Specialist Contractors are propping up the UK’s cash strapped construction industry and financing growth by acting as trade creditors to the large main contractors.

According to StreetwiseSubbie, a professional services organisation founded to support and advise Specialist Contractors, the financial landscape for UK subbies remains bleak. Not because of lack of work, but because certain main contractors find every way possible to delay payments, and pay less than is owed, simply to free up their own cash flow. 

Read more: Subbies continue to finance the multi-million pound players

Construction industry urged not to 'waste' graduate skills

Construction companies across the UK are being urged not to 'waste' employee skills after it was revealed too many over-qualified graduates are entering the industry and their skills are not being utilised.

Anita Bickerdike (pictured), owner of Shropshire-based Positive Intention, which provides bespoke training and management development courses for the construction sector, says it is vital companies are in a position to take advantage of graduate skills.

Read more: Construction industry urged not to 'waste' graduate skills

NASC Code of Practice for scaffolding products

The NASC Code of Practice (CoP) product compliance list, documenting compliant scaffolding products currently supplied by audited NASC hire/sale members, has recently been updated. 

Read more: NASC Code of Practice for scaffolding products

University of Reading appoints GRAHAM Construction to its framework

The University of Reading has appointed GRAHAM Construction to its major building works framework to support the delivery of its £250m building programme over the next 10 to 15 years.

The £250m capital works programme will primarily focus on the upgrade of facilities on the Whiteknights campus. Plans include a Science Park building and refurbishing the URS building, commonly known as the ‘lego building’, by transforming the interior into an open-plan layout and remodelling the 1970s School of Architecture building which will also include the university’s construction management, art and graphics departments. Construction is due to start in January 2017, with completion in December 2018.

Read more: University of Reading appoints GRAHAM Construction to its framework