The UK is on the verge of a housebuilding boom, projected to reach levels that have not been seen in 40 years. The government aims to build over 1.3 million homes in the next five years, driven by planning reforms and an urgent need for housing. With the “Plan for Growth” targeting 1.5 million homes, the construction industry is a key player, contributing £19.2 billion annually and supporting 600,000 jobs.
However, a look back reveals a significant shift. Fifty years ago, councils were building 150,000 homes annually. Since the mid-1980s, this has virtually disappeared. While Housing Associations have increased their building efforts, a major shortfall persists. The government’s ambitious plan to build 300,000 homes a year faces numerous challenges: Investment, skills, company capabilities, and planning laws. These issues were central to many discussions at the recent UK Construction Week in London.
An SME, Sutcliffe Consultancy in the North West, spoke at the UK Construction Week, and they believe that small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) are the key to filling this gap. SMEs possess the agility, flexibility, drive, and ambition that are needed to tackle the housing crisis. By empowering these smaller companies, the UK can overcome the current constraints and meet its ambitious housing targets.
