Episode Details

Construction Disrupted Episode 116 - The Kings of Construction (20.05.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.

In this episode, we're covering recent growth trends, legislative changes from the King’s Speech, and RIBA’s push for higher professional standards. Let’s get started.

Construction output growth accelerated in March despite impact of Iran war, official figures show

Despite global uncertainties, including the Iran war, UK construction output saw a notable acceleration in March. Official statistics reveal a 1.5% growth in output, up from 0.5% in February and 0.7% in January. However, this positive momentum was tempered by a sharp 10% drop in new orders during the first quarter, mainly due to declines in commercial and infrastructure projects. The industry remains resilient, but faces ongoing challenges in securing new work amid geopolitical and economic pressures.

King’s Speech sets out several key bills that will shape the construction sector

The 2026 King’s Speech introduced several bills with significant implications for construction:

1. Remediation Bill: Mandates manufacturers to fund the removal of unsafe cladding, aiming to resolve long-standing safety issues post-Grenfell.
2. Energy Independence Bill: Sets new efficiency standards for rented homes and targets energy bill support for those most in need.
3. Steel Industry (Nationalisation) Bill: Confirms the nationalisation of British Steel.
4. Small Business Protections (Late Payments) Bill: Imposes stricter penalties for late payments to suppliers, supporting SMEs.
5. Nuclear Regulation Bill: Accelerates approval for new nuclear projects.

Industry reactions are cautiously optimistic, with leaders welcoming progress on safety and payment reforms but noting gaps, such as the lack of a formal Construction Regulator Bill and insufficient coverage of internal building safety defects. The legislative programme also includes measures to improve social housing, tenancy protections, and water system reforms, but investors remain concerned about economic and political stability.

‘End the anyone-can-do-it era’: RIBA proposes framework for protection of function

RIBA has unveiled a proposal for a new legal framework to protect the function of architects. Key points include:

• Only ‘authorised’ professionals, regulated by a new Built Environment Council, would be allowed to submit planning and Building Regulations applications for most projects.
• Reserved activities would cover planning submissions, fire safety strategies, structural design, and certification, ensuring only competent, chartered professionals are responsible for critical decisions.
• The framework aims to simplify the current system, remove duplication, and establish clear accountability, with legal repercussions for unqualified individuals performing reserved tasks.
• The Built Environment Council would operate alongside existing regulators and be funded by membership fees from approved charter bodies.

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