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Yes, We're Still Talking About Brexit
Description
Construction Disrupted Episode 122 - Yes, We're Still Talking About Brexit (01.07.26) in partnership with Adobe Acrobat Studio. Check them out and show them some love.
In this episode, we're discussing the aftershocks of Brexit, the fierce debate over product safety rules, and a bold new approach to training the next generation of tradespeople. Let's do this!
Poll shows construction professionals believe Brexit was wrong
A recent YouGov poll of 136 construction professionals reveals that 59% believe leaving the EU was the wrong decision, with only 33% supporting Brexit. If a new referendum were held, 52% would vote to rejoin the EU.
The poll highlights ongoing concerns about Brexit's impact on employment and supply chains. While construction employment has declined since 2019, experts note that the primary cause is an aging workforce rather than Brexit alone. However, Brexit continues to disrupt supply chains, with about 10% of UK firms still attributing delays to it. The episode features industry leaders discussing both immediate and lingering effects of Brexit on construction, including labor shortages and increased delivery times.
If product safety matters, the rules must apply to everyone
Paul Morrell critiques the UK government's construction product safety reforms, arguing that new safety duties should apply to all products, regardless of origin. The current white paper proposes stricter regulations for UK businesses while allowing EU CE-marked products to enter the market without additional requirements.
This dual system creates complexity and potential safety risks, as CE marking does not guarantee product safety. Morrell warns that imposing higher standards only on domestic producers is both unfair and counterproductive, potentially driving manufacturing and testing overseas. He calls for a unified approach: if safety measures are necessary, they must be universal to ensure public protection and industry clarity.
FMB pilot aims to build pipeline of site-ready tradespeople
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB), with support from the Construction Industry Training Board, has launched Build Academy—a pilot program designed to address the construction skills shortage. The academy offers hands-on, multi-trade training in a simulated site environment, preparing students for real-world work.
The first cohort of 20 graduates has progressed from no site experience to being job-ready, with many reporting increased confidence and ambition. The FMB hopes to expand the program, emphasizing the importance of employer-led training in building a skilled workforce to meet the UK's housing
Bios
For almost 20 years, Ryan’s focus has been on helping brands in the construction and manufacturing sectors tell their story.
His career began in PR, working for global businesses across a variety of sectors, before opting to focus on construction and the built environment.
In his role as Managing Director, Ryan works to ensure that SLG Agency continues