The UK’s AI Growth Zone programme is one of the largest concentrations of data centre construction activity ever. In January 2025, Keir Starmer declared that “Britain will be one of the great AI superpowers” as he released the government’s AI Opportunities Action Plan. AI Growth Zones are first mentioned as one of the core initiatives … Read more
Decline in new work output in 2025 According to ONS data, office construction output experienced a significant decline of 20% in 2025, dropping to £10.2bn from a record high of £12.8bn in 2024 – the sector’s strongest performance in sixteen years. This downturn is primarily attributed to increased caution among developers and investors due to … Read more
Economic uncertainty, rising costs, planning challenges, skills shortages and geopolitical tensions have all contributed to a steady stream of cautious forecasts and downbeat headlines. Our own latest UK Construction Forecast Bulletin reflects these pressures, with the near-term outlook proving more challenging than many anticipated at the start of the year. But while the headlines focus … Read more
In partnership with the C&BE Network, we’re looking at great marketing campaigns from across the built environment. Our work on The Case for Marketing Investment in the Built Environment has highlighted the need for a greater light to be shone on marketing within UK construction. We need better branding and we need marketers to be … Read more
Search marketing is changing – the construction industry needs to catch up AI has changed the game for SEO permanently and the construction industry has an opportunity to change with it. The good news is that optimising your website content for AI overviews is not so different from optimising for traditional search. In some cases, … Read more
The UK lighting market continues to evolve at pace, driven by changing legislation, sustainability requirements, advances in LED and smart lighting technologies, and shifting construction activity. New UK building regulations due over the next 18–24 months will change how lighting is specified, manufactured and sold. The Future Homes and Buildings Standard (FHBS) and the 2026 … Read more
The roof’s traditional purpose – and why it’s no longer enough For decades, the primary function of a roof was relatively straightforward: protect a building from the elements while providing durability and weather resistance. While these fundamentals remain essential, the role of the roof is evolving rapidly as sustainability targets, energy efficiency requirements and renewable … Read more
Major Solar Farm and Battery Energy Storage Construction Projects in the UK Barbour ABI is tracking 825 solar farm and battery energy storage construction projects due to start within the next two years with a combined value of £41bn. The following blog explores the top five solar farm and battery energy storage construction projects with … Read more
AI reshaping the UK electronic security market Artificial intelligence is becoming one of the most significant forces shaping the UK electronic security market. While CCTV cameras, access control systems and intruder alarms have been established features of commercial, public sector and residential buildings for decades, the latest generation of security technologies is moving beyond simple … Read more
Outlook: positive, with stronger growth from 2026 The UK EV charger market experienced a moderate 3% increase in retail selling prices in 2025, following several years of strong expansion. The slowdown in market growth in 2025 reflects several influences, including the wait to gain substation upgrades from a District Network Operator and the wider bureaucracy … Read more
Get a glimpse at how powerful our Construction Project Leads Platform really is.
Watch our video demo today to see how you can target more profitable work in just a few clicks.
Book your free 20-min consultation today:
Place of registration: Barbour ABI Limited Company number: 13427982, Registered office: 5th Floor, 133 Houndsditch, London, EC3A 7BX
