Talks of Brexit swallowed October up right until the final week when an extension was granted by the European Union, buying the UK another three months times to reach a decision. Since, a general election has been called. This will undoubtedly create another interesting couple of months for the UK economy and therefore the construction industry’s activity.
Each month, we report on the highest value contract awards and the contractors awarded the work. Contract values and number of contracts held up against previous month’s. With the value of contracts awarded to the Top 50 contractor was £4.4 billion with a total of 182 projects.
For October, there have been six new entrants to the Top 50 Contractor League in the first ten spots, shaped by four project awards all over £150 million.
Fluor Limited took the top spot following the contract award for the £800 million Fawley Refinery upgrade works. Fileturn Limited came in third place largely thanks to their involvement in the £270 million London Hilton, Park Lane project.
In other notable activity, McLaren Construction were awarded a contract worth £190 million for the redevelopment of 101 Cleveland Street in Westminster. Costain Group were awarded the £161 million Preston Western New Road connecting the M55 to Preston’s docklands. The other two new entrants to the top 10 were McAleer & Rushe and Wates Construction.
The upwards trend in activity has pushed a few of the larger contractors into lower positions. Including Galliford Try, Vinci Construction and Mace Limited.
October’s Brexit uncertainty failed to dampen contract awards activity, which remained strong, increasing from September. The major projects were different from the usual mix, giving specialist construction companies an opportunity to break into the Top 50 this month.
In the Press…
Planning & Building Control Today – Six new entrants steal top spots in the contractor league table
Construct UK – Fluor Top the Contractor League Table – the Barbour ABI League Table for October