Half-Built Britain: Unlocking The Nation’s Infrastructure Growth Plans

In July 2024, the new UK government was elected on a manifesto commitment to develop a new 10-year infrastructure strategy. Its ambitions are certainly bold: it has identified a pipeline of almost 800 projects amounting to £530 billion of investment over the next decade, with £285 billion publicly funded.

Now a major new Oxford Economics report, commissioned by the CPA, has been released. Entitled ‘Half-Built Britain: Unlocking the Nation’s Infrastructure Growth Plans’ it warns that Britain’s construction and infrastructure pipeline is “starting to crack”, with skills shortages, falling investment and delivery delays threatening to derail government growth plans.

The CPA commissioned Oxford Economics to research and write the report into the size and scope of the plant-hire sector in the UK. It makes a compelling read for both those employed in the sector, but also for policymakers and stakeholders. It also helps put into perspective the breadth and scope of the sector and why it remains a key destination for highly skilled jobs and roles.

Key findings of the CPA/Oxford Economics report include:

• The construction plant-hire sector contributes £14 billion annually to the UK economy

• Construction plant-hire contributes 191,500 jobs* to the UK economy

• For every £100 contributed to GDP directly by construction plant-hire, the sector supports a total of £218 around the economy

• Construction plant-hire workers are 16% more productive than the average UK worker, with a higher share being company managers or directors

• For every 100 people directly employed by construction plant-hire, the sector supports a total of 216 jobs around the economy

* The UK construction plant-hire sector employs an estimated 88,600 workers, including those who work for plant-hire firms and plant operators hired in on a temporary basis. The sector also supports 44,800 jobs around the economy and the effect of workers spending their wages supports an estimated 58,200 jobs.

Steve Mulholland, CPA Chief Executive Officer commented: “This research was carried out over many months and we were excited to share the findings for the first time at the CPA Conference. While the report is an opportunity to showcase the plant-hire sector, it also acts as a chance to review the progress made over recent years and the contribution CPA members make to the wider UK economy."

“Over the last few years, plant-hire businesses have had to adapt and evolve in order to survive. As we look to the future, it is one full of opportunities, growth, new technologies and innovations. Decarbonisation and the move to a net zero economy has been at the forefront of policymakers’ plans – it is important that our sector plays its part in this process, as the move away from diesel and fossil fuels gathers pace. This, alongside the rise of AI and digitalisation, will all have a profound impact on plant-hire companies in the coming decades."

“The role of the CPA will also evolve as we meet these future challenges and opportunities, working hand in hand with our members in supporting them. This economic impact study helps set the foundations for moving forward for the CPA across every facet of our work and engagement and celebrating 90 years of supporting the UK’s construction plant-hire sector. It has only been possible because of the contribution our members have made to our continuing success,” he continued.

The report provides a timely and insightful assessment of the opportunities and challenges facing the sector. It demonstrates that while the government’s National Infrastructure Strategy sets a strong direction, delivery will depend on a stable policy environment, predictable pipelines, and a confident supply chain capable of meeting the country’s ambitions.

However, it also highlights the opportunity for government and industry to work together to unlock investment and close the productivity gap - a step that could generate up to £315 billion in long-term economic growth, helping fund national priorities without adding to public debt.

A copy of the report can be downloaded below:

CPA - Half Built Britain Nov 2025.pdf

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