The Week That Was - 22 August 2025

Welcome to the week that was, a round-up of key events in the construction sector over the last seven days.

ONS reports construction growth

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has reported that the total construction industry output in Great Britain increased by 1.2% in the second quarter of 2025 (April to June) when compared to the first quarter (January to March).

June 2025 also saw a growth of 0.3% in construction output.  During the same month, 5 of the 9 sectors grew, with the largest increases being in (a) private housing repair and maintenance and non-housing repair and maintenance.

However, new orders decreased by 8.3% (equating to £976 million).  The decreases were seen mainly in new work in infrastructure and private commercial.

Click here to read more.

Binding contract formed through WhatsApp messages

The High Court in Jaevee Homes Limited v Mr Steve Fincham [2025] EWHC 942 (TCC) again confirmed that contracts can be binding through messaging apps. 

In this case, demolition works were agreed via WhatsApp messages.  No formal written contract was signed but the messages included a start date and a requirement for Fincham (Defendant) to submit monthly payment requests.

The court focused on the practicalities of the business relationship and viewed the messages as an existing contract, rather than seeing them as pre-contractual discussions, which would not be binding.

This case sets a reminder that parties need to be careful with the way they conduct themselves on messaging apps to not inadvertently enter into binding agreements which can later be enforced.

Click here for the judgment.

Borough of Hillingdon's £128m highway tender

The London Borough of Hillingdon has recently announced a major procurement initiative, inviting bids for a highways contract valued at £128 million.  The tender covers a broad range of works at Harrow and Hillingdon - including the upkeep and enhancement of roads, pavements and public areas.

The council’s primary aims are to improve safety, support efficient transport and ensure the longevity of its infrastructure. Prospective contractors are expected to demonstrate expertise in delivering large-scale projects and a commitment to sustainable practices.

Tenders are due by 19 September 2025 with the award expected by 18 December 2025. The chosen supplier will be instrumental in delivering improvements that foster safer and more accessible streets.

Click here to read more.

Labour Party revisits Northern Powerhouse Rail

The Labour Party is putting Northern Powerhouse Rail at the heart of its plans, aiming to support the infrastructure of northern England ahead of its conference next month. 

The proposed rail line would connect Liverpool and Leeds, with links to Sheffield and York.   Although the project has been announced and cancelled before (twice since 2015), Labour leaders are determined to make it happen this time. 

Labour believes reliable and affordable public transport is vital for creating jobs and boosting local economies in the northern cities and would benefit the country.  The party is working closely with local leaders to improve rail connections and promises more details soon. 

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Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) releases study evaluating its 'Mind the Gap' programme

CITB has celebrated the success of its ‘Mind the Gap’ programme which was designed to help people with criminal convictions find careers in construction.

Launched in 2017 by BeOnsite, the initiative addresses both skills shortages and reoffending rates.  Over three years, the project engaged 795 individuals, with 172 securing jobs and 75 remaining in sustained employment.  With support from 400 employers and a £720,000 investment, the programme generated £3.54 million in social value.

Participants reported improvements in wellbeing, financial stability and life skills. The initiative also helped shape the Ministry of Justice’s New Futures Network, linking prisons with employers to support rehabilitation.

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40,000 to train at new Technical Excellence Colleges by 2029

The Government has announced that more than 40,000 people are to be trained in construction skills at Technical Excellence Colleges by 2029.  

The colleges will train future builders, bricklayers, electricians, carpenters, and plumbers.  Located in regions across England, and with a £100 million investment, the specialist colleges will deliver high quality skills training to future construction workers as part of the Government's commitments in the construction sector.

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: "We need skilled workers to deliver the homes, schools and hospitals that communities across the country are crying out for, and today’s announcement underlines our commitment to the next generation of homegrown talent…Construction Technical Excellence Colleges will enable us to invest in people and give them the skills they need to break down barriers to opportunity in an industry which is essential to delivering growth through our Plan for Change."

Click here to read more.