The latest Glenigan Construction Review paints a complex picture of the UK construction sector. Recovery is underway—but it’s uneven. While smaller residential and commercial projects are booming, the largest infrastructure schemes remain slow to start. At the same time, government policy shifts and major energy projects are setting the stage for long-term change.
For site managers and contractors, understanding these trends is crucial for forecasting workloads, planning resources, and ensuring site security strategies match project scale.
1. Small and Mid-Sized Projects Lead the Recovery
Starts under £100 million jumped 49% quarter-on-quarter and 25% year-on-year.
Growth is driven by residential schemes, up a huge 76% QoQ.
By contrast, projects over £100 million saw starts, awards, and approvals down 20–30%.
Implication: The current recovery is powered by small-to-mid schemes—particularly housing and mixed-use developments. Contractors in this space are thriving, while Tier 1 firms reliant on megaprojects face a slower pipeline.
Security note: Rapid turnaround on smaller sites can lead to increased theft risk if security is overlooked. Mobile CCTV towers and rapid deployment systems are well-suited to these projects.
2. Major Infrastructure Schemes Gain Momentum
Sizewell C nuclear plant: £38 billion deal finalised; 10,000 construction jobs expected.
Lower Thames Crossing: £9 billion road tunnel; construction begins 2026.
Cleve Hill Solar Park (Kent): UK’s largest solar farm (373 MW) commissioned 1 July 2025.
Implication: These projects underpin the UK’s push for energy security and improved transport links. They provide long-term certainty for civil engineering contractors and specialist suppliers.
Security note: High-profile energy and transport sites face unique risks—from protest activity to complex multi-contractor access control. Integrated CCTV and manned guarding are essential.
3. Policy Shifts: Planning Reform and Long-Term Strategy
New planning bill aims to speed up approvals.
A 10-year infrastructure strategy focuses on rail, energy, and highways.
Implication: Faster decision-making could unlock stalled projects. Clearer visibility over long-term investment gives contractors confidence to plan ahead.
Security note: Faster project mobilisation will require security measures that can be deployed rapidly—wireless CCTV systems and flexible guarding contracts are key.
4. Technology and Sustainability Drive Change
BIM, modular construction, AI, and low-carbon methods are top priorities.
Offsite manufacturing and safety-focused tech continue to grow.
ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) expectations are tightening.
Implication: Modern construction methods are no longer optional—they’re becoming a prerequisite for public sector and investor-backed projects.
Security note: Modular and offsite builds require adaptive security—protecting both manufacturing facilities and on-site assembly phases.
5. Industry Events to Watch
Industrialised Construction Conference (Coventry, 2–3 July) spotlighted automation and modular building.
UK Construction Week Birmingham (30 Sept–2 Oct) celebrates 10 years with 300+ suppliers exhibiting.
Implication: These events show where innovation is heading—particularly in industrialised and modular approaches.
What This Means for Site Security
The sector’s shift towards smaller residential builds, faster project timelines, and modern construction techniques creates new security challenges:
Rapid deployment CCTV and alarms for short-term housing schemes
Integrated guarding and monitoring for high-profile energy projects
Scalable systems that evolve with modular and offsite workflows
As the market diversifies, flexible and tech-led security is essential for protecting assets and meeting client expectations.
Need site security that adapts to changing project scales?
Millennium Security provides mobile CCTV towers, manned guarding, and wireless CCTV tailored to residential builds, major infrastructure, and everything in between. Get in touch today to secure your next project.
