Have you ever wondered which construction giants are behind the UK’s impressive infrastructure? The United Kingdom is home to a thriving construction industry, contributing a tremendous £110 billion to GDP and ranking sixth in the world. In this blog post, we will take a closer look at the “top 10 construction companies UK” that play a significant role in shaping the nation’s built environment.
Key Takeaways
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- The UK construction industry contributes £110 billion to GDP, ranking sixth globally.
- The top 10 UK construction companies in 2024 include Balfour Beatty, Kier Group, and Morgan Sindall.
- These companies are recognised for their financial stability, sustainability, and large-scale infrastructure projects.
- Notable projects include Balfour Beatty’s involvement in the Olympic Stadium and Kier Group’s work on Hinkley Point C.
- Emerging companies like Skanska UK and Wates Group are driving future growth with innovative approaches.
The UK Construction Industry: An Overview
The UK construction industry is a force to be reckoned with. The gross value added by construction activities in the UK has surpassed pre-pandemic levels and continues to grow steadily. Areas such as the North East, East Midlands, and Eastern regions have seen even more substantial growth with an increase of over 45 percent. What’s even more exciting is the remarkable increase in market share for infrastructure construction, a testament to the industry’s resilience and adaptability.
With a stronghold on the global stage, the UK construction industry has a bright future. The largest companies in the UK are known for their streamlined operations, adoption of sustainable practices, and financial stability. These trailblazers are not only shaping the built environment, but also contributing to local communities and the nation’s economy.
It is time to look at the top 10 UK construction companies of 2024. Let’s start with a deep dive into these organisations.
Leading UK Construction Companies
The top 10 UK construction companies of 2024 are Balfour Beatty, Kier Group, Morgan Sindall Group, Amey PLC, Tarmac Trading Ltd, Keller Group, ISG Ltd., Mace Ltd, Laing O’Rourke, and Wates Group Ltd. These companies have a long history, streamlined operations, adopted sustainable practices, and remain financially stable. Their combined turnover is a staggering £33 billion.
Now, let’s explore each company in more detail to understand the reasons behind their success.
Morgan Sindall Group
Morgan Sindall Group, a UK-based construction and regeneration company, is highly respected in both public and commercial sectors. The company’s financial stability is evident in their excellent financial performance in 2020 and an incredibly positive outlook for the future. Morgan Sindall has been involved in several high profile projects. These include the Tideway Super Sewer, Werrington Grade Separation and M5 Oldbury Viaduct.
The company has been proud to be involved in the construction of the new University of Sheffield engineering building and the redevelopment of the Broadmarsh shopping center in Nottingham. Morgan Sindall Group’s recent acquisition of Overbury, a leading fit-out and refurbishment specialist, showcases their commitment to growth and excellence in the construction industry.
Their dedication to creating a positive impact in communities and their impressive achievements make Morgan Sindall Group a top contender in the UK construction industry.
Balfour Beatty
Balfour Beatty, a multinational construction company based in London, stands tall as a pioneering international infrastructure group. With over 10,000 employees, the company boasts an impressive turnover of £8.45 billion for the period ending 2019. Balfour Beatty is dedicated to reducing carbon emissions and promoting a circular economy to help protect the environment.
This commitment to sustainability, combined with their innovative and efficient infrastructure solutions, makes them a leader in the UK construction industry. Notable projects in Balfour Beatty’s portfolio include the Olympic Stadium, Providence Tower, and The Madison residential towers in Canary Wharf. They have recently been awarded a contract worth around £1.2bn on the Lower Thames Crossing project, further showcasing their expertise and capabilities.
Balfour Beatty’s remarkable achievements and sustainable practices make them a top player in the UK construction industry.
Kier Group
Kier Group, one of the leading construction companies in the UK, operates across a range of sectors, including housing, transportation, and utilities. They boast an impressive turnover of £4.49 billion in 2019 across all construction subsidiaries. Kier Group has achieved incredible feats such as Hinkley Point, Deephams Wastewater Treatment Plant, and Luton Direct Air-Rail Transit.
Kier Group is committed to reducing carbon emissions and promoting a circular economy, earning them a finalist spot in the Sustainability category at the 2021 Construction News Awards. The company has made great strides in increasing efficiency by divesting non-core businesses, reducing its workforce, and introducing a new operating model to better serve customer needs.
With nearly 10,000 employees and over 2,000 different career avenues, Kier Group offers ample opportunity for growth and development. Their diverse, resilient, and welcoming workplace culture, along with their commitment to sustainability, makes Kier Group a prominent player in the UK construction industry.
ISG Ltd
ISG Ltd is a premier specialist in the construction industry, offering top-notch engineering, fit-out, and construction services in various sectors such as Science & Health, Technology, Education & Public Sector, Offices, and Hospitality & Leisure. Their impressive turnover of £2.04 billion in the period ended 2020 highlights their success and growth in the industry.
ISG Ltd has delivered amazing projects like the Aldwych Quarter in London, the state-of-the-art Network Rail offices in London, and the stunning Allied World offices in London. Their expertise in various sectors and dedication to delivering outstanding projects make ISG Ltd a leading construction company in the UK.
Wates Group
Wates Group delivered its highest ever turnover of £2.18 billion in 2023, marking a 15% increase from the previous year. With a reported profit of £46.2 million, the company has demonstrated strong financial performance despite challenging market conditions. The order book also reached a record £8.54 billion, reflecting robust future growth potential. Operating across various sectors such as commercial, residential, education, and healthcare, Wates Group’s diversified portfolio continues to contribute to its stability and success.
Laing O’Rourke
Laing O’Rourke, led by the inspirational Chairman and CEO Ray O’Rourke, is a privately-owned UK-based construction business that has delivered remarkable projects such as the Leadenhall Building in London, London Heathrow Terminal 5, and Ascot Racecourse’s main stand. Their impressive turnover of £1.93 billion showcases their success and strong presence in the industry.
Laing O’Rourke is part of a dynamic consortium that manages the development of London’s Olympic Park, including CH2M Hill and Mace, further demonstrating their expertise and capabilities. With operations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and Australia, Laing O’Rourke’s growth and achievements make them a prominent player in the UK construction industry.
Tarmac Trading Ltd
Tarmac Trading Ltd, based in the UK, is dedicated to providing roads and services infrastructure, highway maintenance, and off-site manufacturing. The commitment to delivering these services is what sets it apart from other businesses. They are proud to lay around 3.5 million tonnes of asphalt each year. Their impressive turnover was £2.13 billion in 2019.
Tarmac. Trading has played a major role in some major projects. These include Silverstone, One Blackfriars, Wembley Stadium, Heathrow Terminal 5, Blackpool Sea Defences, The Shard, London 2012, and The Mersey Gateway. Their accomplishments and dedication to the construction industry make Tarmac Trading Ltd a stand-out player in the UK construction market.
Mace Ltd
Mace Ltd excels in developing, consulting, constructing, and operating, seamlessly connecting expertise across the entire property and infrastructure lifecycle. With nearly 5,000 talented staff worldwide, the company has an impressive annual turnover of £1.78 billion.
Mace Ltd has played a central role in some of the UK’s most iconic projects. These include The London Eye, The Emirates Air Line, The Shard, The Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, and The NHS Nightingale Hospital London. Their accomplishments and commitment to excellence make Mace Ltd a key player in the UK construction industry.
M Group Services LD
M Group Services delivered strong financial results in 2024, with a notable 19.4% year-over-year increase in group turnover, reaching £1,060.2 million in the first half of the fiscal year. The company reported an EBITDA of £55.0 million, up 19.8% from the previous year, reflecting healthy profitability. Its order book grew to £6.7 billion, with an additional £400 million awaiting finalisation, showcasing solid future prospects. With substantial cash reserves of £104.1 million and improved liquidity, M Group Services is well-positioned for continued growth and strategic acquisitions.
Amey PLC
Amey PLC was founded in 1921. It is a UK-based infrastructure support services company offering commendable services across highways, rail, waste management, and utilities sectors. They have delivered a number of impressive projects over the years. These include the Thames Tideway Tunnel, Heathrow Airport and National Grid Overhead Line Fittings. Their annual turnover reached £2.67 billion, showcasing their success and strong presence in the industry.
Amey has made tremendous progress in adopting sustainable practices. They have focused on reducing carbon emissions and promoting sustainable design and construction practices. The company has pioneered various strategies to assist with asset inspections. One of these solutions is using drones to survey infrastructure. Additionally, they have developed digital platforms to effectively manage projects and track assets.
With over 10,000 employees, Amey PLC’s commitment to sustainability and innovation makes them a force to be reckoned with in the UK construction industry.
The Impact of Top Construction Companies on Local Communities
Top construction companies not only contribute to shaping the UK’s infrastructure, but also have a profound impact on local communities. These companies offer job opportunities, stimulate the local economy, and bolster local businesses. As they undertake projects in various regions, they create employment and investment opportunities, leading to economic development and enhanced infrastructure.
The commitment of these top construction companies to local communities goes beyond their projects. They also focus on sustainability, reducing carbon emissions, and implementing environmentally friendly practices. In doing so, they contribute to a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous future for generations to come.
Infrastructure Investment in the UK
Infrastructure investment in the UK is a priority for the government, and although there was a 16.9% decline in total market sector investment in infrastructure in 2020 compared to 2019, there is a promising outlook for the future. Clean energy is set to be the largest sector for investment in the UK in the coming years, showcasing the nation’s commitment to a sustainable future.
The focus of infrastructure investment in the UK is on transportation, energy, and housing sectors, all of which are essential to the country’s growth and prosperity. With impressive compound annual growth rates like 7.6% in the commercial building construction market, the UK construction industry is set to reach new heights in the coming years, driven by the leading construction companies and their innovative approaches.
Notable Projects by Leading UK Construction Companies
Leading UK construction companies have been involved in remarkable projects that showcase their expertise and commitment to excellence. Some of these projects include HS2, Thames Tideway Tunnel, Hinkley Point C, and Werrington Grade Separation. These projects not only demonstrate the capabilities of these companies, but also contribute to the UK’s infrastructure and economic growth.
The success of these projects highlights the importance of collaboration, innovation, and sustainable practices in the construction industry. From Balfour Beatty’s involvement in the Olympic Stadium to Kier Group’s work on Hinkley Point C, these companies continue to push the boundaries and set new standards for the UK construction industry.
Companies on the Rise: Emerging Players in the UK Construction Industry
In addition to the top 10 UK construction companies, several emerging players are making a tremendous impact on the industry. Companies such as Skanska UK, Wates Group, HomeServe, and M Group Services Ltd are making great strides and helping to propel the industry forward.
These emerging players are introducing pioneering approaches and technologies that are driving the UK construction industry’s growth and providing exciting opportunities for the future. As these companies continue to expand and innovate, they will play an increasingly important role in shaping the UK’s built environment and contributing to the nation’s prosperity.
Summary
The UK construction industry continues to be a driving force in shaping the nation’s landscape and economy. From the largest infrastructure projects to the smallest community initiatives, the top construction companies of 2024 are setting the standard for excellence, sustainability, and innovation. As these firms lead the way, they are not only transforming the physical environment but also contributing to economic growth and social development. With a promising future ahead, bolstered by emerging players and ongoing investment in infrastructure, the UK construction sector is well-positioned to thrive in the years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the Tier 1 contractors?
Tier 1 contractors, including roofing contractors, are the most experienced and reliable companies in the industry, typically taking on larger, more commercial projects. They use a variety of different operating models to respond effectively to client needs, such as employing project staff or subcontracting work.
Their expertise makes them an invaluable part of any construction team.
What is the largest groundworks company in the UK?
Balfour Beatty is the largest groundworks company in the UK, and a leading multinational construction firm with operations in over 80 countries across Europe and the UK. Their impressive portfolio of services includes major infrastructure, building, civil engineering, energy, transport, water, and waste projects.
They are a reliable and trusted partner to many customers, making them one of the most sought-after groundworks companies in the UK.
What is the fastest growing construction company in the UK?
Buckingham Group is the fastest growing construction company in the UK. It has experienced a surge of growth over the last year, with its accounts for the year to 31 December 2020 showing a turnover increase of almost £100m and further growth in 2021 taking it close to £700m.
Buckingham Group is making its mark as one of the leading major contractors in the industry.
How many contractors are in the UK?
The UK currently has over 94,545 Construction Contractors businesses in operation, and this number has grown steadily over the last 5 years. This growth is indicative of the UK’s thriving contracting industry and suggests that the future of contracting in the UK is bright.
