A leading figure in the region’s construction industry has called for more action to get the country building.
Tim Lloyd, owner of quantity surveyors CQS Solutions, which has bases in Birmingham, Shropshire and Mid Wales, says there needs to be a constructive rethink of how the UK supports construction activity.
His call comes after a new poll of more than 400 construction professionals by the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS) shows that most expect only a slight increase in output in 2026, with a third expecting no change.
Tim said the results showed that the industry was being held back by too many barriers being placed in the way of construction schemes.
“We have the talent, the experience and the appetite to build. What we need now is a clearer pipeline, faster decision‑making and a stronger focus on making projects viable in the current climate
“The industry isn’t standing still by choice – it’s waiting for the right conditions to move at pace. With the right support, we can shift from cautious optimism to meaningful progress.
“Rising costs and labour shortages are not new, but they do require smarter planning and more collaborative procurement. Clients, contractors and consultants all have a role to play in ensuring projects remain deliverable without compromising quality.”
Tim said action now needed to be taken to remove some of the barriers which had seen too many schemes stalled for too long, including speeding up the planning process still further.
“To build momentum, we need to accelerate approvals, reduce the financial uncertainty that developers currently face because of the delay between buying a site and actually being able to get working on it, and give the supply chain confidence to invest.
“The industry is ready to deliver, but we need clarity, consistency and a shared commitment to unlocking viable projects. If we get that right, 2026 can be a year of genuine progress rather than marginal gains.”
To find out more about CQS Solutions visit https://cqssolutions.co.uk/
