Construction is a very diverse industry that includes activities ranging from mining, quarrying and forestry to the construction of infrastructure and buildings, the manufacture and supply of products, as well as maintenance, operation and disposal.

The UK is in a good position to take advantage of global market opportunities in construction. This stems from UK's high reputation for construction services such as architecture and development of advanced technologies used in construction. Moreover, the proportion of employees in construction contracting with a degree, or equivalent qualification, almost doubled over the last decade, and the sector continues to run a trade surplus in construction contracting, and in some professional services such as architecture and quantity surveying.

Brexit-related uncertainty continued to hamper the UK's construction sector, according to the latest survey snapshot of the sector. While accessing foreign markets and increasing export activity is one driver of growth, there are a number of other factors which, if deployed adequately and efficiently, can affect growth and drive competitiveness of the UK construction sector.