It’s hard to believe that five years have passed since COVID-19 turned the world upside down. The construction industry was hit hard, with lockdowns, supply shortages, and labour challenges making it a tough time for businesses across the UK. But the industry didn’t just survive – it adapted, evolved, and in many ways, came out stronger.
Today, we’re still feeling the effects of the pandemic, from shifts in the way we work to the rising importance of sustainability. Let’s take a look at how construction has changed and what lessons we’re carrying forward into the future.
Inflation and Supply Chain Resilience
The pandemic really exposed how fragile global supply chains can be. Material shortages and rising costs became major issues, and the situation wasn’t helped by Brexit and ongoing geopolitical tensions. The UK, for instance, relies heavily on imported materials like glass, steel, and aluminium, which saw price hikes of up to 10% year-on-year in 2022 due to these disruptions, according to Statista.
But it wasn’t just about rising prices. In fact, 75% of UK construction firms reported struggling with material availability and price fluctuations in 2022, as per the Construction Leadership Council (CLC). The key takeaway here? Companies have realised the importance of building more resilient supply chains. Now, businesses are increasingly turning to local suppliers, managing stock more strategically, and forming stronger supplier relationships to safeguard against future disruptions.
Labour Shortages and the Skills Gap
The construction industry was already grappling with a skills shortage before the pandemic, but COVID-19 and Brexit made things even tougher. Many EU workers left the UK and never returned, and this has left a gap in the workforce that’s still being felt today. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) shows that the share of migrant workers in construction fell from 10.7% in 2018 to 9.8% in 2021, making it harder to meet the growing demand for skilled workers.
The CITB (Construction Industry Training Board) states that the sector will need an additional 250,000 workers by 2028 just to keep pace with demand. As a result, there’s been a real push to promote apprenticeships, attract new talent, and even rethink visa policies to allow businesses to access the skilled workers they need. Encouraging more people to enter the construction workforce, both domestically and internationally, has become a top priority.
Acceleration of Digital Transformation
One thing COVID-19 made crystal clear is that technology is the future. When lockdowns halted in-person meetings and site visits, digital tools became essential for keeping projects on track. McKinsey & Company reports that 70% of UK construction firms embraced digital transformation during the pandemic, with a big shift to cloud-based project management, virtual inspections, and remote site monitoring.
Even now, with restrictions gone, these tools have stuck around. Apps like Microsoft Teams, WhatsApp, and cloud-based software are part of daily operations for many firms, saving time and streamlining communication. The industry has learned to work smarter, not harder, thanks to tech-driven efficiencies.
The Rise of Sustainability and ESG Priorities
Despite the many challenges, one positive outcome of the pandemic was the rising focus on sustainability. More businesses are now prioritising Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) strategies, with a stronger push for green building practices. From using energy-efficient materials to reducing on-site waste, the sector is working towards achieving net-zero targets.
UK Green Building Council (UKGBC) found that over 80% of construction companies have adopted some form of sustainability-focused approach, with clients increasingly demanding greener building solutions. The shift to sustainability isn’t just good for the planet; it’s also good for business. Companies that embrace these eco-friendly practices are in a stronger position for the future.
A More Flexible Approach to Working
Before the pandemic, remote working in construction seemed almost impossible. But COVID-19 proved that some roles, such as project managers and estimators, could successfully work from home. Now, even though site-based jobs still need to be on the ground, many office roles have become more flexible.
CITB found that 61% of construction firms introduced more flexible working options after the pandemic, and 45% of UK construction workers in office-based roles said they wanted to continue with hybrid or remote work. This shift has made construction more attractive to workers seeking better work-life balance, which is essential for attracting and retaining top talent.
Strengthened Industry Resilience
If there’s one thing we’ve learned over the past five years, it’s that the UK construction industry is resilient. Despite lockdowns, supply chain disruptions, and economic uncertainty, projects kept moving forward. According to UK Construction PMI, construction output grew by 12.9% in 2021, showing how businesses adapted and recovered quickly. Now, companies are better prepared to handle future disruptions with more agile, flexible processes.
Stronger, Smarter and More Sustainable
Five years on, the construction sector is stronger, smarter, and more sustainable. But there are still hurdles to overcome, from rising costs to ongoing labour shortages. The key will be holding onto the positive changes – embracing technology, building resilience, and making the industry more attractive to new talent.
The UK commercial roofing industry has been through these same shifts. Supply chain challenges, skills shortages, and the demand for sustainable materials have pushed roofing businesses to innovate.
At Maguire Brothers, we’ve prospered through multiple economic downturns by staying true to our people-first values and continuously improving efficiency. Our success is built on strong relationships, embracing technology, and a commitment to quality and cost-effective solutions, ensuring our clients always receive the best possible service. If you need any advice on a roofing project, don’t hesitate to get in touch with the team today.
