For the first time since Brexit, there’s a real sense that the UK’s relationship with the EU is settling into something more workable. Keir Starmer’s recently announced EU deal has been called a “reset” – and for good reason. While it’s still early days, it’s worth exploring what this means for those of us working in construction, especially in specialist sectors like commercial roofing.
While much of the commentary has focused on food exports and fishing rights, there are some important takeaways for our industry too.
1. Smoother, More Predictable Supply Chains
If you’ve ordered materials from EU-based suppliers over the past few years, you’ll know it hasn’t always been smooth sailing.
This new deal doesn’t magically fix everything overnight, but it does lay the groundwork for removing friction in trade – especially around regulatory alignment and border checks. That means materials coming from Germany, Italy or the Netherlands could soon move faster, with less paperwork and fewer surprise delays.
2. More Stability, Less Volatility
Political stability has a knock-on effect. Markets react. Currencies stabilise. Supply chains recalibrate.
For a sector like ours, this deal could help ease price fluctuations, especially in imported goods. It also gives developers and local authorities the confidence to commit to capital works. When the political waters are calmer, projects move forward.
3. A Potential Boost to Labour Supply
One of the lesser-known elements of Starmer’s EU deal is the proposal for a youth mobility scheme. While not yet finalised, the idea is to allow young people from the EU to live and work temporarily in the UK. This could help address the skills gap across the construction sector.
For roofing in particular – where experienced labour is in short supply – this might bring new talent to projects, either directly or via subcontractors.
We’ll be keeping a close eye on how this develops. It’s early days, but even the prospect of easier labour access is a welcome change from the rigidity of recent years.
4. Sustainability and Green Energy Partnerships
Another element worth noting is the UK-EU plan to cooperate more closely on renewable energy and carbon trading. For those of us involved in solar installations or energy-efficient roofing systems, this could lead to more funding, grants, and large-scale retrofit projects.
We’ve seen growing demand in this space over recent years – and this deal adds weight to the momentum behind sustainable construction and public sector decarbonisation.
So, What’s the Bottom Line?
This deal doesn’t mean Brexit is “undone.” But it does signal a shift back toward pragmatism and partnership. And in construction – where collaboration, clarity and consistency are everything – that’s something to welcome.
Of course, we’ll continue to monitor developments and adapt accordingly. But for now, it’s refreshing to have a political agreement that looks like it might actually make life easier – not harder.
Do you have a Project in the Pipeline?
If you’re a building surveyor, project manager or property owner planning upcoming works, we’d be happy to talk through how this evolving landscape might benefit your project planning – especially when it comes to procurement timelines and sustainability objectives.
You can get in touch with the team here. Let’s build something better, together.
