Let’s take an eye on the top 7 construction contractor companies in the UK and their history, which currently make up a large percentage of the total construction spend in the UK.
The construction industry in the United Kingdom plays a vital role in the country's economy, contributing to the development of buildings and infrastructure that are essential for the growth and prosperity of the nation.
Every year, the industry generates an estimated £123 billion in construction work, which represents a substantial 7% of the country's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
This significant contribution to the GDP highlights the importance of the construction industry in the UK economy and the impact it has on the overall wellbeing of the nation. The industry not only creates jobs and drives economic growth but also provides the necessary infrastructure for the movement of goods and people, housing and commercial buildings, and other vital facilities that are required for the functioning of modern society.
Despite the fact that the top 7 construction contractors in the UK have a combined revenue of approximately £33 billion, the industry as a whole is incredibly diverse. It encompasses a wide range of companies, from small businesses consisting of just 2-3 individuals to massive corporations with over 26,000+ employees.
This diversity in size and scale within the industry allows for a wide range of specialized services and capabilities, catering to different projects and clients.
Yes, if you work in construction or have knowledge of the industry, some of the companies in the top 7 construction contractors may be familiar to you. These companies have a reputation for delivering high-quality projects and have been involved in many high-profile projects in the UK. They are known for their expertise and capabilities in the construction industry. Their long history in the industry and reputation for excellence make them some of the most sought after construction companies in the country.
Yes, it is quite possible that there could be some surprises on the list of top 10 construction contractors, as the industry is constantly evolving and new players may emerge. Also, the ranking and ranking order of the companies may change over time depending on their performance, financial stability, and market share.
Additionally, some companies that one might expect to be on the list, due to their reputation or size, might not make the cut due to factors such as financial troubles, recent controversies, or a change in the business strategy. The ranking of the companies is dynamic and changes with time, the list is not a definitive one, and the companies that are not listed in the top 7 may still be reputable and successful in their own right.
Without delay, let's examine the top 7 construction contractors in the United Kingdom.
Top 7 Construction Contractors in UK
#1 Balfour Beatty
Balfour Beatty is a well-established and respected international infrastructure group. Their financial performance for the period ending 2019 was particularly strong, with a turnover of £8.45 billion, which is almost double the turnover of the second-largest construction contractor in the UK.
This highlights the company's dominance in the industry and its ability to secure and successfully execute large-scale infrastructure projects. This financial performance is a testament to the company's capabilities, reputation, and experience in the construction industry.
Balfour Beatty is a full-service infrastructure company that specializes in financing, developing, building, and maintaining infrastructure projects. They have a workforce of around 26,000+ people and operate mainly in the United Kingdom, Ireland, and North America.
Their services cover a wide range of sectors such as transportation, utilities, building, and civil engineering. Their capabilities range from the initial design and planning phase of a project, through to construction and ongoing maintenance.
Balfour Beatty's extensive experience and expertise in the infrastructure sector make them a preferred partner for clients looking for a one-stop solution for their infrastructure needs.
Notable projects include the Thames Tideway Tunnel, HS2, and Crossrail.
Balfour Beatty was established in 1909 by George Balfour and Andrew Beatty.
#2 Kier Group
Kier Group is a reputable construction and infrastructure services provider. They offer specialist design and build capabilities, with a turnover of £4.49 billion in 2019 across all its subsidiaries. The company employs around 19,000+ people and operates mainly in the United Kingdom. Their wide range of services and capabilities, along with their reputation for delivering high-quality projects, makes them a leading player in the UK construction industry.
Kier Group was established in 1928, originally as a specialist concrete company. Over the years, the company has grown and diversified its business to become a leading provider of construction and infrastructure services. The company's long history in the industry, along with its reputation for delivering high-quality projects, has made it a respected and well-known player in the UK construction industry.
Notable projects by Kier Group include the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station, the Deephams Wastewater Treatment Plant, and Luton Direct Air-Rail Transit. These projects showcase the company's capabilities in delivering large-scale and complex infrastructure projects, providing a range of services from design, to construction, and maintenance. These projects are a testament to the company's reputation and expertise in the construction and infrastructure industry.
#3 Morgan Sindall
Morgan Sindall is a prominent Construction and Regeneration group, consisting of eight subsidiary businesses that offer complementary services. The company operates across a range of sectors such as housing, education, healthcare, commercial, and infrastructure. The company's diverse range of subsidiary businesses allows it to offer a wide range of services and capabilities catering to different projects and clients.
The company's reputation for delivering high-quality projects, along with its extensive experience in the construction industry, makes it a respected player in the UK construction market.
The Morgan Sindall Group focuses on key areas such as affordable housing, urban regeneration, and infrastructure and construction investment. The company reported a turnover of £3.07 billion in 2019 and employs around 6,600 people, operating primarily in the United Kingdom. The company's focus on affordable housing, urban regeneration, and infrastructure projects, along with its reputation for delivering high-quality projects, makes it a leader in the UK construction market. Its diversified service offerings and extensive experience in the industry have made it a sought-after partner for clients looking to develop affordable housing, and improve communities and infrastructure.
Notable projects by Morgan Sindall include the Tideway Super Sewer, Werrington Grade Separation, and M5 Oldbury Viaduct. These projects showcase the company's capabilities in delivering large-scale and complex infrastructure projects, providing a range of services from design to construction, and maintenance. These projects are a testament to the company's reputation and expertise in the construction and infrastructure industry and its focus on urban regeneration and infrastructure projects.
Morgan Sindall Group was established in 1977 by John Morgan and Jack Lovell. Since its inception, the company has grown to become a leading Construction and Regeneration group, comprising eight complementary subsidiary businesses.
The company's long history in the industry, along with its reputation for delivering high-quality projects, has made it a respected and well-known player in the UK construction market.
#4 Amey
Amey is a leading support services provider for road and rail infrastructure projects in the UK and is considered as one of the top five suppliers in the industry. Although it is not strictly a construction contractor, it has been included in the list due to its size, management, and investment capabilities.
The company offers a wide range of services such as consulting, design, and management of infrastructure projects, as well as facilities and asset management services. Its capabilities in managing and investing in infrastructure projects, combined with its reputation for delivering high-quality services, make it a respected player in the UK construction industry.
Amey reported a turnover of £2.67 billion in 2019 and employs over 16,569+ people. The company's size and capabilities, along with its reputation for delivering high-quality services, make it a major player in the UK infrastructure industry. Its wide range of services and experience in managing and investing in infrastructure projects make it a preferred partner for clients looking for a one-stop solution for their infrastructure needs.
Based in the United Kingdom, Amey has been involved in the delivery of several high-profile infrastructure projects such as the Thames Tideway Tunnel, Heathrow Airport, and the National Grid Overhead Line Fittings. These projects demonstrate the company's expertise and capabilities in delivering large-scale infrastructure projects, offering a range of services from consulting, design, and management. These projects are a testament to the company's reputation and experience in the infrastructure industry, making it a respected and well-known player in the UK construction market.
William Charles Amey founded the company in 1921.
#5 Laing O’Rourke
Laing O'Rourke is a British construction firm that provides services such as financing, designing, producing, constructing, and sustaining the built environment. They have been operating in the United Kingdom for many years and have established themselves as one of the leading providers of these services in the area.
Laing O’Rourke is a privately-owned company that operates internationally, with a presence in Europe, Australasia and the Middle East. The company's international reach, combined with its reputation for delivering high-quality services, make it a respected player in the global infrastructure industry. The company's wide range of services and capabilities, along with its experience in managing and investing in infrastructure projects, make it a preferred partner for clients looking for a one-stop solution for their infrastructure needs in different regions.
In 2019 Laing O’Rourke turned over £1.93 billion, employing almost 13,000 staff.
Laing O’Rourke has been responsible for delivering some of the United Kingdom's most notable infrastructure projects, including The Leadenhall Building in London, London Heathrow Terminal 5, and the Ascot Racecourse (main stand). These projects are a testament to the company's reputation, capabilities, and experience in delivering large-scale and complex projects. The Leadenhall Building and Heathrow Terminal 5 are examples of the company's expertise in delivering major transportation projects, while the Ascot Racecourse project showcases the company's capabilities in delivering sports and leisure infrastructure. The company's ability to deliver such high-profile and diverse projects is a testament to its reputation and expertise in the construction industry.
#6 Keller Group
The Keller Group is an expert in ground engineering and offers the building sector cutting-edge solutions and services for ground behavior.
Foundation support, ground retention, subsurface excavation, groundwater control, conservation & restoration, and environmental preservation are among their operational tasks.
With nearly 10,000 employees, the business generated £2.33 billion in revenue in 2019.
Along with the UK, Keller Group has worked on a number of significant international projects. In particular, Crossrail C310, the London Power Tunnels, and the Scarborough South Cliff Stabilization Project.
Johann Keller formed the Keller Group in 1860.
#7 ISG
In five different industries — offices, technology, science and health, hotel & leisure, and education & public sector — ISG is a leading specialist in fit out, technology, and construction.
With a turnover of £2.59 billion in 2019, the business achieved a notable first for ISG and set a significant milestone.
The company has over 3,485+ employees that have completed building projects all around the world. Large-scale fit-out projects by ISG have been completed in the UK; significant ones include the Aldwych Quarter in London, the Network Rail headquarters, and the Allied World offices.
Ivan Millar started ISG in 1994.
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