The latest edition of the Construction Leadership Council’s (CLC) Connect Newsletter provides important updates for our sector, ranging from new funding for skills to safety reforms and digital innovation. Below, we’ve highlighted key developments for NAS members.
💷 Investment in Construction Skills
At the Spring Statement, the Government announced £625 million of investment to tackle skills shortages in construction. This funding is expected to deliver up to 60,000 additional skilled workers this Parliament.
A new Construction Skills Mission Board has also been established, co-chaired by industry and government leaders, to oversee delivery of a Construction Workforce Delivery Action Plan. The Board has set an ambitious target of 100,000 new workers entering construction each year for the remainder of this Parliament.
🏗️ 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy
The Government’s 10-Year Infrastructure Strategy outlines plans for £725 billion of public and private investment in economic and social infrastructure — including schools, hospitals, energy, and transport. A forthcoming National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline will provide industry with clearer visibility of future projects, helping businesses plan and invest with greater confidence.
🦺 Building Safety Developments
The CLC, working with the Building Safety Regulator (BSR), has published a comprehensive suite of guidance to support Building Control Approval applications for Higher-Risk Buildings (HRBs). This includes practical advice on design levels, document management, and staged applications, aiming to improve both the quality and speed of submissions.
In addition, the Government has confirmed that the Building Safety Levy will now come into effect in Autumn 2026.
🌍 Net Zero and Innovation
The Construct Zero programme continues to expand, with more Business Champions being recruited to drive carbon reduction across the industry. The framework is being refreshed following the Committee for Climate Change’s 7th Carbon Budget, and an Autumn event will bring together over 280 partners to share best practice.
Meanwhile, the Construct AI initiative is accelerating the integration of artificial intelligence in construction. Plans include an industry “test bed” for collaboration, a case study library, and a roadmap to help organisations adopt and mature in AI use.
📊 Reporting on Retentions
From 1 April 2025, new reporting requirements will come into effect under the Payment Practices and Performance (Amendment) Regulations 2025. Large businesses will be required to publish information about retention clauses in construction contracts twice per year. The first reports are expected from October 2025.
📌 Why It Matters for NAS Members
These developments underline government and industry efforts to:
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Expand the construction workforce and address skills shortages.
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Provide greater stability and visibility of future infrastructure projects.
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Strengthen building safety processes and compliance.
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Support the transition to Net Zero and adoption of digital technologies.
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Improve payment practices, particularly around retentions.
We’ll continue to monitor these changes and keep members informed on how they may affect shopfitting, interior fit-out, and joinery businesses.
Read the full document here: https://www.constructionleadershipcouncil.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/CLC_Newsletter_July-2025.pdf
