UK construction activity November 2025: Industrial

Industrial overview

• 2 per cent decrease in project starts year-on-year
• 45 per cent decrease in main contract awards from last year
• 43 per cent decrease in detailed planning approvals compared to 2024

Performance in the industrial sector was weak during the three months to November. Starts were 2 per cent down on a year ago and 41 per cent lower than the preceding three months, dragged down by the lack of major projects (£100m or more) commencing on site. Main contract awards were 39 per cent lower than the preceding quarter, to stand 45 per cent down year-on-year. Detailed planning approvals declined 2 per cent quarter-on-quarter to stand 43 per cent down on a year ago.

The sector continues to suffer from geopolitical instability. However, major contract awards and approvals improved, providing a boost to the pipeline. The S&P Global Manufacturing PMI also reported growth, which may signal that recovery is on the horizon.

Types of projects started

In line with the overall weak performance of the sector, project starts only grew in one out of three categories

• Manufacturing accounted for 46 per cent of industrial project starts, down 28 per cent year-on-year to total £696m.
• Other industrial projects totalled £149m, accounting for 10 per cent of starts and representing a 22 per cent decrease year-on-year.
• Warehousing & logistics grew 72 per cent year-on-year to total £658m, representing a 44 per cent share of the sector.

Regional

• Regional performance in project starts was mixed
• Detailed planning approvals increased in most regions
• Wales grew in both project starts and approvals

The East of England accounted for 22 per cent of project starts, totalling £328m. The region grew 223 per cent on a year ago. Accounting for 16 per cent, starts in the West Midlands also tripled, totalling £238m. The East Midlands, on the other hand, fell 69 per cent on a year ago to total £184m.

The South East led detailed planning approvals, thanks to 8 per cent growth on a year ago, totalling £332m. The South West also increased 13 per cent, totalling £220m. Consents grew 2 per cent in the West Midlands, bumping the total to £189m.

Glenigan is CN Intelligence’s partner for UK construction project data, market analysis and company intelligence.

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