21st January 2025
The roundtable discussion highlighted the potential of manufactured construction to deliver affordable, sustainable and high-quality homes, whilst addressing skills and capacity challenges in the UK construction sector. Participants emphasised that while manufactured construction can expediate projects, sometimes up to 35 per cent faster compared to traditional construction, adoption of off-site methods is hindered by limited incentives.
Economic benefits of manufactured construction were noted, including lower long-term operational costs, good job creation, and opportunities for upskilling the workforce. Employment challenges, such as creating a stable skills pipeline, were discussed.
Participants underscored the importance of aligning government strategy with industry efforts to foster collaboration and meet the goal of 1.5 million new homes. The need for social value was emphasised, with examples of positive impacts such as working with ex-offenders.
Key themes included the need for greater incentives, addressing the tension between capital and revenue spending, social value, government and industry collaboration, and public perception of new housing.
