ONS Report Outlines Price Movements in Plant Hire Since 2019
The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has released an article which examines the price movements that have occurred in construction materials and equipment hire between 2019 and 2021, and anaylses the causes behind them. The report includes a brief overview of UK construction projects, and construction input and output levels. Click here to read it in full.
Updated 20th October 2021

Energy and HGV Driver Pressures Continue
The global rise in gas prices has prompted the UK Government to respond, particularly in regard to major energy intensive industries. Increases in energy prices will impact on hire businesses using gas to heat offices and depots. The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) is working alongside the Treasury to formulate an official response.

The national HGV driver shortage means there is still pressure on petrol and diesel supplies in parts of the UK, and the cost increases will have an impact on fleet operations. A report on road fuel prices is available here.

On petrol supplies, the key factor is the availability of suitably qualified HGV drivers. Measures to recruit new and suitably qualified HGV drivers will take time and re-mobilising retired or returning drivers is not a quick process.
Updated 12th October 2021

Red Diesel Replacement Competition Funding
Applications are now open for funding as part of Phase 1 of the competition, which seeks to develop low-carbon alternatives to red diesel. To find out more and apply click here.
Updated 11th October 2021

New Measures to Ease Fuel Supply Chain Pressures
The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) has worked with other government departments to issue an update on the current pressures on access to fuel supplies and further measures to help. Click here for the report.
Published 30th September 2021

Government Reshuffle for England
Prime Minister Boris Johnson is making some new government appointments, click here for updates.
Published 16th September 2021

Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline Report Published
The Infrastructure and Projects Authority and HM Treasury have published an Analysis of the National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline 2021. This now includes a look ahead at planned construction projects and an assessment of workforce demand. Click here to read the paper.
Published 16th September 2021