The Infrastructure Podcast: Episode 71

Guest:  Julie White, managing director of D-Drill and chair of Build UK.

Harnessing the power of small business

In this podcast we talk about the vital role of small businesses in driving growth into the UK economy as they invest in skills and technology to lead innovation and new thinking across the infrastructure sector.

And as we approach the General Election and all parties talk about the need to drive growth, it is a great moment to talk about how government can stimulate this massive engine.

While the big projects and large global consultant and contractors tend to steal the headlines and occupy the seats of power and influence across the sector, the reality is that it is the army of small and medium size enterprises that really keep the entire sector going; 

According to Build UK, the construction sector employs 3.1 million people, which is 1 in 10 of the UK workforce, and it has the largest share of self- employed people across the economy at 19%. 

And across its members, it adds, he average size of the workforce of was 2,621, with 82% of those directly employed.

But we need a whole lot more talent, In fact, according to a recent report by the Construction Industry Training Board, it is estimated that for the sector to maintain its required output, it needs to recruit over 45,000 new people every year for the next five years. 

It’s a massive challenge and a vital challenge if we are to truly leverage the power of these small businesses that sit at the heart of the industry and make it all happen. 

So who better to discuss this with than, Julie White, managing director of specialist contractor D-Drill and chair of Build UK, the body representing the UK contractors. Julie is an entrepreneur and until the election was called, a member of the Prime Minister’s Small Business Council in the Department for Business and Trade. 

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