17 construction firms merge

17 infrastructure firms to join together to bid for major contracts abroad



International trade minister Greg Hands has launched a new service to help UK construction companies secure billions in new contracts abroad.


The Department for International Trade is set to team up with 17 of the UK’s leading firms from the infrastructure industry to form a new partnership to help UK companies secure new international contracts.

Infrastructure Exports: UK (IE: UK) will bring together companies of all sizes to bid for global infrastructure contracts as a single ‘Team UK’ consortia.

Launched last week, the new body will be co-chaired by Mr Hands and James Wates, chairman of the Wates Group.

The main aim of IE: UK is to make the UK more competitive on the global stage and bring smaller companies into the infrastructure export supply chain.

Mr Hands said: “Global infrastructure investment is set to increase rapidly in the coming years and we must make sure UK firms are in prime position to take advantage of it.

“Our ‘Team UK’ approach will bring together leading UK infrastructure companies to showcase their expertise on a global scale and work together to successfully bid for the biggest contracts.”

Companies from all over the UK, including Midlands-based Carillion, Mace Group from London, and Northern Ireland’s Lagan Construction will make up IE: UK, representing 200,000 employees from across the UK.

“This is a timely, fresh and strategic approach,” said Mr Wates.

“The UK has a wealth of expertise in developing major infrastructure projects.

“This is a great opportunity for businesses to work together – alongside the government – to target overseas projects, as many countries around the world plan to develop their physical infrastructure to support their own economic growth.”

 



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