Rachel Coleman, Research Associate Director at Turner & Townsend

The Industrial Strategy marks a positive partnership between industries and government, aimed at supporting high-potential sectors and addressing the challenges they face as part of a crucial long-term approach. The Strategy is full of ideas and ambitious goals, but we need to ensure that these intentions are both deliverable and fully backed by commitment.

Although not classified as one of the primary focus sectors, there were notable highlights for construction: the embedding of MMC in government infrastructure projects, the introduction of a digital dashboard for the Infrastructure Pipeline to provide long-term confidence, and a skills package designed to equip the sector with an appropriately skilled workforce. Additionally, the sector will benefit indirectly from initiatives aimed at reducing energy costs for high-intensity users and expediting grid connections.

Stewart Bailey, Founder and CEO at Virtual Viewing

The Industry Strategy is an ambitious plan and is something UK plc desperately needs. We need drive, focus and above all ambition to make the UK the industrial powerhouse it should be. I whole heartedly support and endorse the strategy and will be engaging directly in each of the sectors.

Jason Fowler, Infrastructure Lead, Gardiner & Theobald

The Government’s Modern Industrial Strategy promises a shift toward long-term investment in the UK’s industrial and economic future. Its focus on high-potential sectors—particularly advanced manufacturing, clean energy, life sciences and defence—aligns closely with our work across the built environment to support nationally significant programmes and critical infrastructure. We are particularly encouraged by the emphasis on enablers such as skills, innovation and infrastructure—areas where the construction and consultancy sectors have a vital role to play. At G&T, we are committed to helping clients unlock the full potential of this strategy, from delivering low-carbon facilities and R&D hubs to supporting the reshoring of manufacturing and the decarbonisation of industry. We look forward to working alongside both public and private partners to turn this ten-year vision into tangible outcomes on the ground.

Theodore Harding, Head of Commercial at Cityscape Digital

From my perspective, the success of these initiatives will always come back to education and adoption, yet if embraced, could have huge impacts. For the UK real estate industry, which has so much potential but can be perceived as slow to change, this is absolutely vital. It feels like a clear recognition that leveraging things like advanced data analytics, AI, and immersive technologies isn't another thing to have to find budget for, but about fundamentally rethinking how we design, build, market, and manage land and opportunities to create genuinely better outcomes and unlock greater commercial value. Making the entire process more efficient, more insightful, and ultimately, more appealing on the global stage. Embracing this digital imperative is key to future-proofing the sector and ensuring the UK remains competitive internationally. If we don't adapt and adopt, we'll see that investment directed elsewhere.