Yorkshire sees biggest rise in public sector construction tenders

Yorkshire has seen the highest level of growth in new public sector construction projects over the past three years.

According to the latest figures from public sector tender alerts service Tenders Direct, the region saw a 42% rise in public sector construction tenders available to private contractors, greater than the growth of other regions combined.

This is despite flat progress across the UK and Ireland overall. Other regional pockets showing positive results include the South West and the Midlands.

Continued investment in the Northern Powerhouse and the announcement of new City Deals are likely to be key drivers, the report says. Public sector investment in schemes such as the Great Yorkshire Way in Doncaster have also contributed to the number of tenders locally. Increased devolution and public spending in infrastructure will continue to support ongoing recovery and growth. Tenders Direct said.

Penny Godfrey, general manager at Millstream, which delivers Tenders Direct, said: “The significant rise in public sector construction tenders in Yorkshire underlines that confidence is returning to the construction sector regionally. It shows how important public sector tenders are to the local economy and that there are clearly opportunities, even if the wider construction environment is still in recovery mode after the hard years of the recession.

“While the national picture for public sector construction contracts may remain flat, this surge in regional confidence in the construction sector is heartening.”

Leeds-based Sweco, an engineering, environment and design consultancy, has worked on a number of major infrastructure projects across the UK, including the upgrading of the A1M and Saltend Wastewater Treatment Works in Yorkshire.

Max Joy, managing director of Sweco UK said: “Public sector construction contracts have played a key role in the strength of our UK business. The government’s recent announcement of additional investment in infrastructure looks set to increase the number of opportunities in the region.

“We are continuing to see high demand for our services and expertise, and look forward to delivering more projects that will contribute to infrastructure development and growth across Yorkshire and the UK.”