The Challenge of Growth in the North Essex Construction Sector Supply Chain

Latest News • March 12, 2018

In a move to stimulate the north Essex construction sector the Essex Skills Board and Colchester Institute recently drew together major players in the industry with representatives from construction trades across the piece to discuss the challenges of growth in the sector.

More than 30 companies attended to hear from Colchester Borough Council’s Karen Turnbull about a variety of projects coming forward in an eye-watering construction pipeline which will demand significant up-skilling, innovation and apprenticeships.  The aim of the event was to encourage local construction businesses to go for growth.

The event also included a panel discussion consisting of main contractors and developers which explored the skills and growth challenges; looking at supporting the construction supply chain to invest in growth.  Afterwards, guests also got the chance to attend a BEST Growth Hub workshop on ‘How to Manage Risk in your Business’.

By 2036, Essex will need 180,000 new homes, will see two nationally important infrastructure projects in Bradwell B power station and the Lower Thames Crossing, plus improving the supporting road and rail infrastructure provision; so it was important for construction companies to get together to discuss the opportunities for growth and skills challenges.   In particular the audience heard about the scale of:

• New residential developments – 43,700 new houses across Tendring, Braintree and Colchester districts by 2033
• New Commercial developments at
• Colchester northern gateway – a £137m project to create a new leisure, sports, business and housing destination
• Stanway retail development – Tollgate Village, Stane Park commercial developments
• Mercury Theatre redevelopment – a £9m project to refurbish and extend the theatre
• University of Essex – £250m growth plans
• Ultrafast Broadband – plans to extend Fibre Gigabit connectivity from its town centre base

This event was a follow-up to the ESB’s ‘Construction Opportunities is Essex’ event held late last year and held workshops on ‘Winning Work’ and ‘Grow Your Business Grow Your People’.

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