UK in EU? Majority in industry say yes
– but it’s close
7th June 2016

A survey has revealed that a narrow majority of construction professionals want the UK to stay in the EU when the country votes on June 23.

The findings come from UK Construction Week’s EU Referendum survey, which received over 3,000 respondents – representing the most comprehensive canvas of opinion within the sector on the EU vote. The headline result of the survey revealed that 57 per cent of construction professionals want to remain in the EU, while 43 per cent wish to leave.

Other notable findings from the EU referendum survey include:

• Over two-thirds of Architects believe that EU manufacturing companies with HQ’s in the UK would suffer job losses if the UK left the EU
• Engineers are three times more likely to say that leaving the EU will have a negative effect on major infrastructure projects such as Heathrow, HS2 and CrossRail than a positive one
• Sub-contractors are twice as likely to vote to leave the EU than Architects
• Cash flow for inward investments for new developments would suffer as a result of leaving the EU according to 61 per cent of architects
• Of those surveyed, 55 per cent believed that imported materials would cost more if the UK were to leave the EU
• 70 per cent of contractors believe that leaving the EU would strengthen the case for greater support for UK manufacturing from the UK government
• Twice as many professionals working in companies that trade beyond the UK’s borders believe that UK manufacturers in the built environment would be effected negatively by the £/Euro rate if the UK left the EU than positively

Taking place at the Birmingham NEC from 18 – 20 October, UK Construction Week combines nine shows in one location. With over 24,000 trade visitors last year - a figure expected to double at this year’s event - the show boasts over 1,000 exhibitors.

Visitors are able to attend Timber Expo, the Build Show, Civils Expo, the Surface and Materials Show, Energy 2016, Plant & Machinery Live, HVAC 2016, Smart Buildings 2016 and Grand Designs Live.

www.ukconstructionweek.com