By Annie Platts, Construction Sector Development Lead, GM Business Growth Hub
The construction sector plays a pivotal role in delivering Greater Manchester’s long-term vision of becoming a thriving, inclusive, and sustainable city region where everyone can live a good life. It underpins the Mayor’s £10bn Growth and Prevention Delivery Plan, which aims to regenerate all 10 boroughs of Greater Manchester.
It enables the development of 75,000 new homes, employment spaces, and transport infrastructure, directly contributing to job creation and economic expansion. It is also a vital part of Greater Manchester’s ambition to be zero carbon by 2038.
However, it’s also a sector facing real challenges: skills shortages, supply chain pressures, and the need to innovate at a rapid pace. With a clear mission to support long-term growth, collaboration, and innovation for the sector across the region, I’ve taken on a new role at the Business Growth Hub as the Construction Sector Development Lead.
Strengthening the Sector Through Strategic Support
Focusing on building a stronger, more competitive construction sector in Greater Manchester, I will lead the Hub’s initiatives to strengthen and enhance the sector’s competitiveness. This involves mapping the sector, identifying opportunities, and developing tailored programmes that align with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) and broader regional strategies.
Through our sector development work, GM Business Growth Hub provides construction businesses with access to expert guidance, market intelligence, and strategic support to help them grow sustainably and contribute to the region’s long-term goals.
Addressing the Skills Shortage
My new role will also play a vital part in shaping the future of the sector through policy and advocacy. To achieve this, it is crucial for us to gather intelligence from clients and advisors across the Hub, as well as key partners and industry networks operating in Greater Manchester.
Earlier this year, GM Business Growth Hub held a roundtable discussion to explore the challenges faced by the industry. With a projected need for 250,000 additional workers by 2028, the sector’s most pressing issue is a significant skills shortage. We’ve identified four main factors contributing to the problem:
- A lack of confidence in project pipelines
- A negative perception of the sector
- Misalignment in training programmes
- Difficulties in retaining staff
While some organisations are actively working to bridge the skills gap, it is clear that more collaborative efforts at the grassroots level are needed. In positive news, a new skills budget is on the horizon, presenting a significant opportunity to upskill our workforce and prepare for the future.
To address this, I will work closely with education and training providers to ensure that construction businesses can access and maximise the benefits of this investment. GM Business Growth Hub also offers workforce development support to help businesses align their talent strategies with growth ambitions.
Localising Supply Chains and Advocating for Innovation
Addressing the skills gap is just one of the campaigns I’ll be advocating for, alongside innovation and the sustainability of the sector. A clear message from construction leaders is that we cannot tackle major challenges by sticking to traditional methods. At the Hub, we will continue to champion the use of advanced materials and modern construction techniques to meet these challenges effectively.
Greater Manchester is the second-leading region for construction in the UK, following London. The sector is recognised as a crucial driver of regional growth. Despite facing broader economic challenges such as rising costs and a slight decline in business confidence, construction continues to play a vital role in regeneration and investment.
We aim to ensure that local businesses benefit from this activity. To achieve this, we will focus on localising supply chains for major Greater Manchester projects. GM Business Growth Hub works with public sector investors, developers, and contractors to simplify procurement and assist SMEs in becoming tender-ready for new opportunities.
Looking Ahead
This role goes beyond simply supporting individual businesses; it's about shaping the future of the construction sector in Greater Manchester. Construction isn’t just about buildings—it’s about building futures. It’s the engine behind Greater Manchester’s ambition to grow fairly and sustainably.
I’m excited to lead this initiative and to be part of a team dedicated to making a real and lasting impact.
Let’s Work Together
If you’re a change-maker in the sector or a construction business looking to grow, innovate, or connect with the wider ecosystem, GM Business Growth Hub is here to help. If you are looking for support to navigate the complexities around tendering, connect to the latest innovations and green technology, and upskill your workforce, our sector specialists can offer tailored support to help you overcome challenges and seize new opportunities.
📞 Call us on 0161 359 3050 to speak with one of our advisors.