CPA/Oxford Economics Report Available to Download

Following many months of research, the CPA/Oxford Economics report entitled ‘The Economic Impact of the UK Construction Plant-hire Sector’ has been launched and can now be downloaded below. The report was officially launched at the CPA Conference on 7th November and is the first fully comprehensive study of the UK’s plant-hire sector.

The CPA commissioned Oxford Economics to research and write the report into the size and scope of the plant-hire sector in the UK. It makes a compelling read for both those employed in the sector, but also for policymakers and stakeholders. It also helps put into perspective the breadth and scope of the sector and why it remains a key destination for highly skilled jobs and roles.

Key findings of the CPA/Oxford Economics report  include:

• The construction plant-hire sector contributes £14 billion annually to the UK economy
• Construction plant-hire contributes 191,500 jobs* to the UK economy
• For every £100 contributed to GDP directly by construction plant-hire, the sector supports a total of £218 around the economy
• Construction plant-hire workers are 16% more productive than the average UK worker, with a higher share being company managers or directors
• For every 100 people directly employed by construction plant-hire, the sector supports a total of 216 jobs around the economy

* The UK construction plant-hire sector employs an estimated 88,600 workers, including those who work for plant-hire firms and plant operators hired in on a temporary basis. The sector also supports 44,800 jobs around the economy and the effect of workers spending their wages supports an estimated 58,200 jobs. 

Steve Mulholland, CPA Chief Executive Officer commented: “This research was carried out over many months and we were excited to share the findings for the first time at the CPA Conference. While the report is an opportunity to showcase the plant-hire sector, it also acts as a chance to review the progress made over recent years and the contribution CPA members make to the wider UK economy. 

“Over the last few years, plant-hire businesses have had to adapt and evolve in order to survive. As we look to the future, it is one full of opportunities, growth, new technologies and innovations. Decarbonisation and the move to a net zero economy has been at the forefront of policymakers’ plans – it is important that our sector plays its part in this process, as the move away from diesel and fossil fuels gathers pace. This, alongside the rise of AI and digitalisation, will all have a profound impact on plant-hire companies in the coming decades. 

“The role of the CPA will also evolve as we meet these future challenges and opportunities, working hand in hand with our members in supporting them. This economic impact study helps set the foundations for moving forward for the CPA across every facet of our work and engagement and celebrating 90 years of supporting the UK’s construction plant-hire sector. It has only been possible because of the contribution our members have made to our continuing success,” he continued.