Navigating New Trends and Regulations in the UK Construction Industry
If you work in construction, you already know that change is constant. But over the past year, UK construction companies — particularly SMEs and those involved in infrastructure projects — have seen a noticeable shift in industry regulations, insurance requirements, and sustainability expectations.
At AKN Engineering, a site engineering and land surveying company based in Hertfordshire, we support contractors across the surrounding counties, including Cambridgeshire, Essex, Norfolk and Suffolk. Our work on highway construction projects keeps us closely involved in the day-to-day changes that affect how construction is delivered. In this blog, we’ll break down what’s changed, what’s coming, and how you can stay ahead.
Navigating change: AKN use advanced site surveying tools to stay ahead of evolving UK construction regulations and industry trends.
1. What UK Construction Regulations Are Changing in 2025?
One of the most talked-about changes is the Procurement Act 2023, which officially came into effect in October 2024. It applies to public sector procurement in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland — and it’s a big shift.
The Act aims to simplify procurement by merging several existing regulations into a single framework. For companies like ours that regularly support public sector infrastructure works, it brings more transparency, less red tape, and a fairer chance for smaller suppliers to compete.
To learn more, check out this Procurement Act 2023 summary on GOV.UK.
2. Sustainability and Supply Chain Expectations (UK-Focused)
Even though the UK is no longer bound by EU directives, sustainability and ethical sourcing are still becoming key requirements across public and private sector projects. Many tenders now require evidence of your environmental impact, carbon reduction efforts, and how you manage your suppliers.
Construction companies — even subcontractors — are being asked to document their sustainability approach, including how they reduce waste, source materials responsibly, and lower emissions.
If you're bidding on public projects, it’s worth familiarising yourself with the UK Government’s Procurement Policy Note (PPN) 06/21 which encourages buyers to assess a supplier’s Carbon Reduction Plan as part of contract evaluation.
3. Insurance: The Ongoing Challenge of PI Cover
Professional Indemnity (PI) insurance remains a difficult area, particularly for consultants and engineering firms. Following the fallout from the Grenfell tragedy, many providers have tightened policies or pulled out of the construction sector altogether.
In 2025, we still face higher premiums and limited cover, particularly around fire safety and design responsibility. Companies must now be proactive with risk management and make sure teams are trained and documentation is watertight.
For project managers, this means choosing contractors who are transparent and compliant — and who take quality assurance seriously from the ground up.
4. Construction Technology on the Rise
On the tools side, BIM (Building Information Modelling) and augmented reality (AR) are seeing wider adoption across UK infrastructure projects. These technologies are helping engineers visualise designs and avoid mistakes before they reach site.
At AKN Engineering, we continue to invest in tools that enhance accuracy in setting out and topographic surveying, especially on high-speed highways and roundabout improvements.
Interested in BIM standards? Visit the UK BIM Framework for guidance
5. How SMEs Can Compete and Comply in 2025
If you’re a project manager, engineer or business owner, the best way to stay compliant is to work with companies who are already up to speed.
At AKN Engineering, we train our engineers to understand current regulations, apply best practices on-site, and support main contractors with flexible, professional site engineering services. We’ve contributed to projects across the East of England and specialise in highway construction, offering both setting out and survey support that meets today's standards.
Whether you’re working on a local road project or part of a major framework, staying up to date with construction trends in 2025 isn’t just helpful — it’s necessary. From new procurement rules to supply chain accountability, the landscape is evolving fast.
For more insights into Land Surveying and Setting out in Construction, and to explore our range of services or contact us, visit our website. We’re here to support your projects with our expertise and dedication to quality.