South Yorkshire Construction ‘Needs Metro Mayor’

The construction sector in South Yorkshire needs a metropolitan mayor with devolved power and funding to help the industry “weather the storm” after Brexit next year.

A meeting of the Forum for the Built Environment was hosted recently, where developers, economists, politicians and lawyers all came together to discuss the challenges facing the industry in the coming year.

The Star revealed that a shortage of skilled construction workers after the UK exits the EU is one of the biggest concerns, while developers are also worried about rising import tariffs and the impact this could have on the cost of projects.

Concerns were also raised about a lack of investment due to the uncertainty created by Brexit. However, those at the meeting highlighted the positive role devolution in South Yorkshire could play.

Martin McKervey, of law firm CMS which hosted the meeting, told the newspaper that regions with a metro mayor are receiving higher levels of funding than those without.

“Devolutions is important to South Yorkshire. We will elect a mayor in May and we must complete the deal otherwise we won’t be in the front line of cities,” he asserted.

However, Brexit could present more opportunities for local firms, with those at the meeting also being told that following the UK’s exit from the EU, local councils would be given the power to introduce ‘buy local’ policies that would favour local firms and suppliers when launching construction projects.

Last month, a 30-year transport plan for the north of England was unveiled, and having such buy local policies in place when it comes to delivering the required infrastructure could be a boost for local construction firms.

If you need fibre cement roofing sheets, or other construction materials, for a project in Yorkshire, contact us today.