Viki Bell, CEO of the CEA (Construction Equipment Association), said:
“The King’s Speech sets out a legislative programme with several important signals for the UK construction equipment sector. Its focus on economic security, infrastructure, improved trading relations, skills, energy independence, regulation and support for SMEs speaks directly to many of the issues facing our members.
For construction equipment manufacturers, suppliers, dealers, hire companies and the wider supply chain, long-term confidence matters. The Government’s commitment to major infrastructure, including roads, rail, water, housing, airport expansion and energy projects, is welcome. These ambitions cannot be delivered without the machinery, technology, engineering capability and skilled workforce that sit behind every major project.
We are particularly encouraged by the continued focus on apprenticeships, vocational education and measures to tackle youth unemployment. The speech rightly recognises that poor perceptions of vocational education can hold young people back. This is something our sector understands well. Construction equipment offers high-value careers in engineering, manufacturing, field service, digital technology, product support, sales and leadership, yet too many young people remain unaware of the opportunities available to them.
The CEA will look closely at the Government’s response to the Milburn and Timms reviews. It is vital that future skills policy is shaped in collaboration with industry and reflects the practical needs of employers, particularly SMEs, which play a significant role across the construction equipment supply chain. If the UK is serious about delivering major infrastructure, strengthening manufacturing and building a cleaner, more productive economy, then skills must sit at the heart of that plan.
We also welcome the proposed legislation to tackle late payments. Cashflow remains a serious issue for many SMEs, and late payment can restrict investment, recruitment, training and day-to-day business confidence. Stronger protections would be a positive step for smaller businesses across the engineering, manufacturing and construction equipment supply chains.
The commitment to improved trading relations, including stronger ties with the European Union, will also be important for CEA members. Many businesses in our sector continue to manage the practical impacts of customs processes, regulatory divergence, product compliance, and the cross-border movement of machinery, components, and parts. Smoother trade, clearer rules and reduced friction would support competitiveness and help UK businesses grow in both domestic and export markets.
The proposed Regulating for Growth Bill is another area we will follow closely. Regulation must protect safety, quality and standards, but it must also be workable for business and keep pace with innovation. Construction equipment is changing quickly, with advances in safety systems, telematics, connected machinery, alternative power, automation and digital tools. Policy should help responsible innovation move forward, not slow it down through unnecessary complexity.
Energy security and clean British energy are also closely linked to the future of our sector. The move towards lower-carbon construction equipment will require more than new machines. It will need investment in grid capacity, charging infrastructure, alternative fuels, battery storage, hydrogen, site power and clear guidance for contractors, hire companies and manufacturers. The CEA will continue to press for a practical approach that recognises the realities of operating equipment on working sites.
The reference to safeguarding domestic steel production is also significant. A secure and competitive steel sector is part of the UK’s wider industrial resilience and remains important to construction equipment manufacturing and the supply chain.
Cybersecurity and resilience should not be overlooked either. As machinery becomes more connected through telematics, digital platforms and remote monitoring, cybersecurity is becoming a growing consideration for manufacturers, fleet owners, and hire companies. Any future requirements must be clear, proportionate and practical for businesses of all sizes.
At a time of political uncertainty, businesses need stability, clarity and delivery. CEA members will want to see the detail behind these Bills brought forward quickly and shaped in close consultation with industry.
Overall, this speech contains several areas of direct relevance to CEA members. The test will be in detail on how these Bills are developed and delivered. The CEA will continue to engage with the Government to ensure the voice of the construction equipment sector is heard clearly.
Our message is simple: the UK’s infrastructure, housing, energy and industrial ambitions depend on a strong construction equipment sector. Our members provide the machinery, people, technology and expertise needed to turn policy into delivery. Government must now ensure that the legislative programme supports investment, reduces unnecessary barriers, improves trade, backs SMEs and helps build the skilled workforce our sector needs.”
King Charles III. Image GOV.UK