Is it right the UK construction industry imports around £12bn of materials and products a year? That figure represents around 25% of the total spend on construction materials and products in the UK.

All the figures can be found in the ONS monthly reports issued by the UK Government. The latest summary graph shown opposite continues the trend of a growing trade deficit.

Should we in the industry be thinking more locally or regionally … and favouring local materials and labour when considering options at the feasibility stage of a project?