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The construction sector is a key driver of the UK economy, accounting for 7% of the country’s total output and providing 9% of all jobs. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the industry experienced its fastest growth in almost a year in May 2024, driven by a surge in house building and infrastructure projects. As the demand for large-scale developments increases, construction continues to play a pivotal role in both economic growth and employment across the UK.
From large-scale public projects to essential infrastructure services, the companies highlighted below represent the leaders in the sector, consistently pushing the boundaries of engineering, sustainability, and workforce management.
Here’s a look at the top construction companies making significant contributions in 2023.
50 of the large U.K. Construction Companies
Wondering what the top 50 construction companies in the U.K. are? Here’s a list compiled using 2023 data from The Construction Index.
Rank | Company | Revenue (Billion GBP) |
1 | Balfour Beatty | 7.629 |
2 | Morgan Sindall Group | 3.612 |
3 | Kier Group | 3.144 |
4 | Keller Group | 2.995 |
5 | Amey UK | 2.328 |
6 | ISG | 2.185 |
7 | Tarmac Trading | 2.136 |
8 | Mace | 1.937 |
9 | M Group Services | 1.865 |
10 | Laing O’Rourke | 1.807 |
11 | Wates Group | 1.787 |
12 | J Murphy & Sons | 1.491 |
13 | Costain Group | 1.421 |
14 | Skanska UK | 1.400 |
15 | Galliford Try | 1.237 |
16 | Winvic Group | 1.217 |
17 | VINCI Construction UK | 1.166 |
18 | VolkerWessels UK | 1.152 |
19 | Willmott Dixon Holdings | 1.147 |
20 | Bowmer & Kirkland | 1.147 |
21 | John Graham Holdings | 1.094 |
22 | Sir Robert McAlpine | 1.087 |
23 | BAM Nuttall | 1.073 |
24 | Mears Group | 0.960 |
25 | BAM Construct UK | 0.919 |
26 | Equans Regeneration | 0.870 |
27 | Renew Holdings | 0.816 |
28 | JRL Group Holdings | 0.761 |
29 | McLaren Construction Group | 0.752 |
30 | Buckingham Group Contracting | 0.665 |
31 | Eurovia UK | 0.632 |
32 | Robertson Group | 0.616 |
33 | Multiplex Construction Europe | 0.562 |
34 | ESSCI | 0.562 |
35 | Lendlease Construction | 0.554 |
36 | Keltbray Group | 0.528 |
37 | NG Bailey Group | 0.500 |
38 | Ferrovial Construction | 0.493 |
39 | Severfield | 0.492 |
40 | Caddick Group | 0.492 |
41 | Bouygues (U.K.) | 0.484 |
42 | FM Conway | 0.478 |
43 | Northstone (NI) | 0.472 |
44 | McLaughlin & Harvey | 0.469 |
45 | TSL | 0.455 |
46 | Tilbury Douglas Construction | 0.447 |
47 | United Living Holdings | 0.437 |
48 | TClarke | 0.426 |
49 | Glencar Construction | 0.418 |
50 | Ardmore Construction Ltd | 0.415 |
10 of the largest U.K. Construction Companies
Balfour Beatty
Balfour Beatty comes in at the top construction company in the UK with an impressive £9.42 billion in revenue for 2023. Under the leadership of CEO Leo Quinn, the company employs approximately 26,000 people globally.
Established in 1909 by George Balfour and Andrew Beatty, Balfour has expanded from its early days as a tramway contractor into a global infrastructure powerhouse with operations in the UK, US, and Hong Kong.
The company’s mission is focused on delivering sustainable infrastructure solutions that positively impact communities, driven by core values of safety, integrity, teamwork, and innovation.
Some of Balfour Beatty’s most notable projects include:
- A14 Improvement Scheme (£1.5 billion)
- HS2 High-Speed Rail
- Battersea Power Station redevelopment
Sources: Construction News, Barbour ABI.
Morgan Sindall Group
Morgan Sindall Group has cemented its position as a key player in the UK construction market, boasting a revenue of £3.5 billion in 2023. Led by CEO John Morgan, the company employs approximately 6,000 people and fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement in its approach to modern construction challenges.
The company has grown significantly since it was founded in 1977 through strategic acquisitions. It now specializes in construction, infrastructure, and urban regeneration projects across the UK.
Morgan Sindall’s mission centers on creating sustainable environments that improve the quality of life, and the company emphasizes core values such as integrity, collaboration, and excellence in its operations.
Notable projects that showcase Morgan Sindall’s expertise include:
- Tideway Super Sewer
- Werrington Grade Separation
- Numerous educational facilities
Sources: Barbour ABI, Construction Digital.
Kier Group PLC
Kier Group PLC ranks among the top construction companies in the UK with a revenue of £1.99 billion in 2023. Founded in 1928 and now under the leadership of CEO Andrew Davies, the company employs approximately 16,000 staff and places a strong emphasis on delivering sustainable solutions across various sectors.
Some of Kier Group’s focuses include:
- Healthcare facilities
- Infrastructure projects for Transport for London
Sources: Building.co.uk, Barbour ABI.
Keller Group
Keller Group has positioned itself as a global leader in geotechnical solutions, reporting a revenue of £1.59 billion in 2023. Established in 1860, Keller’s expertise lies in providing advanced engineering solutions for technically challenging construction projects. The company has grown significantly and now operates globally to improve ground conditions and strengthen infrastructure.
Keller’s mission is to create sustainable, long-lasting infrastructure that addresses the challenges of urbanization and environmental impact. Under the leadership of CEO Paul Cossell, the company employs approximately 11,000 people globally.
Notable projects that highlight Keller Group’s technical capabilities include:
- Cardiff Transport Interchange
- Britishvolt Gigafactory
Sources: Barbour ABI, Construction Digital.
Skanska UK
Skanska UK is a leading construction company in the UK with a reported revenue of £1.4 billion in 2022. Originally founded in Sweden in 1887 as a concrete manufacturer, Skanska expanded into the UK to provide construction services, and it has since become a key player in the market.
Skanska’s mission centers on building for a better society, with a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and reducing carbon footprints in all of its operations. Under the leadership of CEO Anders Danielsson, Skanska UK employs approximately 27,000 people globally.
Notable projects completed by Skanska UK include:
- HS2 Main Works (as part of a joint venture)
- The Gherkin (30 St Mary Axe), London
- Crossrail projects
Sources: Construction Digital, Barbour ABI.
Tarmac Trading
Tarmac Trading is a recognized leader in the UK’s construction industry, with a revenue of £1.5 billion in 2023. Founded over a century ago and now employing around 7,000 people, Tarmac is credited with pioneering the development of modern asphalt roads – a legacy that has shaped global infrastructure. In 2007 Tarmac became part of CRH PLC, further expanding its capabilities in the construction materials sector.
Tarmac’s mission revolves around producing sustainable building materials and delivering construction solutions that prioritize quality, safety, and environmental responsibility.
Tarmac’s focuses include:
- Various road contracting projects nationwide
- Infrastructure services for highways maintenance
Source: Construction Index.
ISG PLC
ISG, a specialist construction company, reported a revenue of £1.2 billion in 2023. Founded in 1994, ISG has rapidly grown to become a leading provider of fit-out services and engineering solutions across various sectors. The company is renowned for creating spaces that enhance the lives of the people who use them.
ISG’s mission is to deliver projects that are both environmentally responsible and designed for future needs, with an emphasis on sustainability and continuous improvement. Under the leadership of CEO Paul Cossell, ISG employs around 3,000 people.
Some of ISG’s most notable projects include:
- Cardiff Transport Interchange
- Britishvolt Gigafactory
- Waterloo International Redevelopment
Sources: Building.co.uk, Glenigan.
Laing O’Rourke
Laing O’Rourke is a prominent construction and engineering firm in the UK, reporting revenue of £1.5 billion in 2023. Established in the early 1970s, the company has become known for its world-class engineering capabilities and innovative building solutions with operations that extend internationally.
Led by CEO Ray O’Rourke, the company employs around 15,000 people, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and technological advancement in the construction space.
Notable projects that demonstrate Laing O’Rourke’s expertise include:
- Hinkley Point C Nuclear Power Station
- Everton Football Stadium
Sources: Construction News, Barbour ABI.
Amey UK
Amey UK is a leading infrastructure support services provider, with a revenue of £1.24 billion in 2023. Established in 1921, Amey has grown into a key player in the UK, focusing on transportation, utilities, and public services. The company’s extensive portfolio includes vital public sector contracts, particularly in the maintenance of transport infrastructure and Highways England projects.
Amey’s mission is to deliver sustainable infrastructure solutions that prioritize safety and foster community engagement. Led by CEO Andy Milner, the company employs approximately 16,000 people and promotes a culture of inclusivity and employee development.
Notable projects undertaken by Amey include:
- Various public sector contracts for transport infrastructure maintenance
- Highways England projects
Sources: Glenigan, Building.co.uk.
Costain Group
Costain Group boasted a revenue of £1.42 billion in 2022. Founded in 1865, the company has grown from a small contractor to a leader in delivering integrated solutions across various sectors, including transport and energy.
Costain’s mission is centered on delivering integrated solutions that enhance infrastructure while emphasizing sustainability. Under the leadership of CEO Alex Vaughan, the company employs around 3,500 people, fostering a culture of collaboration and innovation in all its projects.
Notable projects led by Costain include:
- Smart motorways projects
- Thames Tideway Tunnel
Sources: Construction Index, Barbour ABI.
Regional Flagship Projects
The following table highlights some of the most significant flagship construction projects across different regions in the UK, showcasing the scale and economic impact of these projects.
Region | Notable Project | Company | Project Value |
Greater London | Houses of Parliament Restoration | Various contractors | £3.5 billion |
North West | Department for Transport Road Resurfacing Works | Various contractors | £3.3 billion |
East of England | Sizewell C Nuclear Power Station | EDF Energy | £34.8 billion |
Midlands | HS2 Phase 1 – Central Birmingham (Curzon Street) Station | Various contractors | £571 million |
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