Manifesto
Key numbers in
infrastructure investment
ACE launches its
Multiplier effect
manifesto for UK
According to UK Contractors Group,
the short term multiplier effect of
spending on infrastructure outstrips
other sectors.
prosperity
Construction
£1 spent = £2.09 of economic activity ACE has launched its manifesto for the up-coming
Agriculture
general election. It calls for better procurement practices,
£1 spent = £1.92 of economic activity
Banking and finance
a long term approach to investment, and a new focus on
£1 spent = £1.72 economic activity
greening existing building stock.
Public administration
£1 spent = £1.30 economic of activity
UK’s competitiveness
In early 2009 the World Economic T
he election campaign is unofficially consensus across politics on developing a
underway. Parties have started low-carbon economy.
issuing weekly policy statements. Nelson Ogunshakin, ACE’s chief
Forum ranked national infrastructure Poll ratings are published and analysed executive, explained: “Engineering
around the world. The UK failed regularly by the newspapers. Now has a vital role to play in helping the
to make the top thirty for overall ACE has joined the debate with its UK transform itself into a low carbon
infrastructure standards. We fell behind own manifesto, ‘Engineering the UK’s economy and ensure a consistent and
Namibia, Malaysia and Portugal. prosperity’. sustainable economic recovery. As a
Engineering has rarely been so recent report by the UK Construction
Overall quality 33rd central to the electoral debate. Talk Group showed, for every £1 invested in
Roads 30th about economic recovery has focused construction a return of almost £2.50 is
Rail 21st on building up hi-tech sectors. Different gained in terms of economic activity.”
Air 35th sides have opposing views on rail, road With that in mind the manifesto raises
Electricity 18th and airport investments. Then there is the some key issues for the environment.
Telecomunications 13th
Investment gap
Policy Exchange has estimated the
immediate infrastructure gap to be
£434billion. This is what it would cost
to simultaneously replace infrastructure
at the end of its life, and develop new
infrastructure to remain competitive.
Energy £264bn
Transport £120bn
Communication £5bn
Water £45bn
Total £434bn
Value for money
Construction output prices have
reversed a rising trend since the credit
crunch, making this a good time to
spend on major works.
Year to mid 2009 -9%
Rise in 13 previous 13 years 60%
16 | Impact • February/March 2010
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