Construction Wave’s top 10 best-read stories of 2025

Construction Wave counts down the top 10 best-read stories of the year* – find out who’s made the list and enjoy!

As 2025 brings a wave of change and opportunity to the construction industry, we’ve curated the top 10 stories that showcase the key trends, innovations, and milestones that have defined the sector this year, piquing the interest of our readership.

From bold moves to key milestones, these stories highlight the industry’s resilience and drive for change.

So without further ado…

At 10…

Mace Consult span off as an independent entity following a majority investment from Goldman Sachs Alternatives.

The strategic move, which set the consultancy arm up for accelerated growth and acquisitions, allowed Mace to target key markets while continuing to benefit from its longstanding leadership and expertise in global projects.

At number 9…

RSK Group strengthened its environmental portfolio with the acquisition of AGEA, an environmental consultancy firm with a strong Latin American presence.

The deal added 65 professionals to RSK’s 200-strong acquisition list, bolstering its renewable energy expertise and positioning the group for further expansion in sustainable sectors worldwide.

Taking the number 8 spot…

Morris & Spottiswood recently celebrated its 100th year with a turnover boost, now set to reach £265 million, following the strategic acquisition of ISG’s Retail team.

The move, which will add £100 million in turnover in the foreseeable future, positions the company as an end-to-end services provider with nine specialised businesses across the UK.

Rolling in at number 7…

A closer look at the gross margins of the UK’s top five contractors over the past decade showed a familiar pattern of low margins, typically hovering between 5-8 per cent.

Despite the ups and downs caused by Brexit, the pandemic, and inflation, companies like Morgan Sindall and Mace have stayed resilient, with steady margins, while others like Balfour Beatty and Kier have seen fluctuating profits, proving that strong risk management and cost control remain crucial in the construction game.

At number 6…

HSS Hire resumed trading on the AIM after revealing a £130.3 million loss, following major restructuring and a transformative deal with Speedy Hire.

The £35 million agreement shifted HSS to a digital, asset-light marketplace, with Speedy becoming the primary supplier for ProService, HSS’s new platform – expected to generate £50 million to £55 million annually.

Coming in at 5…

In our first A Year in Construction series, we took a look at Statom Group, which saw an 11.6 per cent rise in revenue to £159.8 million in 2024.

The contractor’s strategic leadership changes, focus on self-delivery, and strong client relationships helped secure high-profile projects with Berkeley Group and Taylor Wimpey, setting it up for further growth.

At 4…

Laing O’Rourke recently celebrated a record £11.9 billion order book and a shakeup of its executive team to drive modernisation within the construction industry.

The changes include Mark Foy, who previously served as chief executive officer and chief inspector of the Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR), becoming chairman of a new safety committee, alongside the appointment of new senior leaders, reflecting the company’s focus on innovation and growth.

In second place…

In 2025, there were several major leadership appointments that made the list, so we’ve compiled a few to come in at #2, including Mark Cesenek being promoted to head Bouygues UK’s data centre and education businesses, following his extensive experience at ISG.

Meanwhile, Patrick Fitzgerald joined Wates as chief commercial officer, Rhys Williams was appointed director of pre-construction at Archer, and Paul Timlin became chief executive officer at Coinford after 24 years with the company – and these are just a few of the many notable appointments this year.

And… taking the top spot at number 1…

Oliver Connell & Son recently posted a record pre-tax profit of £22.6 million, marking an 11.4 per cent increase on the previous year, alongside a 15 per cent rise in revenues to £150 million.

The family-run construction firm’s growth was driven by a strategic shift to high-value projects and the opening of a new headquarters in Bristol, expanding its footprint into the southwest of the UK and securing new work across multiple regions.

*in this instance, selected for their depth, detail and general positivity. 

Was this interesting? Try: Kier completes £20m share buyback as fresh leadership sets stage for future growth

If you have a tip or story idea that fits with our publication, please contact danielle@wavenews.co.uk