There’s something uniquely valuable about stepping away from your desk, meeting face-to-face, and having real, honest conversations with industry peers. That’s exactly what made this year’s Highways UK event at the NEC such a worthwhile experience. From contractors and consultants to public sector leaders and delivery partners, everyone had something to say about where the sector is heading, and it’s fair to say that there’s a lot to unpack.
One of the biggest takeaways for me was the sheer level of interest in what the post-2025 landscape could look like. While the much-anticipated SDF2 framework is still in the process of being awarded, many people were just as focused on the final 18 months of SDF1. The general mood? One of uncertainty. With National Highways still holding a sizeable amount of spend, the question is whether activity will pick up pace to meet delivery targets or slow down amid wider economic pressures. There’s certainly a sense that the industry is holding its breath.
Another theme that kept cropping up in conversations was the ongoing skills shortage. Is something we talk about a lot, but it’s clear the issue isn’t going away anytime soon. The pressure on organisations to find skilled professionals at short notice, especially when schemes are programmed with tight lead times, is proving to be a real barrier to efficient delivery. It’s not just about having enough people, but having the right people in place when they’re needed. That’s easier said than done in today’s competitive landscape.
What did feel different this year was a shift in where the focus lies. Instead of big new projects dominating the agenda, there’s a clear pivot towards upgrading and enhancing what we already have. Strategic routes, local authority networks, there’s a renewed emphasis on maintaining and improving current assets rather than building from scratch. It’s a more sustainable, cost-conscious approach, but it does raise questions about long-term planning and how we prioritise investment.
Of course, delays were another hot topic. Whether it’s funding challenges, legal hurdles, or logistical issues like road space availability, everyone is feeling the strain. It’s becoming harder to plan and programme with confidence, and that uncertainty risks creating fatigue within the sector. More worryingly, it could drive talent elsewhere. With booming activity across other industries like energy, water, and data infrastructure, competition for skilled professionals is fiercer than ever.
Despite the challenges, the conversations I had at Highways UK were refreshingly candid and optimistic. There’s still a huge amount of passion and innovation within this sector. Yes, we’re navigating a tricky period, but we’re also seeing real opportunities for growth, collaboration, and smarter delivery.
Events like this are a powerful reminder that the highways sector is evolving and that staying connected, sharing insight, and speaking openly are essential if we’re going to tackle what comes next together.
