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The United Kingdom’s annual CPI rose 3.8% in July vs. 3.7% estimated. British inflation declined to 0.1% MoM in July vs. a -0.1% forecast. GBP/USD jumps to test 1.3500 after UK CPI inflation data. The United Kingdom (UK) headline Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose at an annual rate of 3.8% in July after having increased by 3.6% in June, the data released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed on Wednesday.  The market consensus was for a 3.7% growth in the reported period. The reading moves further away from the Bank of England’s (BoE) 2% inflation target. The core CPI (excluding volatile food and energy items) rose 3.8% year-over-year (YoY) in the same period, compared to a 3.7% advance in June, while beating the expected 3.7% print. Services inflation rose to 5% YoY in July vs. 4.7% in June. Meanwhile, the monthly UK CPI inflation fell to 0.1% in July from 0.3% in June. The data beat the forecast of -0.1%. GBP/USD reaction to the UK CPI inflation data The UK CPI data lifted the Pound Sterling rebound, with GBP/USD up 0.04% higher on the day at 1.3496, as of writing. British Pound PRICE Today The table below shows the percentage change of British Pound (GBP) against listed major currencies today. British Pound was the strongest against the New Zealand Dollar. USD EUR GBP JPY CAD AUD NZD CHF USD 0.07% -0.01% -0.03% 0.03% 0.16% 1.20% 0.07% EUR -0.07% -0.10% -0.27% -0.05% 0.10% 1.04% -0.01% GBP 0.00% 0.10% -0.12% 0.04% 0.13% 1.04% 0.09% JPY 0.03% 0.27% 0.12% 0.18% 0.29% 1.31% 0.35% CAD -0.03% 0.05% -0.04% -0.18% 0.15% 1.17% 0.06% AUD -0.16% -0.10% -0.13% -0.29% -0.15% 0.92% -0.03% NZD -1.20% -1.04% -1.04% -1.31% -1.17% -0.92% -1.02% CHF -0.07% 0.01% -0.09% -0.35% -0.06% 0.03% 1.02% The heat map shows percentage changes of major currencies against each other. The base currency is picked from the left column, while the quote currency is picked from the top row. For example, if you pick the British Pound from the left column and move along the horizontal line to the US Dollar, the percentage change displayed in the box will represent GBP (base)/USD (quote). This section below was published at 02:15 GMT as a preview of the UK Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation data. The United Kingdom’s Office for National Statistics will publish the July CPI data on Wednesday. Inflation, as measured by the CPI, is forecast to rise further above the BoE’s goal in July. The GBP/USD is going through a mild bearish correction ahead of the release. The United Kingdom (UK) June Consumer Price Index (CPI) is scheduled for release on Wednesday at 06:00 GMT. The report, released by the Office for National Statistics (ONS), is closely watched amid the potential impact of inflation data on the Bank of England (BoE) monetary policy decisions. Inflation in the UK, as measured by the CPI, is forecast to have contracted by 0.1% in July, although the annual figure is seen accelerating to 3.7% from 3.6% in June and 3.4% in May. The core CPI, on the other hand, is expected to have grown at an annual 3.7% rate, unchanged from the previous month.  What to expect from the next UK inflation report? Consumer prices have been accelerating steadily over the last 11 months after bottoming with a 1.7% yearly inflation in September. Headline inflation is seen reaching its highest level in nearly two years, if the market consensus is met, pushing the yearly CPI to levels nearly twice the Bank of England’s (BoE) 2% target for price stability. The BoE cut rates by 25 basis points to 4% in a dramatic meeting on August 7, which needed two rounds of voting for the first time in its 300 years of history, with some policymakers showing concerns about rising inflationary pressure. In this context, and with the bank’s forecasts pointing to a 4% yearly inflation in September, these numbers will only strengthen the hawks’ side, casting doubt about further rate cuts. Later data have provided further reasons for a more hawkish policy stance. Preliminary Gross Domestic Product showed above-expectations growth in the second quarter, and unemployment claimants declined against expectations, which points to a resilient economy and strengthens the case for a more hawkish BoE stance. Down to the GBP/USD pair, ING analyst Chris Turner sees UK inflation figures likely to support the Pound: “Some sticky UK inflation for July looks unlikely to alter the market’s view of the BoE over the coming days. This should keep GBP/USD bid this week, where a break of 1.3585/3600 could see 1.3680/3700 by the end of the week.” How will the UK Consumer Price Index report affect GBP/USD? Against this background, the risk is of a higher-than-expected UK CPI reading that would practically discard any further BoE rate cut in the coming months. This would highlight a positive monetary divergence with the Federal Reserve (Fed), which is expected to ease its monetary policy in September, and underpin demand for the Sterling. A soft inflation reading, on the contrary, would keep hopes of at least one rate cut in 2025 alive, which might help the pair to extend its current corrective reaction. The GBP/USD has been pulling back from multi-week highs heading into the CPI release, in a mild bearish correction after having rallied nearly 3% from August 1 lows. A combination of strong UK data and downbeat US figures, which have boosted expectations for Fed easing, fuelled Cable’s uptrend. Pablo Piovano, senior analyst at FXStreet, sees the pair likely to resume its broader bullish trend in the near-term: “GBP/USD is expected to meet its next up barrier at its August top at 1.3594 (August 14). The surpassing of that level would pave the way for Cable to confront the weekly peak at 1.3588 (July 24), ahead of its 2025 ceiling at 1.3788 (July 1). On the downside, Piovano points to the support area at 1.3385: “There is an interim support at the 100-day SMA at 1.3386, seconded by the August base of

EUR/GBP weakens to around 0.8620 in Wednesday’s early European session.  UK CPI inflation rose to 3.8% YoY in July from 3.6% in June.  Analysts expect the ECB to hold interest rates steady at its September meeting.  The EUR/GBP cross loses traction to near 0.8620 during the early European session on Wednesday. The Pound Sterling (GBP) edges higher against the Euro (EUR) after the UK Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation report. Traders will keep an eye on the European Central Bank’s (ECB) President Christine Lagarde speech later on Wednesday. Data released by the United Kingdom’s Office for National Statistics on Wednesday showed that the country’s headline CPI rose 3.8% YoY in July, compared to an increase of 3.6% in June. This reading came in above the market consensus of 3.7%. The Core CPI, which excludes the volatile prices of food and energy, climbed 3.8% YoY in July versus 3.7% prior, hotter than the expectation of 3.7%.  Meanwhile, the monthly UK CPI inflation eased to 0.1% in July from 0.3% in June. Markets projected a decline of 0.1%. The Pound Sterling attracts some buyers in an immediate reaction to the hotter UK CPI inflation data. Traders will take more cues from the ECB’s Lagarde speech, as it might offer some hints about the interest rate path. According to Reuters, the ECB is expected to hold interest rates at 2.00% in the September meeting, as the Eurozone’s economic outlook is broadly unchanged after the European Union (EU) agreed to a trade deal with the United States (US).  On Thursday, the preliminary reading of the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for August will take center stage. If the data show a stronger-than-expected outcome, this could boost the shared currency against the GBP in the near term.  Euro FAQs The Euro is the currency for the 19 European Union countries that belong to the Eurozone. It is the second most heavily traded currency in the world behind the US Dollar. In 2022, it accounted for 31% of all foreign exchange transactions, with an average daily turnover of over $2.2 trillion a day. EUR/USD is the most heavily traded currency pair in the world, accounting for an estimated 30% off all transactions, followed by EUR/JPY (4%), EUR/GBP (3%) and EUR/AUD (2%). The European Central Bank (ECB) in Frankfurt, Germany, is the reserve bank for the Eurozone. The ECB sets interest rates and manages monetary policy. The ECB’s primary mandate is to maintain price stability, which means either controlling inflation or stimulating growth. Its primary tool is the raising or lowering of interest rates. Relatively high interest rates – or the expectation of higher rates – will usually benefit the Euro and vice versa. The ECB Governing Council makes monetary policy decisions at meetings held eight times a year. Decisions are made by heads of the Eurozone national banks and six permanent members, including the President of the ECB, Christine Lagarde. Eurozone inflation data, measured by the Harmonized Index of Consumer Prices (HICP), is an important econometric for the Euro. If inflation rises more than expected, especially if above the ECB’s 2% target, it obliges the ECB to raise interest rates to bring it back under control. Relatively high interest rates compared to its counterparts will usually benefit the Euro, as it makes the region more attractive as a place for global investors to park their money. Data releases gauge the health of the economy and can impact on the Euro. Indicators such as GDP, Manufacturing and Services PMIs, employment, and consumer sentiment surveys can all influence the direction of the single currency. A strong economy is good for the Euro. Not only does it attract more foreign investment but it may encourage the ECB to put up interest rates, which will directly strengthen the Euro. Otherwise, if economic data is weak, the Euro is likely to fall. Economic data for the four largest economies in the euro area (Germany, France, Italy and Spain) are especially significant, as they account for 75% of the Eurozone’s economy. Another significant data release for the Euro is the Trade Balance. This indicator measures the difference between what a country earns from its exports and what it spends on imports over a given period. If a country produces highly sought after exports then its currency will gain in value purely from the extra demand created from foreign buyers seeking to purchase these goods. Therefore, a positive net Trade Balance strengthens a currency and vice versa for a negative balance. Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page. If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet. FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable

Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page. If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet. FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted. The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice. Editors’ Picks EUR/USD recovers above 1.1650 after German and EU PMI data EUR/USD trades in positive territory above 1.1650 in the European session on Thursday after the data from Germany and the Eurozone showed that the business activity in the private sector expanded at a faster pace than anticipated in August. Markets await US Jobless Claims and PMI data. GBP/USD holds above 1.3450 after mixed UK PMIs GBP/USD holds its ground and fluctuates above 1.3450 in the first half of the day on Thursday. S&P Global Composite PMI in the UK improved to 53 in August’s preliminary estimate. This reading surpassed the market expectation of 51.6 and supported Pound Sterling with initial reaction. Eyes on US data releases. Best Brokers for EUR/USD Trading SPONSORED Discover the top brokers for trading EUR/USD in 2025. Our list features brokers with competitive spreads, fast execution, and powerful platforms. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, find the right partner to navigate the dynamic Forex market. Read More

The Indian Rupee claws back early losses against the US Dollar. FIIs continue to sell in the Indian stock market despite Indian PM Modi announcing tax reforms. Investors await Jackson Hole Symposium, flash India-US PMI data. The Indian Rupee (INR) bounces back against the US Dollar (USD) during late trading hours on Wednesday after a weak opening. The USD/INR falls back to near 87.10 on optimism that the announcement of Goods and Services Tax (GST) reforms by the Indian government will boost consumption. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced on Independence Day, August 15, that the government will cut taxes on certain goods around the Diwali festival in October. Despite the tax cuts announcement, foreign investors continue to pare their stake in the Indian stock markets. On Tuesday, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) sold Rs. 634.26 crores worth of equities from the Indian stock market. So far in August, FIIs have pared stake worth Rs. 24,274.692 crores. There was a mild buying by overseas investors on Monday worth Rs. 550.85 crores after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a tax bonanza. Additionally, ongoing trade tensions between the United States (US) and India over the latter buying Oil from Russia have also contributed to halting the rally in the Indian Rupee. The US has increased tariffs on imports from New Delhi to 50% for buying Russian Oil, citing that Moscow is utilizing that money to fund its defense requirements for killing people in Ukraine. Meanwhile, the announcement of tax reforms by the Indian government has strengthened domestic equity markets. During afternoon trading hours, Nifty50 has posted a fresh, almost four-week high around 25,075. The rally in the 50-stock basket has been supported by upbeat performance from stocks in sectors relating to consumption, automobiles, and consumer discretionary items. Going forward, investors will focus on the preliminary India’s HSBC Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data for August, which is scheduled to be released on Thursday. Indian Rupee PRICE Today The table below shows the percentage change of Indian Rupee (INR) against listed major currencies today. Indian Rupee was the strongest against the Australian Dollar. USD EUR GBP JPY CAD AUD INR CHF USD 0.05% -0.06% 0.00% 0.06% 0.36% -0.06% -0.03% EUR -0.05% -0.11% -0.19% 0.00% 0.34% -0.12% -0.09% GBP 0.06% 0.11% -0.04% 0.12% 0.38% 0.01% 0.03% JPY 0.00% 0.19% 0.04% 0.17% 0.47% 0.05% 0.21% CAD -0.06% -0.01% -0.12% -0.17% 0.33% -0.08% -0.08% AUD -0.36% -0.34% -0.38% -0.47% -0.33% -0.43% -0.36% INR 0.06% 0.12% -0.01% -0.05% 0.08% 0.43% 0.03% CHF 0.03% 0.09% -0.03% -0.21% 0.08% 0.36% -0.03% The heat map shows percentage changes of major currencies against each other. The base currency is picked from the left column, while the quote currency is picked from the top row. For example, if you pick the Indian Rupee from the left column and move along the horizontal line to the US Dollar, the percentage change displayed in the box will represent INR (base)/USD (quote). Daily digest market movers: US Dollar stabilizes ahead of Jackson Hole Symposium A decent recovery move in the USD/INR pair on Wednesday is also driven by strength in the US Dollar. The US Dollar Index (DXY), which tracks the Greenback’s value against six major currencies, refreshes a weekly high near 98.45. The Greenback strengthens as investors turn cautious ahead of the Jackson Hole (JH) Symposium, which is scheduled for August 21-23. Investors increase longs in the US Dollar on expectations that Federal Reserve (Fed) Chair Jerome Powell will maintain a hawkish guidance on the monetary policy outlook in his speech at the JH Symposium on Friday. “Given the relatively high bar for Powell to meet, there’s a bit of risk being baked into the markets that he leans to the hawkish side and the proverbial rug gets pulled from beneath investors,” analysts at Capital.com said, Reuters reported. Jerome Powell has been arguing that the monetary policy needs to remain restrictive until the central bank gets clarity about how much US President Donald Trump’s tariffs will impact inflation and the economy. According to the CME FedWatch tool, the odds of the Fed cutting interest rates in the September meeting are almost 85%. Traders raised Fed dovish bets after the US Nonfarm Payrolls (NFP) report for July showed signs of weak labor demand, and the Consumer Price Index (CPI) report for the same month signaled limited impact of tariffs on inflation. This week, investors will also focus on the flash US S&P Global PMI data for August, which will be published on Thursday. On the global front, a report from Politico has signaled that the White House is considering Budapest as a potential location for a trilateral summit between US President Trump, Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy for further discussions on ending the war in Ukraine. Technical Analysis: USD/INR falls below 20-day EMA The USD/INR rebounds after a two-day losing streak to near 87.30 at open on Wednesday. However, the near-term trend of the pair has become uncertain as it has fallen below the 20-day Exponential Moving Average (EMA), which trades around 87.30. The 14-day Relative Strength Index (RSI) finds cushion near 50.00. A bullish momentum would emerge if the RSI returns above 60.00. Looking down, the July 25 high around 87.65 will act as key support for the major. On the upside, the August 11 high around 87.90 will be a critical hurdle for the pair. Economic Indicator HSBC Composite PMI The Composite Purchasing Managers Index (PMI), released on a monthly basis by S&P Global and HSBC Bank, is a leading indicator gauging business activity in India This d by weighting together comparable manufacturing and services indices using official manufacturing and services annual value added. The index varies between 0 and 100, with levels of 50.0 signaling no change over the previous month. A reading above 50 indicates that the Indian private economy is generally expanding, a bullish sign for the Indian Rupee (INR). Meanwhile, a reading below 50 signals that the activity is generally declining, which is seen as

Information on these pages contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Markets and instruments profiled on this page are for informational purposes only and should not in any way come across as a recommendation to buy or sell in these assets. You should do your own thorough research before making any investment decisions. FXStreet does not in any way guarantee that this information is free from mistakes, errors, or material misstatements. It also does not guarantee that this information is of a timely nature. Investing in Open Markets involves a great deal of risk, including the loss of all or a portion of your investment, as well as emotional distress. All risks, losses and costs associated with investing, including total loss of principal, are your responsibility. The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the official policy or position of FXStreet nor its advertisers. The author will not be held responsible for information that is found at the end of links posted on this page. If not otherwise explicitly mentioned in the body of the article, at the time of writing, the author has no position in any stock mentioned in this article and no business relationship with any company mentioned. The author has not received compensation for writing this article, other than from FXStreet. FXStreet and the author do not provide personalized recommendations. The author makes no representations as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability of this information. FXStreet and the author will not be liable for any errors, omissions or any losses, injuries or damages arising from this information and its display or use. Errors and omissions excepted. The author and FXStreet are not registered investment advisors and nothing in this article is intended to be investment advice. Editors’ Picks EUR/USD recovers above 1.1650 after German and EU PMI data EUR/USD trades in positive territory above 1.1650 in the European session on Thursday after the data from Germany and the Eurozone showed that the business activity in the private sector expanded at a faster pace than anticipated in August. Markets await US Jobless Claims and PMI data. GBP/USD holds above 1.3450 after mixed UK PMIs GBP/USD holds its ground and fluctuates above 1.3450 in the first half of the day on Thursday. S&P Global Composite PMI in the UK improved to 53 in August’s preliminary estimate. This reading surpassed the market expectation of 51.6 and supported Pound Sterling with initial reaction. Eyes on US data releases. Best Brokers for EUR/USD Trading SPONSORED Discover the top brokers for trading EUR/USD in 2025. Our list features brokers with competitive spreads, fast execution, and powerful platforms. Whether you’re a beginner or an expert, find the right partner to navigate the dynamic Forex market. Read More

In short: Manual project searches cost more in time and money than most contractors realize. Private commercial projects now make up more than half of U.S. commercial construction work. Digital tools like ConstructConnect® Project Intelligence help you access more opportunities, including public and private nonresidential projects. Switching from manual to digital searches can save contractors up to $31,000 per year.   Manually searching through public project listings might seem like a way to save money. But in reality, it’s costing you both in time and missed opportunities. In 2025, with private commercial projects on the rise, relying on manual searches could hurt your business. The Hidden Cost of Manual Project Search Just because the data is public doesn’t mean it’s free. Hunting through listings takes time, and in construction, time is money. How Much Time Are You Really Spending? On average, a mid-sized contractor typically spends 9-14 hours per week on manual searches. Based on national pay averages, a contractor’s fully burdened wage is approximately $60/hour. Over a year, this manual search process costs $31,000 per employee, per year. This adds up to over $93,000 annually for teams of three contractors which is more than the annual fee for top-tier project intelligence software.  And it’s not just about dollars. Every hour you spend digging for leads is an hour you’re not bidding on new work, following up with clients, or managing active projects. You might think you’re saving money by sticking to manual methods, but it’s actually costing you big time. Use this calculator to check how much project search is costing your business. The Rise of Private Projects Public projects may seem abundant, but they now represent a shrinking share of the total market. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, private, invitation-only projects have grown over the past five years and now represent 60% of all commercial construction projects in the U.S. This is consistent with ConstructConnect’s Put-in-Place Construction Forecast Report. Michael Guckes, Chief Economist, reports, “Private sector activity is anticipated to handily outperform its public sector equivalent based on forecasted 5-year compounded annual growth rates (CAGR) through 2029. The 5-year CAGR for total private construction at 4.6% is more than double that of its public sector equivalent at 2.0%.” Contractors who still rely solely on public data are missing out on more than half of today’s potential opportunities, especially in infrastructure projects, which make up a growing share of today’s market. Digital Tools: Find Better Projects, Faster Switching to digital tools like ConstructConnect® Project Intelligence (CCPI) isn’t just about saving time. It’s about staying competitive in today’s market. 1. Access a Broader Market With platforms like CCPI, you get access to the public and private markets. This means you’re not missing out on opportunities simply because they weren’t listed publicly. Before: Searching across SAM.gov, state e-procurement, and other portals to piece together public information. After: One dashboard with everything you need, from IIJA-funded federal work to private development. In ConstructConnect® Project Intelligence, you can filter by trade, project category, sector, and more (see below). 2. Save Time and Stay Ahead Digital tools cut your weekly project search time, freeing up contractors to focus on strategies that win bids. Matt Trewet, Mechanical Estimating Manager at The Waldinger Corporation shares his experience [ConstructConnect Project Intelligence] has been a huge timesaver for us. It allows us to respond to multiple general contractors, keep track of general contractors through the bid boards.” As highlighted in Winning the AI Race: America’s AI Action Plan, AI-powered infrastructure projects are speeding up construction with faster permits and simpler processes. Using digital tools, contractors can quickly find and bid on these projects and stay ahead in a fast-changing market.  3. Make Smarter Business Decisions Data-driven tools provide deeper insights into project scopes, owner histories, and competitive landscapes. These platforms deliver: AI risk flags for high-abandonment projects Owner histories and low-bid ratios Integration with takeoff and estimating tools For example, the PHX-13 project by Aligned Data Centers in Glendale, Arizona, demonstrates how private infrastructure projects are driving growth. The facility’s use of renewable energy and advanced cooling technology aligns with sustainability trends, making it a valuable opportunity. By leveraging these insights, contractors can focus on projects like PHX-13 that have lower risks and higher chances of success. 4. See a True Return on Investment If a platform eliminates an average of $31,000 in annual costs for employees conducting searches for a construction firm and provides access to just one additional winning project, the investment in technology pays for itself several times over. Compared to the hidden cost of inefficiency and missed opportunities, the choice is clear. Takeaway: Don’t Risk Being Left Behind In today’s market, manual searches aren’t saving you money. They’re costing you time, opportunities, and growth. Investing in digital tools like ConstructConnect® Project Intelligence gives you the power to: Win hours back by reducing manual searches. Access high-growth private projects that competitors aren’t seeing. Bid smarter and improve your win rates. Time is your most valuable resource. Don’t waste it chasing “free” data that comes at a high cost. Want to Start Winning More Projects?  Download our free guide, The Contractor’s Guide to Finding Better Projects, Faster, to learn how digital tools can transform your project discovery process. Maila Kim Maila Kim is a Content Marketing Manager at ConstructConnect®, specializing in content strategy and marketing for Takeoff and Estimating Products, including On-Screen Takeoff®, PlanSwift®, and QuoteSoft®. With more than a decade of experience as a writer and creative marketer, she brings a fresh, engaging perspective to the preconstruction industry. Through her content, Maila helps construction professionals stay informed and make the most of the tools they rely on daily. Read More

Costain chief executive Alex Vaughan Tier one contractor Costain has reported an 18% fall in revenue for the first half of 2025 but a 7% increase in pre-tax profit. Revenue for the six months to 30th June 2025 was £ 525.4m (2024 H1: £639.3m) while pre-tax profit was £18.2m (2024 H1: £17.0m). Growth in the company’s Natural Resources division (by 7% to £209m) was offset by a 29% reduction in Transportation (down to £316m). Within the Transportation division, revenue from road works declined by 53%, with National Highways schemes projects completing or nearing completion. Rail revenue decreased by 23 because of the rephasing of HS2 works. Reported operating profit increased by 18% to £16.4m (2024 H1: £13.9m), reflecting a reduction in adjusting items following the completion of a corporate transformation programme. Chief executive Alex Vaughan said: “We have delivered another strong performance in the first half of 2025. Growth in adjusted operating profit and margin reflects the improving quality of our contract portfolio, and we remain confident that we will deliver our adjusted operating margin run-rate target of 4.5% during FY 25, building on the significant growth in adjusted operating profit achieved since FY 21. Our strong net cash position, progression in our dividend and share buyback programme are creating substantial value for shareholders. “We continue to win new work and add new customers in growth markets that provide essential infrastructure, expanding our forward work position to £5.6bn, more than four times FY 24 revenue. We have already secured 90% of our forecast revenue for the year and our bidding activity levels remain high. “The government’s new infrastructure strategy and infrastructure pipeline, together with recent regulatory determinations in water, energy and aviation, provide clarity and confidence in the significant growth opportunities in our target markets. We are delivering our strategic priorities, investing in the business to support these attractive growth opportunities and are increasingly confident in the group’s growth prospects.” Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk Read More

Banner Plant is Henry Boot’s plant hire subsidiary Henry Boot has been trialling hydrogenated vegetable oil (HVO) fuel in places of regular diesel at its plant hire business, as part of its plan to be a net zero carbon consumer by 2030. Satisfied that it works and is worth the expense, the land promotion, property development, construction and house-building group is now preparing for a wider rollout of HVO fuel across its operations. Serena Lang, a non-executive director at Henry Boot, said: “As a business operating in real estate, we must reckon with the high energy requirements of our operations more than most. A significant portion of the greenhouse gas emissions of any business in this industry comes from the vehicles and heavy machinery required to deliver projects. This is why it’s imperative that we invest in alternative energy sources for our fleets now. “The success of our HVO trials will see it become a vital element of our journey towards decarbonisation. The cost efficiency, fast implementation potential, and immediate carbon savings make it a practical solution that we can deploy and scale now, while also continuing to explore and evaluate a broad range of decarbonisation strategies. “We recognise that no single solution will deliver on our net zero, energy security and business resilience goals – HVO is just one tool in our decarbonisation toolkit and is one of several important steps we’re taking on our sustainability journey. We hope that in sharing our progress, we encourage others to join us and push for transparency and ultimately collaboration.” Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk Read More

CGI of the bridge over Paisley Harbour for the AMIDS South project Work is set to begin on a new £59m transport project that will connect Paisley town centre with the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation District Scotland (AMIDS) and Glasgow Airport. Farrans Construction have been appointed to deliver the project with construction planning under way. The full project is expected to be completed and open in 2028. Renfrewshire Council’s AMIDS South project includes a road bridge crossing at Paisley Harbour for road traffic, pedestrians and cyclists; a 1.7km gateway route along the White Cart river from Paisley town centre to the manufacturing district AMIDS and Glasgow Airport; and an east-west road link from Renfrew Road joining onto the new route. The scheme is designed to improve access to the manufacturing district and the proposed Paisley Grammar School Community Campus. The £59m project has received £38.7m from the UK government’s levelling up fund, with the council committing a further £18.8m. It will also connect into the Gallowhill Link, using a former railway underpass to provide a safe crossing of Renfrew Road. Transport Scotland has stumped up £1.5m for this bit. Renfrewshire Council leader Iain Nicolson said: “AMIDS is one of the most significant developments in Renfrewshire’s recent history as it will bring high-quality jobs, world-leading industry and provide a significant boost to the area’s economy so it is important that we provide the appropriate access to Scotland’s home of manufacturing innovation. “This project will not only provide infrastructure to better connect communities to education and employment opportunities, but it will also significantly improve the offer to organisations looking to locate here with enhanced access to the airport and the fourth-busiest train station in Scotland. “This will be another flagship project for Renfrewshire following the completion of the Clyde Waterfront and Renfrew Riverside project, which included the new Renfrew Bridge, and will be further proof of the Council’s ability to successfully deliver nationally significant infrastructure projects which bring substantial benefits now and for generations to come.” Farrans regional director Patrick Murray said: “AMIDS South is a project which will deliver major economic and connectivity benefits for the town of Paisley and wider Renfrewshire, and we are looking forward to getting work started on site. “Our experienced team has recently completed the highly-successful Govan to Partick Bridge in Glasgow and we have a long history of projects in the transportation sector in Scotland including Edinburgh Trams to Newhaven in joint venture as SFN, M80 Stepps to Haggs and the A737 Dalry Bypass in Ayrshire. We are working through the final stages of preparation with our client Renfrewshire Council and will be engaging on the ground with local stakeholders shortly.” Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk Read More

Apprenticeships are usually thought of as a route into work for school leavers, but the reality in construction tells a different story. Department for Education figures show that 43% of construction apprentices are aged 25 and over, with many already employed in the business before enrolling. This reflects a wider national trend which sees nearly half (48%) of all apprentices in England over the age of 25. Employers are increasingly using apprenticeships not only to bring in new talent but also to upskill and retain existing staff, from tradespeople wanting to formalise their skills to site supervisors stepping into leadership roles. Why are so many apprentices over 25? Several factors explain this shift: Upskilling existing staff – with well-publicised skills shortages, many firms are putting trusted employees through apprenticeships to expand their capability. Entry requirement changes – since August 2025, candidates over 19 no longer need to pass English or Maths qualifications to complete end point assessments, which opens apprenticeships up to a wider pool. More flexible options – apprenticeships can now be delivered part-time and accelerated programmes allow experienced staff to qualify in as little as eight months. Rise of higher-level apprenticeships – in 2023/24, these accounted for 36% of all apprenticeship starts nationally. Recovery from Covid-19 – during the pandemic, apprenticeship starts fell sharply among younger age groups, particularly in lower-level programmes while the number of older apprentices (already employed and pursuing higher-level training) declined less. Tax and incentive structures – while employers can still claim 100% national insurance relief for apprentices aged 16–24, many now see the 95% government funding available for older staff as just as valuable. In effect, apprenticeships have become a workforce development tool for all ages, not just a route into the industry for teenagers. Drop-outs However, the construction industry continues to suffer from a high drop-out rate of 47%. Research points to several recurring reasons why: Job loss –data shows that 28% of construction apprentices who fail to complete cite being fired or made redundant, compared with just 11% across other sectors. Training provider quality – 39% of non-completers reported issues with their training provider, including poor teaching quality, lack of tutor contact or lack of communication. Poor onboarding – apprentices often arrive on site without a structured welcome or clear expectations, which erodes confidence and makes them feel they don’t belong. Lack of support – without pastoral care or a dedicated mentor, some apprentices feel isolated and struggle to stay engaged. Expectation vs reality – the physically demanding and repetitive nature of site work often differs from the expectation of more varied and rewarding activities, leading to early exits. Employer attitudes – some employers still treat apprentices as cheap labour rather than long-term investments, which undermines training quality and progression. Practical barriers – travel to remote sites, irregular hours and lack of equipment can make the role difficult to sustain for younger entrants. Construction faces a dual challenge: attracting young talent while supporting adults already in the workforce. The good news is that apprenticeships, with their blend of funded training and real work experience, are uniquely positioned to do both. With greater flexibility and funding support now in place, the opportunity is clear but employers will need to address retention head-on if they want to secure the long-term skills pipeline the industry needs. About the author: Eleanor Baker Barnes is commercial director of HR consultant Apprenticeship Central Ltd Got a story? Email news@theconstructionindex.co.uk Read More