Warwick Automotive Centre in the UK All Set for Go

Despite a good start to the year for UK construction there has been a slow down in the growth in the construction industry market. Some organisations are warning that skill shortages are rife, and Maxim Recruitment is pleased to report that the job market is buoyant.

It is true that growth slowed in the second quarter in UK construction but overall figures were up by almost 5% on last year. In fact overall, UK businesses are seeing hiring up by around 16%. Skill shortages are mainly noticeable in younger employees or would-be employees. Businesses are being urged to nurture and train staff to ensure that this isn’t an ongoing problem.

Meanwhile with many government funded projects given the go-ahead, the future of UK construction and infrastructure seems bright For candidates, the skill shortage is manifesting itself as less competition per available position which should mean a higher rate of job interview success which Maxim Recruitment is more than happy to facilitate.

Approval for Big UK Construction Projects
July was a good month for the Warwick Automotive Centre at the University of Warwick as planning permission was passed for the £95 million building. The government also confirmed its investment in the research programme the WAC will undertake.

This centre will focus on research into ‘new propulsion systems and technologies’ to reduce transport pollution from carbon emissions and reliance on fossil fuels. The Chairman of Warwick Manufacturing Group (the University’s engineering research department), Professor Lord Kumar Bhattacharyya, is developing the project with Jaguar Land Rover. He explains that by 2040 it is unlikely that any European cars will be powered entirely by combustion engines.

WAC Gets Research Grant
WAC was one of three universities to benefit from the Research Partnership Investment Fund, itself set up to support cooperation between universities and businesses.

The Cambridge Institute of Therapeutic Immunology and Infectious Disease received funding for research into immune related diseases and Cranfield Aerospace Integration Research Centre received funding for work on innovative aerospace technology.

WAC’s share of funding amounts to £14.5 million from the Research Partnership Investment Fund and a further £51 million from business.

UK Construction Project: The Centre
The Centre is part of the University’s plans to extend their estate and is already approved by the local authority for planning. The building which has been designed by Cullinan Studio will take up 33,000 sq metres of the planned 170,000m² development. The four storey building is expected to achieve a BREEAM* Excellent rating at the very least for its sustainable and green approach.

A major QS consultancy is leading the design on this prestigious project with architects Cullinan Studio. They will work alongside a major international engineering consultancy and a major project management consultancy.

Work on the Centre is expected to start later this year.

Positions in UK construction
With many new or planned construction works taking place in the South East of England, there are a large number of opportunities available both in London and around the south region.

If you would like to be involved, get in touch with me to see what opportunities exist for project managers or quantity surveyors on this or other similar projects. You can call us on 0870 243 0446 or submit your CV via the Maxim Recruitment website.

Adam Cadwaladr
Maxim Recruitment UK