19 June 2025 – London
The UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has launched a major market study into the civil engineering sector, focusing on the supply of infrastructure for railways and public roads.
Announced today, the study will examine how civil engineering firms design, plan, and deliver key infrastructure projects across the country. The CMA is particularly interested in identifying whether any features of the market are harming competition or leading to inefficiencies in the delivery of publicly funded transport infrastructure.
The civil engineering sector plays a crucial role in building and maintaining the UK’s transport network, with billions of pounds in public spending flowing into projects for roads and rail. The CMA’s investigation could have wide-ranging implications for how these contracts are awarded and managed.
Sarah Cardell, Chief Executive of the CMA, said the review aims to ensure that taxpayers are getting value for money and that businesses can compete fairly. “Effective competition in infrastructure delivery is vital for cost-efficient and timely public investment,” she said.
As part of the study, the CMA is inviting feedback from interested parties—including construction firms, transport authorities, and industry experts—by 17 July 2025. An interim report is expected in November 2025, with a final report due by April 2026. The statutory deadline for completing the market study is 18 June 2026.
Documents published alongside the announcement include a market study notice, a statement of scope, and a guide on how to engage with the study. The CMA has committed to updating stakeholders throughout the process.
Those wishing to provide input or raise concerns can contact the CMA at civilengineering@cma.gov.uk.
This is the latest in a series of market-wide investigations by the CMA aimed at promoting healthy competition and transparency in key sectors of the UK economy.
Source: https://www.gov.uk/cma-cases/civil-engineering-market-study#launch-of-market-study
