Burges Salmon launches major report on infrastructure

Independent UK law firm Burges Salmon has today launched a new report, Perspectives on Infrastructure: How can we improve the delivery of UK infrastructure? at the National Infrastructure Forum at Excel, London.

The report includes three elements:

• A YouGov survey of 1,600+ members of the general public on the topic of infrastructure. This covers a range of matters including local and national delivery, levels of engagement and areas for investment;
• A second survey that canvasses the views of 135 infrastructure industry leaders. This was conducted in partnership with leading industry title Infrastructure Intelligence; and
• 14 in-depth, face-to-face interviews with key decision-makers from the infrastructure industry. 

Some of the key concerns expressed include the availability of funding for UK infrastructure projects, the need for collaboration along the supply chain, the skills gap challenge and issues around devolution.

Interviewees in the report include: 

• Darryl Murphy, Head of Infrastructure Debt, Aviva
• Robert Sinclair, Chief Executive, Bristol Airport
• Rachel White, European Managing Director, CH2M
• Darren James, Managing Director, Infrastructure, Costain
• Wilfrid Petrie, CEO, ENGIE – UK & Ireland
• Steve Montgomery, Managing Director, First Rail, FirstGroup
• Richard Threlfall, UK Head of Infrastructure, Building and Construction, KPMG
• Tim Huband, Head of Project Finance, Fixed Income, M&G Investments
• Adam Coxhead, Director, Energy and Infrastructure Finance, National Australia Bank
• Sue Milton, Senior Director, Energy, Structured Finance, RBS
• Mark Allan, Chief Executive, St. Modwen
• Jackie Sadek, Chief Executive, UK Regeneration 
• Colin Skellett, Chief Executive, Wessex Water and YTL UK Group
• Will Gard, Head of Infrastructure, Burges Salmon

Will Gard, head of infrastructure at Burges Salmon, said: “We commissioned this report ahead of the general election announcement. However, the themes and topics covered remain ones that need to be addressed whatever the eventual outcome of the general election and Brexit. These are ongoing concerns that the industry faces, which will continue to require the industry to work together to find effective and long-term solutions.  

“During the course of our research, we were pleased to find that industry leaders are keen to talk about how we address the challenges to delivering UK infrastructure. There is a collective sense of wanting to further the industry together and help the UK remain a primary destination for foreign direct investment. We’re looking forward to discussing our findings with attendees at the National Infrastructure Forum.”

Burges Salmon commissioned Andy Walker, editor of Infrastructure Intelligence, to conduct the industry survey and write up the report findings. 

Commenting on the research, Walker said: “Infrastructure was chosen as a topic for this report because it is a massive issue facing society. The government sees it as absolutely key to rebalancing the economy and the way to creating wealth and prosperity in the UK. The result of the general election makes this even more the case than it was before.”

The report is available for download by clicking here.