The whole of the Construction industry has been waiting for Philip Hammond’s first Autumn Statement. There is much uncertainty with Brexit and the changing faces in our Government, with new eyes looking at existing challenges. The announcement and Captaincy of our ship through these un-chartered waters to 2020 will signal if we are in good hands.

The success of the UK and our exit from Europe will have a major impact on Infrastructure investment. We have seen new headlines from the statement:

· £1.1bn extra investment in English local transport networks

· £220m to reduce traffic pinch points

· £23bn to be spent on innovation and infrastructure over next 5 years

· £110m for East West rail and commitment to deliver the Oxford to Cambridge Expressway

There will be a big focus on the Road and Rail sectors, with the National Productivity Investment Fund (NPIF) providing additional spending to boost productivity, research and development. The Infrastructure on both our National and Local Highways will receive a boost to reduce congestion and improve safety on our network. There will also be an increase in spending for Scotland (800m), Wales (400m) and Northern Ireland (250m) to improve infrastructure.

On a local level we will see major works on the M60, Northern Powerhouse Rail and improving connectivity across the North. It would seem that the Captain of our ship has set a safe course with his first Autumn Statement. This will also be his last Autumn Statement with it switching to the Spring to respond to future OBR forecasts. Will our Captain prove to be the right man at the helm and lead us into calmer waters?