This year promises to be one of immense challenge for all of us working in the built environment. It does not matter where you are based or what you do, the issue is one of confidence and whether we will see the UK market bounce back against an uncertain and unpredictable economic situation.

Brexit is at a critical stage and as you read this we are about to see parliament pronounce on any one of a number of options. Nobody except a select number of zealots or attention seekers really thinks that a “no-deal Brexit” outcome works. Last year I pointed out to Greg Clark, the business secretary, that Brexit had sucked confidence out of the market and it was costing us all money. This is nothing compared to the consequences that a no-deal Brexit would have, with draconian tariffs on raw materials, unwanted immigration curbs and a plummeting pound. Who wants to commission projects against that background?

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