What Andy Burnham’s Premiership Could Mean for Construction and Facilities Management in the East of England

With Andy Burnham becoming the UK’s new Prime Minister, businesses across the construction and facilities management sectors are naturally considering what this change in leadership could mean for investment, development and employment opportunities.

At Marshall Recruitment, with offices in Cambridge and Bury St Edmunds, we work closely with contractors, developers, facilities management providers and skilled professionals across the East of England. We understand the challenges facing the industry and the importance of having the right people in place to deliver successful projects and maintain essential buildings.

While it is still early days for the new government, one area expected to remain a key focus is investment in infrastructure, housing and public services. Construction has always played a crucial role in supporting economic growth, and any increase in development activity has a direct impact on the demand for skilled professionals across the sector.

For the East of England, this could present significant opportunities. Cambridge and the surrounding areas continue to experience growth, driven by sectors such as life sciences, technology, education and commercial development. Suffolk and the wider East Anglia region are also seeing continued investment in residential developments, regeneration projects and improvements to public infrastructure.

However, investment and growth bring their own challenges. One of the biggest issues facing construction remains the shortage of skilled professionals. Finding experienced individuals with the right technical expertise, qualifications and industry knowledge continues to be a challenge for many employers.

From site managers and project managers through to quantity surveyors, engineers and skilled tradespeople, demand remains high for individuals who can deliver projects safely, efficiently and to the required standards. At Marshall Recruitment, we are seeing first-hand how competitive the market has become, with employers increasingly needing specialist recruitment support to secure the best talent.

The facilities management sector is also expected to play an increasingly important role. While new buildings and developments often attract attention, it is the FM teams behind the scenes that ensure these environments remain safe, compliant and operational.

As organisations continue to focus on improving efficiency, reducing energy consumption and maintaining ageing estates, the demand for experienced facilities professionals is growing. Multi-skilled engineers, electrical and mechanical engineers, facilities managers and building services specialists remain highly sought-after across commercial, healthcare, education and public sector environments.

Another key consideration for both construction and FM will be sustainability. The focus on improving building performance, reducing energy costs and adopting more efficient technologies means employers are increasingly looking for professionals with knowledge of modern building systems, energy management and sustainable solutions.

For employers across the East of England, the message is clear: attracting and retaining skilled people will be critical. Competitive salaries are important, but so are career progression, company culture, training opportunities and the ability to offer long-term stability. The best candidates are often in high demand and can have several opportunities available to them.

For candidates working within construction and facilities management, the outlook remains positive. Experienced professionals with strong technical skills, a reliable track record and the ability to adapt to changing industry demands are well placed to take advantage of future opportunities.

At Marshall Recruitment, we specialise in Construction and Facilities Management recruitment across East Anglia. With offices in Cambridge and Bury St Edmunds, we support local businesses by connecting them with high-quality professionals and help candidates find roles that match their experience and career ambitions.

As the construction and FM industries continue to evolve, having the right recruitment partner has never been more important.

Whether you are looking to strengthen your team or explore your next career move, the Marshall Recruitment team is here to support you.

Marshall Recruitment
Specialists in Construction & Facilities Management Recruitment across the East of England