Briefing: From modern methods of construction to industrialisation: clarity, scale and the next chapter for UK construction

The UK construction sector stands at a pivotal crossroads. For decades, the industry has grappled with persistent challenges: low productivity, poor quality, safety incidents, skills shortages and environmental impacts. In response, policymakers and industry leaders have championed a succession of initiatives – few more persistent than the modern methods of construction agenda. Today, an old term is re-emerging: industrialised construction. But is this really a different concept, or is it simply a reframing of the same long-standing ambitions? And why does the language we use matter so much?