Research and development support for construction
The UK’s construction research infrastructure is sophisticated and well-developed, in both academia and the private sector. Many businesses have their own research and development (R&D) operations.
Catapult network
The Catapult Network has 9 innovation centres across 40 locations in the UK. In each centre, businesses, scientists, technical specialists and engineers work together on late-stage research and development.
This is the UK’s innovation accelerator for cities, transport, and places and is the most relevant for the construction sector. It provides impartial ‘innovation as a service’ for mobility and built environment businesses, infrastructure providers and public institutions. It helps to develop, implement and commercialise the latest technology and innovation for new and existing markets.
Major UK research organisations
Find specific projects and detailed information on the work of research organisations related to construction on the websites listed below:
Building Research Establishment (BRE)
The BRE is a globally renowned centre for construction innovation, with facilities for research, development and testing. Located in Watford, South East England.
Cambridge Centre for Smart Infrastructure and Construction (CSIC)
Based in Cambridge, East of England. CSIC is a world-leading centre in the development of smart infrastructure and data-driven solutions for new and existing infrastructure.
University of Salford School of Science, Engineering and Environment
Home to the world’s first full-sized house built inside a laboratory, giving the opportunity to test construction products in different environments. Located in North West England.
Royal Academy of Engineering Centres of Excellence in Sustainable Building Design
A network of 4 centres of excellence located at University College London, Sheffield University in South Yorkshire, Loughborough University in the English Midlands and Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh.
Construction Futures Research Centre
Based in Wolverhampton, in the English Midlands, is a centre of excellence in green and sustainable construction.
Centre for Intelligent Infrastructure
Based at the University of Strathclyde in Glasgow, Scotland, the centre specialises in intelligent infrastructure & AI, sensors & automation, sustainable construction materials and computational modelling.
Construction research networks
UKCRIC connects universities, industry and other organisations across the UK’s urban systems and infrastructure ecosystem. Supporting collaborations in the construction industry, its offer includes networking, skills and training opportunities and consultancy.
The network includes organisations with world-leading expertise in the fields of offsite manufacturing, BIM (building information modelling) and digital construction, and high performance buildings.
Infrastructure Industry Innovation Partnership (i3P)
i3P is a community of client and supply chain organisations that have made a commitment to delivering collaborative innovation through projects supported by a large network of experts and innovators.
Research resources
You can find guidance and tools on GOV.UK from Homes England to support homebuilding. Includes resources on financing, planning and land acquisition across England.
You can find also find UK building and construction industry data and analysis on the websites of private sector providers such as Barber ABI and Glenigan.
UK Research and Innovation’s Gateway to Research website gives information on current and past UK research projects, including publications, outcomes and contacts.
Konfer is an online tool that uses smart matching technology to connect UK universities and businesses.
Read more on the UK’s R&D support and find links that can help you further your research in our research and collaboration guide.
Support and funding
National research schemes
Organisations and schemes such as Innovate UK and its parent body, UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), can help you. UKRI is the public body supporting research and innovation across all sectors. It also brings together the UK’s research councils, such as the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and the Science and Technology Facilities Council.
Find out more about UK Research Councils and discover funding opportunities on the UKRI website.
UK Research and Innovation’s Gateway to Research website gives information on current and past UK research projects, including publications, outcomes and contacts.
Find out more about help for R&D in our guide to incentives, funding and support in the UK.
Tax relief for innovative construction companies
The UK tax system provides strong backing for entrepreneurs and their investors.
R&D tax reliefs
You can claim corporation tax relief if you are working on an innovative project in science and technology that meets the UK government’s definition of R&D.
There are 2 main types of R&D tax reliefs:
- small and medium enterprise (SME) R&D relief, for companies with less than 500 staff
- R&D expenditure credit, for larger companies
Get guidance on R&D tax relief on GOV.UK
Capital allowances
If your construction business is investing in plant and machinery, you may be eligible for generous first year tax reliefs of up to 100% of the cost of these.
Find out more about capital allowances and how to claim them on GOV.UK
Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS)
EIS and SEIS are UK government schemes that help you if you’re a younger, higher-risk businesses raising finance. They offer generous tax reliefs of between 30% to 50%.
Find out more about the Enterprise Investment Scheme and the Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme on GOV.UK
Private equity and venture capital
With a mature and highly sophisticated capital market, the UK is both a leading destination and source of capital investment for the construction industry.
Find out about the opportunities available in our guide, Access to Finance.