The manufacturer hopes the pledge is just the beginning of a wider programme of investment to drive the UK’s economic recovery

Ibstock plc, the UK’s largest manufacturer of clay and concrete building products, has welcomed Boris Johnson’s  pledge of significant investment for the UK’s construction sector.

In a speech, given in Dudley on Tuesday 30 June, the Prime Minister outlined far-reaching spending plans for British building, alongside the most sweeping changes to planning regulations since the Second World War.

Key elements of Johnson’s plan include reform of planning regulations to make it easier than ever before for homeowners to extend their homes, £100 million worth of investment for UK infrastructure (including 29 additional road networks) and £12 billion of investment, across eight years, to strengthen Britain’s affordable housing stock.

Joe Hudson, CEO at Ibstock plc, believes the funding is crucial for the construction sector as it leads the country’s economic fightback.

“The Prime Minister’s speech gave the UK’s construction industry cause for cautious optimism,  and underlined the pivotal role it plays in powering the British economy," he said.

“The pledges outlined within the speech are a real statement of intent from the Government to put building and construction at the heart of the UK’s economic revival; a commitment we wholeheartedly endorse.

“At Ibstock, we are poised to provide all the product and support needed to help realise these plans. From our strong offering to the rail and infrastructure sector, via our Anderton brand, to our extensive brick, floor beam and roof tile product portfolio, needed to support the raft of new homes, schools and hospitals promised, we are well-placed to serve the construction industry as it builds Britain’s future.

“In his speech, the Prime Minister vowed to get Britain building again; a sentiment we have echoed in recent months. We are playing our part by ramping up production across our nationwide factory network, to ensure we can maintain unbroken supply to the industry at a time when housebuilders, architects, merchants and building contractors –  need it most.

“We welcome this initiative and hope that it is just the beginning of a wider programme of investment to drive the UK’s economic recovery.”