The Top 8 Building Construction Companies in the UK for 2025
The UK construction industry plays a vital role in national economic growth, contributing over £110 billion annually to the economy and employing nearly 2.7 million people. From iconic high-rises to critical transport and healthcare infrastructure, building construction companies in the UK shape how cities grow and communities thrive.
In 2025, innovation, sustainability, and efficiency have become the hallmarks of top UK construction companies. With record investment in large-scale infrastructure projects like HS2, green housing initiatives, and smart city developments, understanding the industry’s leading players is more important than ever—whether you’re a stakeholder, investor, job seeker, or policymaker.
This listicle highlights the top 8 building construction companies in the UK based on their turnover, reputation, project volume, sustainability initiatives, and industry recognition. These firms represent the driving force behind the country’s built environment and are setting benchmarks across Europe and beyond.
Each section outlines what makes these companies outstanding, offering insights into their portfolio, achievements, and future outlook.
1. Balfour Beatty
Balfour Beatty is the UK’s largest construction and infrastructure firm, with a history dating back over 110 years. The company employs more than 26,000 people and generates £9.6 billion in annual revenue. Its core strengths lie in large-scale public infrastructure projects such as HS2, the Thames Tideway Tunnel, and numerous UK airport expansions.
Known for sustainable building practices and digital innovation, Balfour Beatty is targeting net zero emissions by 2040. It actively uses offsite manufacturing and Building Information Modelling (BIM) to reduce costs and environmental impact.
With a consistent top spot on Barbour ABI’s UK construction rankings, Balfour Beatty is a benchmark for excellence. It’s a key driver in the transformation of the UK built environment, making it a leading name among building construction companies in the UK.
2. Kier Group
Kier Group is a prominent public-sector construction firm delivering infrastructure, buildings, and civil engineering services across the UK. With revenues of nearly £3 billion and over 11,000 employees, Kier is a consistent leader in project volume and value, particularly in education and healthcare.
Barbour ABI ranked Kier first in 2024 for UK construction activity, highlighting its extensive portfolio in roads, schools, and NHS facilities. It’s also driving a net zero by 2045 agenda, emphasising modular construction and low-carbon building materials.
Kier’s deep ties to public infrastructure make it one of the most trusted building companies in the UK.
3. Multiplex Construction Europe
Multiplex has made a major impact in the UK construction sector, delivering high-profile London projects such as The Shard and 22 Bishopsgate. Known for complex, large-scale developments, the firm ranked third in 2024 with £2.18 billion in project value.
Its reputation for precision, quality, and sustainability stems from its use of advanced digital tools like BIM and digital twins. Multiplex also places a strong focus on community engagement, investing in local jobs and education initiatives.
As one of the top building construction companies in the UK, Multiplex is well-regarded for balancing architectural ambition with technical efficiency.
4. Morgan Sindall Group
Morgan Sindall is a diversified construction and regeneration group with a strong presence in public-sector infrastructure and housing. Operating through six divisions, it combines national scale with regional delivery. The company managed £2.17 billion in projects across 133 sites in 2024.
Notable projects include urban regeneration schemes like Lewisham Gateway and modular school builds. Morgan Sindall is also a sustainability leader, aiming for net zero by 2030 through its in-house carbon-tracking system, CarboniCa.
Its decentralised model and community-first approach make Morgan Sindall a standout among building companies in the UK.
5. BAM Construction UK
Part of the global Royal BAM Group, BAM Construction UK has a long-standing presence in sustainable building. In 2024, it completed projects worth £1.68 billion, including the V&A Museum of Childhood and zero-carbon schools.
BAM’s focus is on digital design, modular construction, and environmental stewardship. It has committed to net zero operations by 2026, setting one of the most ambitious targets in the sector.
With a blend of legacy and innovation, BAM is a leader among UK construction companies focused on future-ready building methods.
6. Bowmer & Kirkland
Family-owned Bowmer & Kirkland is known for reliability and regional strength. Operating since 1923, it ranks among the most financially secure building companies in the UK, with £1.47 billion in project value for 2024.
B&K specialises in commercial, education, and industrial projects, serving clients like ASOS and UK universities. It controls several supply chain operations, ensuring delivery speed and cost efficiency.
By combining traditional values with operational control, B&K offers a dependable model for consistent, high-quality UK construction work.
7. Mace Group
London-based Mace is a leading global consultancy and construction firm known for its high-profile projects such as Battersea Power Station and The Shard. Mace recorded £1.29 billion in UK construction projects in 2024.
The firm’s innovation-focused model uses platform-based construction and long-term building performance tools. It’s also aiming for net zero by 2026, a goal supported by sector-leading investments in sustainable supply chains.
With world-class delivery credentials, Mace is a top-tier player in the UK construction sector.
8. Wates Group
Wates is one of the UK’s largest privately owned construction companies. With £1.28 billion in 2024 revenue and over a century of family-led operations, it delivers projects in defence, education, and housing.
Known for its social value impact, Wates prioritises apprenticeships, carbon reduction, and community investment. Its net zero by 2030 target underpins a broader ESG strategy that includes eco-housing and local supply chain development.
Wates exemplifies how tradition and innovation can co-exist in UK building companies.
What This Means for the Industry
These top building construction companies in the UK are not only shaping the built environment but also setting industry standards for innovation, sustainability, and economic impact. From major infrastructure providers like Balfour Beatty to regionally agile firms like Bowmer & Kirkland, each company brings distinct strengths to the table.
As demand rises for green building, smart infrastructure, and resilient project delivery, these firms are well-positioned to lead the next era of UK construction. Whether you’re seeking partnerships, employment, or strategic insights, this list represents the best the industry has to offer.