No winter for social value: The continued growth of a value focused construction industry

The focus on social value (SV) in construction procurement has evolved to challenge the historic triumvirate of time, cost, and quality. How contractors engage with SV is often the difference between successful and unsuccessful tenders. However, in an industry often criticised as having a traditional mindset, combined with contemporary global unrest, rising inflation rates, and material and labour shortages, the problem exists that the modern SV focus of the construction industry could halt if clients shift to a cost focus due to economic pressures. This research aims to establish if the current economic climate is having a negative impact on SV requirements. Interviews with eighteen diverse stakeholders reveal that far from the adverse economic climate serving to dampen SV enthusiasm, the current and anticipated demand for SV in the construction industry is increasing. It appears the worse the economic outlook for the UK, the greater part SV will play in construction procurement. All contractors it appears, need to be aware of the persistent growing need to focus on SV in construction now more than ever.