---
title: UK construction contractors media reputation tracker – September 2026
canonical_url: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-09
type: dataset
publisher: Omniscan
sector: UK Construction Contractors
period: September 2026
coverage_start: '2026-09-01'
coverage_end: '2026-09-30'
date_published: '2026-10-04'
last_updated: '2026-10-04'
organisations: 10
articles_analysed: 1223
mentions: 584
data_download: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-09/data.json
summary: Balfour Beatty had the highest average monthly share of coverage (21.9%)
  among 10 contractors in UK earned media from 1 September 2026 to 30 September 2026,
  ahead of Kier Group (20.5%) and Galliford Try (14.0%).
---

# UK construction contractors media reputation tracker: September 2026 (1 September 2026–30 September 2026)

> Balfour Beatty had the highest average monthly share of coverage (21.9%) among 10 contractors in UK earned media from 1 September 2026 to 30 September 2026, ahead of Kier Group (20.5%) and Galliford Try (14.0%). Galliford Try had the most favourable net tone (+88). Omniscan analysed 1,223 articles containing 584 mentions of the contractors tracked.

Interactive version: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-09

## UK Construction Contractors ranking by share of coverage, September 2026

| Rank | Organisation | Average monthly share of coverage | Mentions | Positive | Neutral | Negative | Net tone |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Balfour Beatty | 21.9% | 128 | 86% | 12% | 2% | +84 |
| 2 | Kier Group | 20.5% | 120 | 71% | 27% | 2% | +69 |
| 3 | Galliford Try | 14.0% | 82 | 88% | 12% | 0% | +88 |
| 4 | Morgan Sindall | 13.4% | 78 | 80% | 19% | 1% | +78 |
| 5 | Costain | 8.4% | 49 | 78% | 22% | 0% | +78 |
| 6 | Sir Robert McAlpine | 5.7% | 33 | 64% | 30% | 6% | +58 |
| 7 | Wates | 5.5% | 32 | 78% | 22% | 0% | +78 |
| 8 | Skanska UK | 4.5% | 26 | 27% | 62% | 11% | +15 |
| 9 | Laing O'Rourke | 3.1% | 18 | 56% | 44% | 0% | +56 |
| 9 | Mace | 3.1% | 18 | 44% | 39% | 17% | +28 |

## Contractors in detail

### Balfour Beatty

**HS2 delivery and FTSE return frame Balfour Beatty’s September**

Balfour Beatty ranked 1st of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (21.9%) in the UK Construction Contractors benchmark for September 2026, with 128 mentions and a net tone of +84.

Balfour Beatty’s September coverage was led by Balfour Beatty VINCI’s installation of the final Water Orton viaduct spans and M42 twin-box roof for HS2, with Construction Enquirer reporting that the motorway reopened ahead of schedule. The contractor recorded 128 mentions and a 21.9% share of tracked-company mentions, ranking first among the tracked companies. Major projects and delivery was the largest subject area with 32 mentions, closely followed by financial results and trading with 30 and workforce, skills and ESG with 27; contract awards and order books accounted for 17. Financial coverage included its forthcoming return to the FTSE 100, supported by reported half-year profit growth, a £22.9bn order book and a £4.45bn market capitalisation. Workforce reporting centred on plans to add 2,000 UK employees by the end of 2027, including around 1,000 early-career roles, alongside a £2.1bn power-transmission order book and a further £6bn–£8bn pipeline. Other developments included the approximately £65m Edinburgh Airport terminal expansion and the appointment of Emma Loxton as chief strategy officer to support growth in energy, transport and defence.

Key messages:

- Balfour Beatty accounted for 21.9% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #1 among 10 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Major Projects & Delivery and Financial Results & Trading.
- 128 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Balfour Beatty VINCI completed the HS2 M42 bridge installation — Construction Enquirer.

Leading themes:

- Major Projects & Delivery: 25.0% of Balfour Beatty's coverage (theme index 1.56, net tone +84)
- Financial Results & Trading: 23.4% of Balfour Beatty's coverage (theme index 0.91, net tone +80)
- Workforce, Skills & ESG: 21.1% of Balfour Beatty's coverage (theme index 1.96, net tone +93)

Notable positive coverage:

- 2 September 2026, theconstructionindex.co.uk: [CSO joins Balfour Beatty from McKinsey](https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/cso-joins-balfour-beatty-from-mckinsey). Balfour Beatty has appointed former McKinsey partner Emma Loxton as chief strategy officer, starting in October. She will lead group strategy and support growth in UK energy, transport and defence, alongside international markets.
- 2 September 2026, constructionnews.co.uk: [Balfour Beatty appoints McKinsey partner as strategy chief](https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/peoplemoves/balfour-beatty-appoints-mckinsey-partner-as-strategy-chief-02-09-2026/). Balfour Beatty has appointed McKinsey partner Emma Loxton as chief strategy officer, reporting to chief executive Philip Hoare. She will support growth plans focused on energy, transport and defence markets.
- 21 September 2026, newcivilengineer.com: [HS2: BBV lifts spans for Water Orton viaduct over M42 into place](https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/hs2-bbv-lifts-spans-for-water-orton-viaduct-over-m42-into-place-21-09-2026/). Balfour Beatty VINCI has installed the final spans of the Water Orton viaducts over the M42 for HS2. The works complete major bridging activity over the motorway and allow the project to move to final construction stages.

Notable negative coverage:

- 11 September 2026, ad-hoc-news.de: [Balfour Beatty stock heads into the open after a 1.5 percent drop](https://www.ad-hoc-news.de/boerse/news/corporate-news/balfour-beatty-stock-heads-into-the-open-after-a-1-5-percent-drop/70085240). Balfour Beatty shares closed at £8.58, down 1.5%, and remained below their 52-week high. The article says investors were reassessing the group’s valuation following its latest results.
- 10 September 2026, kalkinemedia.com: [Why Is Balfour Beatty (LSE:BBY) Facing Fresh Delays On Its Leeds Rail Job This Week?](https://kalkinemedia.com/uk/stocks/infrastructure-and-real-estate/why-is-balfour-beatty-lsebby-facing-fresh-delays-on-its-leeds-rail-job-this-week). Balfour Beatty's Leeds railway-station redevelopment has reportedly suffered a further delay. The article flags potential margin exposure from prolonged delivery and rising fuel, haulage and materials costs.

- [Balfour Beatty deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-09?entity=balfourbeatty&view=deep-dive)
- [Balfour Beatty PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-09/reports/balfourbeatty.pdf)

### Kier Group

**Results, strategic refocus and contracts shape Kier’s September profile**

Kier Group ranked 2nd of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (20.5%) in the UK Construction Contractors benchmark for September 2026, with 120 mentions and a net tone of +69.

Kier reported £4.35bn in revenue, £84m pre-tax profit and a record £11.9bn order book, alongside plans to stop new property investment and concentrate capital on construction and infrastructure. It ranked second with 120 mentions, representing 20.5% of tracked-company mentions in September. Financial results and trading accounted for 49 theme mentions, followed by major projects and delivery with 22, contract awards and order books with 19, and leadership, strategy and M&A with 14. Independent reporting also covered Kier’s approximately £90m contract to refurbish 1 Fleet Place and its appointment under a pre-construction services agreement for Railpen’s Fenner office refurbishment in Holborn, variously valued at £50m to £65m. In Liverpool, Kier Construction led planning for a permanent 1,050-pupil school targeted to open in September 2029. The month’s coverage therefore combined financial performance and capital allocation with the Fleet Place contract, the Holborn pre-construction appointment and planning for the Liverpool school.

Key messages:

- Kier Group accounted for 20.5% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #2 among 10 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Financial Results & Trading and Major Projects & Delivery.
- 120 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Kier’s record results and withdrawal from new property investment — building.co.uk

Leading themes:

- Financial Results & Trading: 40.8% of Kier Group's coverage (theme index 1.91, net tone +86)
- Major Projects & Delivery: 18.3% of Kier Group's coverage (theme index 1.02, net tone +59)
- Contract Awards & Order Books: 15.8% of Kier Group's coverage (theme index 0.57, net tone +79)

Notable positive coverage:

- 15 September 2026, constructionenquirer.com: [Kier to pull out of property investment](https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2026/09/15/kier-to-pull-out-of-property-investment/). Kier Group reported higher revenue and pre-tax profit, reaching an average net cash position for the first time in more than a decade. It will cease new property-development investment from FY27 and focus on construction and infrastructure, despite £32m of cladding compliance costs.
- 15 September 2026, building.co.uk: [Kier to pull out of property as firm turns in record set of results](https://www.building.co.uk/news/kier-to-pull-out-of-property-as-firm-turns-in-record-set-of-results/5144122.article). Kier Group reported record results, including £4.35bn revenue, £84m pre-tax profit and a record £11.9bn order book. It will wind down new property investment, targeting about £150m of balance-sheet cash release over three years while concentrating on infrastructure and construction.
- 15 September 2026, investorschronicle.co.uk: [Kier reveals plan for medium-term growth](https://www.investorschronicle.co.uk/content/4d819218-aab4-4a69-889a-eb14833421da). Kier reported adjusted pre-tax profit of £136m on £4.4bn of revenue, both higher than the prior year. Its order book rose 8% to £11.9bn, supported by hospital and rail contract wins.

Notable negative coverage:

- 14 September 2026, finance.yahoo.com: [Earnings To Watch: Kier Group PLC (LSE:KIE) Q4 2026 -- GF Value Sees 35% Downside](https://finance.yahoo.com/markets/stocks/articles/earnings-watch-kier-group-plc-131520901.html). Kier Group is due to report Q4 2026 earnings, with revenue estimates marginally increased for 2026 and 2027 but 2027 earnings estimates reduced. GuruFocus estimates a 35% downside to its assessed fair value, despite an Outperform consensus recommendation.

- [Kier Group deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-09?entity=kiergroup&view=deep-dive)
- [Kier Group PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-09/reports/kiergroup.pdf)

### Galliford Try

**Results and River Mease contract underpin Galliford Try’s September profile**

Galliford Try ranked 3rd of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (14.0%) in the UK Construction Contractors benchmark for September 2026, with 82 mentions and a net tone of +88.

Galliford Try’s annual results led September coverage: turnover reached £1.93bn, pre-tax profit £55m and the order book £4.3bn, with road delivery, operational improvements and earlier project involvement among the reported factors. The contractor recorded 82 mentions and a 14.0% share of tracked-company mentions, ranking third in the cohort. Financial results and trading accounted for 34 mentions, closely followed by contract awards and order books with 32, while leadership and major-project delivery had smaller roles. Contract reporting focused on the £110m Severn Trent River Mease improvement project, including a 23km pipeline and treatment-work connections. Leadership coverage concerned the appointment of former Kier director Vicky Nugus to pursue environment-business growth and AMP8 and AMP9 water opportunities. Project reporting also included Galliford Try’s restoration of Birmingham’s historic Moseley Road Baths and work connecting the site to the adjacent library.

Key messages:

- Galliford Try accounted for 14% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #3 among 10 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Financial Results & Trading and Contract Awards & Order Books.
- 82 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- “Road building drives strong results at Galliford Try” — Construction Enquirer

Leading themes:

- Financial Results & Trading: 41.5% of Galliford Try's coverage (theme index 1.83, net tone +94)
- Contract Awards & Order Books: 39.0% of Galliford Try's coverage (theme index 1.7, net tone +94)
- Leadership, Strategy & M&A: 8.5% of Galliford Try's coverage (theme index 0.79, net tone +43)

Notable positive coverage:

- 3 September 2026, facilitiesmanagement-now.com: [Galliford Try lands £110m Severn Trent pipeline job](https://www.facilitiesmanagement-now.com/article/287801/galliford-try-lands-110m-severn-trent-pipeline-job). Galliford Try has been appointed by Severn Trent Water to deliver a £110m, 23km River Mease pipeline project. The contractor said the award strengthens its water-infrastructure workload and relationship with Severn Trent.
- 3 September 2026, constructionenquirer.com: [Galliford Try wins £110m Leicestershire pipeline job](https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2026/09/03/galliford-try-wins-110m-leicestershire-pipeline-job/). Galliford Try has been awarded a £110 million Severn Trent contract to deliver the River Mease Improvement project. Its Environment business will construct a 23km pipeline and support wastewater-treatment upgrades intended to improve water quality.
- 3 September 2026, proactiveinvestors.com: [Galliford Try wins £110m River Mease water infrastructure contract](https://www.proactiveinvestors.com/companies/news/1098024/galliford-try-wins-110m-river-mease-water-infrastructure-contract-1098024.html). Galliford Try has won a £110m Severn Trent Water contract to improve water quality in the River Mease. Its Environment business will construct a 23km pipeline between the Packington and Measham treatment works.

- [Galliford Try deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-09?entity=gallifordtry&view=deep-dive)
- [Galliford Try PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-09/reports/gallifordtry.pdf)

### Morgan Sindall

**Sellafield and Blackpool lead Morgan Sindall’s September agenda**

Morgan Sindall ranked 4th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (13.4%) in the UK Construction Contractors benchmark for September 2026, with 78 mentions and a net tone of +78.

Morgan Sindall’s September coverage included a £35m Sellafield roofing contract, awarded through the Pagabo Major Works Framework to support two nuclear-site buildings into the 2060s and 2070s. The company was also appointed to deliver the delayed Blackpool courthouse, with detailed design progressing after original contractor ISG’s collapse, although the construction timetable remained unclear. Morgan Sindall ranked fourth in the tracked cohort, with 78 mentions and a 13.4% share of tracked-company mentions. Contract awards and order books formed the largest subject area with 27 mentions, ahead of financial results and trading with 18, major projects and delivery with 16, and workforce, skills and ESG with eight. Financial coverage reported half-year revenue of £2.562bn, adjusted operating profit of £111.5m and adjusted pre-tax profit of £116.1m, alongside record interim profit and an increased dividend. Other developments included RICS validation of the CarboniCa whole-life carbon system, the creation of a Northern Home Counties business unit and the £17m Greenway Junior School appointment.

Key messages:

- Morgan Sindall accounted for 13.4% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #4 among 10 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Contract Awards & Order Books and Financial Results & Trading.
- 78 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- £35m Sellafield roofing contract — constructionnews.co.uk

Leading themes:

- Contract Awards & Order Books: 34.6% of Morgan Sindall's coverage (theme index 1.46, net tone +89)
- Financial Results & Trading: 23.1% of Morgan Sindall's coverage (theme index 0.9, net tone +72)
- Major Projects & Delivery: 20.5% of Morgan Sindall's coverage (theme index 1.17, net tone +75)

Notable positive coverage:

- 2 September 2026, highwaysmagazine.co.uk: [Morgan Sindall launches new Home Counties business unit](https://www.highwaysmagazine.co.uk/companies-and-contracts/morgan-sindall-launches-home-counties-business-unit). Morgan Sindall Construction has created a Northern Home Counties Ventures business unit and appointed Emma Curtis as its director. The contractor has also made regional leadership appointments as it expands capacity across London and the Home Counties.
- 14 September 2026, pbctoday.co.uk: [Morgan Sindall appointed to deliver £17m Greenway Junior School with flexible architecture and low-carbon design](https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/projects/inside-design-horshams-17m-new-greenway-junior-school-delivered-morgan-sindall/165674/). Morgan Sindall Construction has been appointed to deliver the £17m replacement Greenway Junior School in Horsham under the Department for Education's School Rebuilding Programme. The project includes low-carbon systems, biodiversity measures and community employment commitments.
- 21 September 2026, constructionenquirer.com: [Morgan Sindall lands £35m Sellafield roof rescue](https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2026/09/21/morgan-sindall-lands-35m-sellafield-roof-rescue/). Morgan Sindall Infrastructure has won a £35m Sellafield contract to replace failing roofs across two nuclear facilities in Cumbria. The work was awarded through Pagabo's Major Works Framework.

Notable negative coverage:

- 11 September 2026, ad-hoc-news.de: [Morgan Sindall stock heads into the open after a 2.0 percent drop](https://www.ad-hoc-news.de/boerse/news/corporate-news/morgan-sindall-stock-heads-into-the-open-after-a-2-0-percent-drop/70085055). Morgan Sindall shares closed down 2.03% on 10 September, broadly tracking a weaker wider market. The article also notes a recently reported council-backed London school redevelopment award.

- [Morgan Sindall deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-09?entity=morgansindall&view=deep-dive)
- [Morgan Sindall PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-09/reports/morgansindall.pdf)

### Costain

**South Kensington appointment shapes Costain’s September profile**

Costain ranked 5th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (8.4%) in the UK Construction Contractors benchmark for September 2026, with 49 mentions and a net tone of +78.

Transport for London’s appointment of Costain for the South Kensington Tube station transformation was a leading September development, covering step-free access, platform improvements and heritage restoration. Costain ranked fifth with 49 mentions and an 8.4% share of tracked-company mentions. Contract awards and order books was the largest subject area with 13 mentions, followed by workforce, skills and ESG with nine; financial results and trading, and leadership, strategy and M&A each recorded eight. Workforce coverage reported the recruitment of 50 apprentices across transport, water, energy, defence and nuclear work. Leadership stories centred on Rohan O’Grady’s appointment to lead the Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture delivering HS2’s London tunnels. Other reporting covered the repurchase and cancellation of 281,517 shares and Costain’s response to proposals for a Great British Grid body.

Key messages:

- Costain accounted for 8.4% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #5 among 10 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Contract Awards & Order Books and Workforce, Skills & ESG.
- 49 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- South Kensington Tube station transformation appointment — Building

Leading themes:

- Contract Awards & Order Books: 26.5% of Costain's coverage (theme index 1.06, net tone +85)
- Workforce, Skills & ESG: 18.4% of Costain's coverage (theme index 1.47, net tone +100)
- Financial Results & Trading: 16.3% of Costain's coverage (theme index 0.62, net tone +63)

Notable positive coverage:

- 1 September 2026, newcivilengineer.com: [Costain doubles apprentice intake as project pipeline projects expands](https://www.newcivilengineer.com/uncategorized/costain-doubles-apprentice-intake-as-project-pipeline-projects-expands-01-09-2026/). Costain will recruit 50 apprentices in 2026, double its previous intake, to support long-term infrastructure work across transport, water, energy, defence and nuclear. Apprentices will support programmes including HS2 through the Skanska Costain Strabag JV, AMP8 water frameworks and Sellafield works.
- 3 September 2026, theglobeandmail.com: [Costain Reduces Share Count with Ongoing Buyback Programme](https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/markets/stocks/CSGQF/pressreleases/4417855/costain-reduces-share-count-with-ongoing-buyback-programme/). Costain has continued its share buyback programme, repurchasing shares for cancellation through Investec. The programme has bought back 6.6 million shares and reduced the number of ordinary shares in issue.
- 22 September 2026, constructionenquirer.com: [Costain lined up for £100m South Kensington Tube revamp](https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2026/09/22/costain-lined-up-for-100m-south-kensington-tube-revamp/). Costain is set to receive a design-and-build contract worth more than £100m for the South Kensington Tube station upgrade. The project will provide step-free access, improve the ticket hall and subway, and restore listed-station features, with completion due in 2031.

- [Costain deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-09?entity=costain&view=deep-dive)
- [Costain PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-09/reports/costain.pdf)

### Sir Robert McAlpine

**Broadgate delivery and Universal allocation shape McAlpine’s September profile**

Sir Robert McAlpine ranked 6th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (5.7%) in the UK Construction Contractors benchmark for September 2026, with 33 mentions and a net tone of +58.

Sir Robert McAlpine’s Broadgate work led the September agenda, including completion of the 2 Finsbury Avenue façade using 5,792 unitised panels and its wider role as sole contractor for the redevelopment framework. Other prominent developments included its allocation of a construction zone at Universal’s £5bn Bedford theme-park scheme and the handover, with Vinci, of Nottingham’s £107m National Rehabilitation Centre after a six-month delay caused by water-quality and tap issues; reported remedial work included replacing 183 mixer taps and stabilising the hot-water system. Its 33 mentions represented 5.7% of tracked-company mentions, placing it sixth among the contractor cohort. Major projects and delivery was the largest subject area with 13 mentions, followed by contract awards and order books with 10, workforce, skills and ESG with four, and leadership, strategy and M&A with three. Further coverage reported completion of the Sloane Robinson Building at the University of Bristol’s Temple Quarter Enterprise Campus and Sir Robert McAlpine Capital Ventures joining the Neighbourhood Health Forum. As context, separate articles linked the contractor to HS2 environmental works through the Align joint venture and reported that it was tipped for the Sky Central re-roofing contract, but neither centred on a development attributable to Sir Robert McAlpine.

Key messages:

- Sir Robert McAlpine accounted for 5.7% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #6 among 10 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Major Projects & Delivery and Contract Awards & Order Books.
- 33 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Broadgate collaboration and Sir Robert McAlpine’s role as sole framework contractor — Construction Digital

Leading themes:

- Major Projects & Delivery: 39.4% of Sir Robert McAlpine's coverage (theme index 2.36, net tone +38)
- Contract Awards & Order Books: 30.3% of Sir Robert McAlpine's coverage (theme index 1.22, net tone +90)
- Workforce, Skills & ESG: 12.1% of Sir Robert McAlpine's coverage (theme index 0.93, net tone +75)

Notable positive coverage:

- 18 September 2026, constructionenquirer.com: [McAlpine tipped for £150m Sky HQ re-roofing job](https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2026/09/18/mcalpine-tipped-for-150m-sky-hq-reroofing-job/). Sir Robert McAlpine is tipped to secure a contract worth up to £150m to replace the damaged roof at Sky Central in west London. The roof defects arose during Mace's original construction work and led to a long-running insurance dispute that was settled in 2026.
- 30 September 2026, theguardian.com: [Wildlife arrives on time at rewilded chalk grasslands built along HS2 route](https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/sep/30/hs2-colne-valley-wildlife-rewilding-chalk-grasslands). HS2's Western Slopes environmental works beside the Chilterns tunnel have created chalk grassland, wetlands and habitats using excavated construction material. Align, which includes Sir Robert McAlpine, is involved in delivery of the project.
- 23 September 2026, buildingbetterhealthcare.com: [Sir Robert McAlpine Capital Ventures joins Neighbourhood Health Forum](https://buildingbetterhealthcare.com/sir-robert-mcalpine-capital-ventures-joins-neighbourhood-health). Sir Robert McAlpine Capital Ventures has joined the Neighbourhood Health Forum, which advocates for neighbourhood health infrastructure and new public-private partnership models. The forum says its members represent more than £10bn of health infrastructure across 1,400 buildings.

Notable negative coverage:

- 3 September 2026, constructionmanagement.co.uk: [Vinci and McAlpine hand over delayed Nottingham hospital scheme](https://constructionmanagement.co.uk/vinci-and-mcalpine-hand-over-delayed-nottingham-hospital-scheme/). Vinci and Sir Robert McAlpine’s Integrated Health Projects joint venture completed Nottingham’s £107m National Rehabilitation Centre after a six-month delay caused by hospital water-quality issues. The JV replaced 183 mixer taps, stabilised the hot-water system and installed a chlorine dioxide unit.

- [Sir Robert McAlpine deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-09?entity=sirrobertmcalpine&view=deep-dive)
- [Sir Robert McAlpine PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-09/reports/sirrobertmcalpine.pdf)

### Wates

**Britannia pre-construction appointment and SES results define Wates’ September coverage**

Wates ranked 7th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (5.5%) in the UK Construction Contractors benchmark for September 2026, with 32 mentions and a net tone of +78.

Wates’ pre-construction appointment for Hackney’s £197m-plus Britannia regeneration was a prominent development in September’s coverage, alongside SES Engineering’s record £590.4m turnover and £9.9m pre-tax profit. Wates ranked seventh with 32 mentions, representing 5.5% of tracked-company mentions. Contract awards and order books dominated the subject mix with 15 mentions, including places for Wates Property Services on Fusion21’s £350m repairs framework. Workforce, skills and ESG accounted for six mentions, supported by the appointments of Sasha Simmonds as head of social value and Josh Steiner as head of sustainability. Five financial results and trading mentions included Eoghan O’Lionaird’s emphasis on sustainable margins, record cash and order-book levels, and opportunities in infrastructure and regulated sectors. Project delivery also featured through Wates Residential’s completion of modular temporary homes with Havering Council, while Mark Wolverson’s return to Willmott Dixon supplied a separate leadership story.

Key messages:

- Wates accounted for 5.5% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #7 among 10 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Contract Awards & Order Books and Workforce, Skills & ESG.
- 32 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Britannia pre-construction appointment — Hackney Citizen

Leading themes:

- Contract Awards & Order Books: 46.9% of Wates's coverage (theme index 1.96, net tone +93)
- Workforce, Skills & ESG: 18.8% of Wates's coverage (theme index 1.48, net tone +100)
- Financial Results & Trading: 15.6% of Wates's coverage (theme index 0.6, net tone +60)

Notable positive coverage:

- 3 September 2026, hackneycitizen.co.uk: [Council hires Wates to finish stalled Britannia regeneration](https://www.hackneycitizen.co.uk/2026/09/03/council-hires-wates-finish-britannia-regeneration/). Hackney Council has appointed Wates to restart the £197m-plus Britannia regeneration scheme after Ardmore entered administration. The project is intended to deliver 371 homes across social rent, shared ownership and market-sale tenures.
- 22 September 2026, constructionnews.co.uk: [CN100 interview: 'Undercutting stores up trouble' says Wates boss](https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/sections/long-reads/interviews/cn100-interview-undercutting-stores-up-trouble-says-wates-boss-22-09-2026/). Wates chief executive Eoghan O'Lionaird warns that undercutting to win revenue creates long-term risk and says sustainable margins are essential. Wates reports record cash and order-book levels in 2025 and sees opportunities in infrastructure and regulated sectors.
- 22 September 2026, building.co.uk: [SES eyes debut data centre work as turnover hits record number](https://www.building.co.uk/news/ses-eyes-debut-data-centre-work-as-turnover-hits-record-number/5144210.article). Wates-owned SES reported record revenue of £590m, up 27%, and pre-tax profit of £9.9m. The M&E contractor expects to enter the UK data-centre market through two potential schemes and forecasts improved margins in 2026.

- [Wates deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-09?entity=wates&view=deep-dive)
- [Wates PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-09/reports/wates.pdf)

### Skanska UK

**Thickthorn bridge assembly leads Skanska’s September coverage**

Skanska UK ranked 8th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (4.5%) in the UK Construction Contractors benchmark for September 2026, with 26 mentions and a net tone of +15.

BBC reporting on Skanska’s assembly of a modular bridge for the £200m A11/A47 Thickthorn junction scheme provided the month’s leading direct evidence, with construction expected to take four months and overall completion targeted for spring 2028. Skanska recorded 26 mentions, representing 4.5% of tracked-company mentions and eighth place among the contractor cohort. Leadership, strategy and transactions accounted for seven mentions, while infrastructure policy and procurement contributed six; contract awards and order books added four, and major-project delivery three. Further direct coverage reported Rohan O’Grady’s appointment to lead the Skanska Costain STRABAG joint venture delivering HS2’s London tunnels. Construction Management also promoted its webinar featuring Skanska’s operational efficiency director on digital information management, Building Safety Act gateways and the golden thread. Wider sector articles associated Skanska with the reopened £700m A46 Newark Bypass procurement, the £4.3bn Pagabo and YPO civils framework, Lower Thames Crossing delivery and negotiations over the SCS HS2 contract reset, but did not report developments led by Skanska.

Key messages:

- Skanska UK accounted for 4.5% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #8 among 10 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Leadership, Strategy & M&A and Policy, Procurement & Infrastructure Pipeline.
- 26 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Skanska’s modular bridge for the Thickthorn junction improvement took shape — BBC.

Leading themes:

- Leadership, Strategy & M&A: 26.9% of Skanska UK's coverage (theme index 2.78, net tone +29)
- Policy, Procurement & Infrastructure Pipeline: 23.1% of Skanska UK's coverage (theme index 4.44, net tone −33)
- Contract Awards & Order Books: 15.4% of Skanska UK's coverage (theme index 0.6, net tone +75)

Notable positive coverage:

- 17 September 2026, bbc.com: ['Trailblazing' moment as Thickthorn modular bridge takes shape](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cmy4zwl4nkj0o). Skanska is assembling a modular bridge for National Highways' £200m A11/A47 Thickthorn junction improvement project near Norwich. The bridge is expected to take around four months to construct and the overall scheme remains targeted for completion in spring 2028.

- [Skanska UK deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-09?entity=skanskauk&view=deep-dive)
- [Skanska UK PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-09/reports/skanskauk.pdf)

### Laing O'Rourke

**Prison award and offsite delivery shape Laing O’Rourke’s September profile**

Laing O'Rourke ranked 9th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (3.1%) in the UK Construction Contractors benchmark for September 2026, with 18 mentions and a net tone of +56.

Laing O’Rourke reported an £80.1m pre-tax profit, supported by stricter project selection, improved margins and a £17.2bn order book. It recorded 18 mentions and a 3.1% share of tracked-company mentions, ranking joint ninth among the contractor cohort. Contract awards and major-project delivery led the subject mix with five mentions each, ahead of leadership and strategy with three and financial results with two. Company-focused coverage included enabling works for the planned £400m-plus Lancashire prison and the use of offsite manufacturing and digital logistics on Brighton’s nearly £200m advanced cancer centre. Other material coverage included Stephen O’Rourke’s departure after 15 years; separately, the Daubeny redesign concerned Mace’s job, while Laing O’Rourke has a wider role on the Oxford campus. Together, the articles presented a profile spanning new work, delivery methods, project execution, leadership and financial discipline. Wider sector coverage also associated Laing O’Rourke with Sizewell C’s planned Avonmouth component factory, the proposed UK small modular reactor fleet and the CN100’s second-largest reported net-cash position.

Key messages:

- Laing O'Rourke accounted for 3.1% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #9 among 10 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Contract Awards & Order Books and Major Projects & Delivery.
- 18 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- Laing O’Rourke secured enabling works for the planned £400m-plus Lancashire prison — Construction Enquirer.

Leading themes:

- Major Projects & Delivery: 27.8% of Laing O'Rourke's coverage (theme index 1.57, net tone +60)
- Contract Awards & Order Books: 27.8% of Laing O'Rourke's coverage (theme index 1.11, net tone +80)
- Leadership, Strategy & M&A: 16.7% of Laing O'Rourke's coverage (theme index 1.63, net tone 0)

Notable positive coverage:

- 1 September 2026, constructionenquirer.com: [Laing O’Rourke to start £400m Lancashire prison job](https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2026/09/01/laing-orourke-to-start-400m-lancashire-prison-job/). Laing O'Rourke has secured enabling works for a planned £400m-plus, 1,700-place prison near HMP Garth and HMP Wymott in Lancashire. Initial site works precede main construction, with completion targeted for 2031.
- 17 September 2026, constructionmanagement.co.uk: ['Like Lego': Laing O'Rourke goes big on MMC for new Brighton cancer centre](https://constructionmanagement.co.uk/like-lego-laing-orourke-goes-big-on-mmc-for-new-brighton-cancer-centre/). Laing O'Rourke is using offsite manufacturing and digital logistics management to deliver a nearly £200m advanced cancer centre in Brighton. The project forms part of its Brighton 3Ts hospital framework and will expand cancer-treatment capacity at Royal Sussex County Hospital.
- 2 September 2026, placenorthwest.co.uk: [Chorley super prison's enabling works to begin soon](https://www.placenorthwest.co.uk/chorley-super-prisons-enabling-works-to-begin-soon/). Laing O'Rourke is reported to have secured enabling works for the proposed 1,715-place Leyland prison near HMP Garth. Kier and Wates are identified as fellow Alliance 4 New Prisons members and as contractors delivering other prison schemes.

- [Laing O'Rourke deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-09?entity=laingorourke&view=deep-dive)
- [Laing O'Rourke PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-09/reports/laingorourke.pdf)

### Mace

**Circular construction and project delivery define Mace’s September profile**

Mace ranked 9th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (3.1%) in the UK Construction Contractors benchmark for September 2026, with 18 mentions and a net tone of +28.

Mace Construct’s completion of the 30 Duke Street St James’s refit led its September coverage, with Construction Management reporting that reclaimed material supplied 78% of the structural steel and saved 744 tonnes of embodied carbon. Mace recorded 18 mentions and a 3.1% share of tracked-company mentions, placing it joint ninth among the contractor cohort. Workforce, skills and ESG was the largest subject area with seven mentions, followed by contract awards and order books with five, while major projects and delivery accounted for two. Construction Enquirer reported that Mace was set to restart the £200m Daubeny Buildings research scheme after approval of a major redesign, while Building identified it among contractors approached for the potential £300m development at 130 Fenchurch Street. Leadership coverage centred on Building’s report that infrastructure and aviation head Nigel Cole would retire in early 2027, ahead of other planned senior departures and a Mace Construct rebrand. As context, wider contract coverage recorded Kier beating Mace to the £90m 1 Fleet Place refurbishment and linked Mace’s original construction work at Sky Central to the settled roof dispute.

Key messages:

- Mace accounted for 3.1% of tracked-company mentions and ranked #9 among 10 in September 2026.
- Coverage concentrated on Workforce, Skills & ESG and Contract Awards & Order Books.
- 18 captured company mentions were recorded in September 2026.
- 30 Duke Street St James’s circular refit — Construction Management

Leading themes:

- Workforce, Skills & ESG: 38.9% of Mace's coverage (theme index 3.19, net tone +86)
- Contract Awards & Order Books: 27.8% of Mace's coverage (theme index 1.11, net tone −40)
- Major Projects & Delivery: 11.1% of Mace's coverage (theme index 0.61, net tone +50)

Notable positive coverage:

- 4 September 2026, constructionmanagement.co.uk: [The Mace project director leading complex commercial retrofits](https://constructionmanagement.co.uk/the-mace-project-director-leading-complex-commercial-retrofits/). Mace Construct project director Matt Burley outlines the technical and logistical challenges of retrofitting 100 New Bridge Street in central London. The project retained most of the existing structure and used prefabricated MEP modules and reused steel to improve programme and circularity outcomes.
- 4 September 2026, constructionmanagement.co.uk: [Mace Construct's Piccadilly office refit 'sets new benchmark' for circularity](https://constructionmanagement.co.uk/mace-constructs-piccadilly-office-refit-sets-new-benchmark-for-circularity/). Mace Construct completed the 30 Duke Street St James's office refit using reclaimed material for 78% of its structural steel. The contractor says the approach saved 744 tonnes of embodied carbon and sets a benchmark for circular construction.
- 11 September 2026, pbctoday.co.uk: [Why construction productivity has to become a delivery strategy, not another industry talking point](https://www.pbctoday.co.uk/news/planning-construction-news/why-construction-productivity-become-delivery-strategy-not-another-industry-talking-point/165336/). Mace Construct chief executive Jason Millett argues that construction productivity should be embedded in project delivery through earlier contractor involvement, stable workforces, industrialisation and better measurement. Mace Construct's analysis of 234 projects reports a £67 gross-value-added-per-worker-hour baseline and links workforce churn with lower productivity.

- [Mace deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-09?entity=mace&view=deep-dive)
- [Mace PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-09/reports/mace.pdf)

## Methodology

- **Share of coverage**: an organisation's mentions divided by all mentions of the organisations tracked in the same sector that month, in UK earned media. It is the central measure of media visibility in Omniscan benchmarks. "Average monthly share" is the mean of the monthly shares across the reporting period.
- **Mention**: one article that covers an organisation, classified as positive, neutral or negative in tone. Articles are deduplicated, and an organisation's own websites and passing sponsorship name-checks are excluded, so only earned media counts.
- **Net tone**: positive mentions minus negative mentions, as a percentage of all mentions (range −100 to +100).
- **Themes**: every article is assigned to one of the sector's editorial themes. A theme index above 1 means the organisation is covered on that theme more than its peers are; below 1 means less.
- **Calculation**: every figure is computed directly from the classified articles; narrative summaries are checked against those figures.
- **Sources**: UK national and international, trade and specialist, regional and local, and aggregator and syndication earned media.

## Other UK Construction Contractors editions

- [UK construction contractors media reputation tracker – 2026 year to date](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-ytd.md)
- [UK construction contractors media reputation tracker – H1 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-h1.md)
- [UK construction contractors media reputation tracker – July 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-07.md)
- [UK construction contractors media reputation tracker – August 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-08.md)
- [All Omniscan media benchmarks](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks.md)

## How to cite

Omniscan, "UK construction contractors media reputation tracker", September 2026 (1 September 2026–30 September 2026), published 4 October 2026. https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-09