--- title: UK construction contractors media reputation tracker – 2026 year to date canonical_url: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-ytd type: dataset publisher: Omniscan sector: UK Construction Contractors period: 2026 year to date coverage_start: '2026-01-01' coverage_end: '2026-09-30' date_published: '2026-10-04' last_updated: '2026-10-04' organisations: 10 articles_analysed: 8657 mentions: 3260 data_download: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-ytd/data.json summary: Balfour Beatty had the highest average monthly share of coverage (19.4%) among 10 contractors in UK earned media from 1 January 2026 to 30 September 2026, ahead of Kier Group (17.6%) and Morgan Sindall (15.9%). --- # UK construction contractors media reputation tracker: 2026 year to date (1 January 2026–30 September 2026) > Balfour Beatty had the highest average monthly share of coverage (19.4%) among 10 contractors in UK earned media from 1 January 2026 to 30 September 2026, ahead of Kier Group (17.6%) and Morgan Sindall (15.9%). Morgan Sindall had the most favourable net tone (+77). Omniscan analysed 8,657 articles containing 3,260 mentions of the contractors tracked. Interactive version: https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-ytd ## UK Construction Contractors ranking by share of coverage, 2026 year to date | Rank | Organisation | Average monthly share of coverage | Mentions | Positive | Neutral | Negative | Net tone | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | 1 | Balfour Beatty | 19.4% | 635 | 75% | 18% | 7% | +68 | | 2 | Kier Group | 17.6% | 581 | 73% | 23% | 4% | +70 | | 3 | Morgan Sindall | 15.9% | 509 | 81% | 16% | 3% | +77 | | 4 | Costain | 9.0% | 287 | 76% | 20% | 4% | +72 | | 5 | Galliford Try | 8.4% | 299 | 82% | 13% | 5% | +77 | | 6 | Sir Robert McAlpine | 6.6% | 208 | 58% | 26% | 16% | +41 | | 7 | Mace | 6.5% | 204 | 46% | 50% | 4% | +42 | | 8 | Skanska UK | 6.3% | 203 | 51% | 38% | 11% | +40 | | 9 | Laing O'Rourke | 5.7% | 181 | 58% | 25% | 17% | +41 | | 10 | Wates | 4.6% | 153 | 73% | 24% | 3% | +71 | ## Monthly share of coverage, UK Construction Contractors | Organisation | January 2026 | February 2026 | March 2026 | April 2026 | May 2026 | June 2026 | July 2026 | August 2026 | September 2026 | | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Balfour Beatty | 18.6% | 17.9% | 18.7% | 13.0% | 18.8% | 24.0% | 13.5% | 28.0% | 21.9% | | Kier Group | 20.5% | 16.4% | 15.1% | 14.2% | 17.4% | 18.3% | 20.1% | 15.5% | 20.5% | | Morgan Sindall | 9.4% | 21.0% | 16.3% | 23.2% | 16.5% | 13.5% | 14.8% | 15.2% | 13.4% | | Costain | 11.1% | 6.3% | 10.1% | 9.1% | 10.7% | 9.0% | 6.6% | 9.4% | 8.4% | | Galliford Try | 5.2% | 7.2% | 11.2% | 9.8% | 4.5% | 5.4% | 11.4% | 6.7% | 14.0% | | Sir Robert McAlpine | 8.8% | 6.1% | 4.7% | 4.7% | 8.9% | 8.7% | 5.3% | 7.0% | 5.7% | | Mace | 8.1% | 4.6% | 9.2% | 7.1% | 7.6% | 6.1% | 6.6% | 5.8% | 3.1% | | Skanska UK | 9.1% | 7.2% | 6.2% | 6.7% | 5.8% | 5.8% | 7.3% | 4.6% | 4.5% | | Laing O'Rourke | 5.2% | 7.8% | 5.2% | 3.9% | 8.0% | 4.2% | 8.9% | 4.9% | 3.1% | | Wates | 3.9% | 5.5% | 3.2% | 8.3% | 1.8% | 5.1% | 5.5% | 3.0% | 5.5% | ## Contractors in detail ### Balfour Beatty **Balfour Beatty leads amid power, project and results coverage** Balfour Beatty ranked 1st of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (19.4%) in the UK Construction Contractors benchmark for 2026 year to date, with 635 mentions and a net tone of +68. Balfour Beatty recorded 635 mentions from January to September, representing 19.5% of tracked-company mentions and the leading pooled share. Its 19.4% average monthly share also ranked first, showing leadership across the measured window rather than only in the highest-volume months. The contractor began in second place in January and February before moving first in March, although its position fell to third in April and again in July. It subsequently returned to first, reaching its highest monthly share of 28.0% in August and retaining the lead in September. Financial reporting was central to the profile, spanning March’s £323m pre-tax profit and record £22.7bn order book and August’s upgraded earnings and cash guidance. Awards and delivery stories supplied a broader operational base, including the Warwickshire highways contract, Middlewich Eastern Bypass, Forres Academy and the Netherton electricity-transmission hub. HS2 milestones extended that project narrative from Water Orton and Saltley to the Curzon 2 bridge and September’s M42 engineering operation. Leadership coverage developed from the appointments of Kay Slade and Myles Westcott to a wider UK divisional restructure and the recruitment of Emma Loxton as chief strategy officer. Legal, safety and delivery issues remained part of the account, including the AWE Aldermaston prosecution, building-safety claims and delays to HMP Highland. By September, recruitment, airport expansion, HS2 delivery and the announced FTSE 100 re-entry had widened the profile beyond the results-led concentration seen in August. Key messages: - Balfour Beatty accounted for 19.5% of tracked-company mentions; its monthly rank was #1-#3 among 10. - Coverage concentrated on Major Projects & Delivery and Financial Results & Trading. - Visibility peaked in August 2026 at 28%, compared with 13% in April 2026. - January 2026: Balfour Beatty sold ten UK infrastructure assets to Equitix for £87m, generating a £7m gain, as reported by Construction News. Leading themes: - Major Projects & Delivery: 27.1% of Balfour Beatty's coverage (theme index 1.15, net tone +72) - Financial Results & Trading: 22.8% of Balfour Beatty's coverage (theme index 1.48, net tone +88) - Contract Awards & Order Books: 15.0% of Balfour Beatty's coverage (theme index 0.56, net tone +85) Notable positive coverage: - 5 January 2026, constructionnews.co.uk: [Balfour Beatty sells 10 UK infrastructure assets to Equitix for £87m](https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/financial/balfour-beatty-sells-10-uk-infrastructure-assets-to-equitix-for-87m-05-01-2026/). Balfour Beatty sold ten operational UK infrastructure investment assets to Equitix for £87m. The disposal generated a £7m gain and exceeded the assets’ directors’ valuation. - 19 January 2026, constructionnews.co.uk: [Balfour Beatty appoints Hercules to energy labour supplier list](https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/contracts/balfour-beatty-appoints-hercules-to-energy-labour-supplier-list-19-01-2026/). Balfour Beatty added Hercules to its preferred labour supplier list for UK power transmission and distribution projects. The appointment supports its growing energy-infrastructure workload. - 19 January 2026, constructionnews.co.uk: [Balfour Beatty promotes Slade to lead UK regional civils business](https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/peoplemoves/balfour-beatty-promotes-slade-to-lead-uk-regional-civils-business-19-01-2026/). Balfour Beatty appointed Kay Slade as managing director of its UK regional civils business. Her promotion follows work restructuring regional operations and improving delivery. Notable negative coverage: - 20 July 2026, bbc.co.uk: ['Dust from North Hykeham Relief Road work is entering our homes'](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/crk543r52l2o). Residents near the North Hykeham Relief Road scheme complained that construction dust was entering homes and affecting outdoor living. Contractor Balfour Beatty is installing a dust barrier and using water spraying, while the council says conditions are being monitored. - 19 June 2026, bbc.com: [Four companies fined £470,000 over pollution and non-compliance](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cj6gr4rjkk5o). Balfour Beatty Group must pay £200,000 following silt-contaminated water discharges from its East Leeds Orbital Road site in 2020. The Environment Agency also required preventative steps and recovery of investigation costs. - 25 March 2026, bbc.com: [Investigation into 'forever chemicals' waste near Helsby ex-factory](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c04xl47y214o). Balfour Beatty, as BICC's successor company, commissioned investigation work after extremely high PCB levels were found near the former Helsby cable factory. The council is conducting a contaminated-land investigation while further sampling and analysis continue. - [Balfour Beatty deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-ytd?entity=balfourbeatty&view=deep-dive) - [Balfour Beatty PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-ytd/reports/balfourbeatty.pdf) ### Kier Group **Kier’s contract pipeline and results sustain second-place visibility** Kier Group ranked 2nd of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (17.6%) in the UK Construction Contractors benchmark for 2026 year to date, with 581 mentions and a net tone of +70. Across January to September, Kier ranked second on both a 17.6% average monthly share and a 17.8% pooled share of tracked-company mentions. It opened as the leader in January with 20.5%, amid reporting on its infrastructure reorganisation, first chief operating officer and record £11.6bn order book. Kier fell to third in February as its share declined by 4.1 percentage points to 16.4%, while articles covered the £35m Bristol Temple Meads gateway contract and £120m Edinburgh eye hospital appointment. Its volume rose in March, although share eased to 15.1% and it remained third; reporting included improved half-year results and the Kier-led consortium’s £200m STEP fusion role. Kier returned to second in April despite a further share decline to 14.2%, alongside stories about the £70m Sizewell C gateway contract and mobilisation of its long-term Norfolk highways agreement. Share then recovered to 17.4% in May and 18.3% in June, when coverage included the Bridgwater Tidal Barrier continuation and £140m South West Water framework extension. Kier regained first place in July with a 20.1% share and 88 mentions, as articles reported an £11.9bn order book, a £120m Birmingham highways extension and two school contracts worth £98m. It moved back to second in August as share fell to 15.5%, while the news agenda included the £99m Holden House redevelopment and appointments for Sizewell C roads and Stepney All Saints school. September produced the period’s highest volume, at 120 mentions, and a 20.5% share, although Kier remained second; annual results and the decision to stop new property investment dominated the company’s reporting. Across the window, the profile moved from restructuring and operational delivery towards contract momentum, financial performance and a sharper strategic concentration on construction and infrastructure. Key messages: - Kier Group accounted for 17.8% of tracked-company mentions; its monthly rank was #1-#3 among 10. - Coverage concentrated on Contract Awards & Order Books and Major Projects & Delivery. - Visibility peaked in January 2026 at 20.5%, compared with 14.2% in April 2026. - January 2026: Kier returned to average month-end net cash for the first time in more than a decade and reported a record £11.6bn order book — Construction Enquirer. Leading themes: - Contract Awards & Order Books: 26.9% of Kier Group's coverage (theme index 1.12, net tone +90) - Major Projects & Delivery: 24.1% of Kier Group's coverage (theme index 1, net tone +51) - Financial Results & Trading: 17.6% of Kier Group's coverage (theme index 1.05, net tone +84) Notable positive coverage: - 5 January 2026, constructionenquirer.com: [Kier overhauls top team as infrastructure arm launched](https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2026/01/05/kier-overhauls-top-team-as-infrastructure-division-is-launched/). Kier combined its Transportation and Natural Resources, Nuclear & Networks businesses into a new Infrastructure division led by Joe Incutti. It also announced several executive-team changes intended to support growth and infrastructure-market opportunities. - 5 January 2026, constructionnews.co.uk: [Louisa Finlay appointed as Kier's first chief operating officer](https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/peoplemoves/louisa-finlay-appointed-as-kiers-first-chief-operating-officer-05-01-2026/). Kier Group appointed Louisa Finlay as its first chief operating officer, with responsibility spanning operations, digital, sustainability and safety. She will remain chief people officer until a successor is appointed. - 5 January 2026, building.co.uk: [Kier promotes chief people officer to newly created COO role](https://www.building.co.uk/news/kier-promotes-chief-people-officer-to-newly-created-coo-role/5140001.article). Kier promoted chief people officer Louisa Finlay to the newly created group chief operating officer role. Her remit includes operational excellence, safety, sustainability and digital transformation. Notable negative coverage: - 8 July 2026, independent.co.uk: [Describing someone as 'coloured' isn't necessarily racist, judge rules](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/employment-tribunal-coloured-amy-reeves-b3011276.html). An employment tribunal dismissed a former Kier employee's claims of racial harassment, discrimination and victimisation relating to workplace comments. The judgment found a colleague used a racially slanted term but did not intend to offend, and that it was not reasonable for the comment to have the prohibited effect. - 9 June 2026, constructionenquirer.com: [Duo share £1.2bn coastal beach management framework](https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2026/06/09/duo-share-1-2bn-coastal-beach-management-framework/). The Environment Agency awarded its £1.23bn Beach Management Framework to Van Oord and VBA Joint Venture. The new framework replaces historic delivery involvement by firms including Kier. - 27 April 2026, constructionnews.co.uk: [Durham school blames Kier for enforced closure](https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/contractors/kier/durham-school-blames-kier-for-enforced-closure-27-04-2026/). Kier's work at Belmont Community School reportedly damaged an electricity cable, forcing a temporary school closure. Kier apologised and said it was investigating and repairing the issue safely. - [Kier Group deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-ytd?entity=kiergroup&view=deep-dive) - [Kier Group PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-ytd/reports/kiergroup.pdf) ### Morgan Sindall **Results and major projects define Morgan Sindall’s top-three profile** Morgan Sindall ranked 3rd of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (15.9%) in the UK Construction Contractors benchmark for 2026 year to date, with 509 mentions and a net tone of +77. Morgan Sindall ranked third across January to September, with 509 mentions, a 15.6% pooled share of tracked-company mentions and a 15.9% average monthly share. Its position ranged from fourth to first, with leadership in February and April and top-three rankings in seven of the nine months. In February, Morgan Sindall moved into first place; stories included turnover exceeding £5bn, pre-tax profit of £232.6m and a record £19.1bn combined order book. The company returned to first place in April, when reporting included an upgraded profit outlook and further developments in the Crystal Palace National Sports Centre redevelopment. Beyond these financial reporting periods, project coverage encompassed the Port Talbot low-carbon steel research centre, the Portishead rail reopening and the Oxford shop-to-laboratories conversion. Morgan Sindall ranked third in May and June as the agenda included project delivery, contract awards and workforce initiatives such as the Essex schools programme and placements for women in construction. July brought a move back to second place; stories included record first-half results, approval for the £100m Crystal Palace overhaul and the Milton Keynes hospital contract. By August, contracts remained prominent, while management changes included the reorganisation of London and Home Counties operations and appointments in the North East and Cumbria. September produced the highest monthly volume but a fourth-place finish as the wider cohort expanded sharply; stories included the £35m Sellafield roofing contract and the appointment to restart the delayed Blackpool courthouse. The sharpest competitive advances were measured in February and April; stories in those months included record results and an upgraded profit outlook, while public-sector, infrastructure, regeneration and low-carbon work provided a broader flow of coverage across the period. Key messages: - Morgan Sindall accounted for 15.6% of tracked-company mentions; its monthly rank was #1-#4 among 10. - Coverage concentrated on Major Projects & Delivery and Contract Awards & Order Books. - Visibility peaked in April 2026 at 23.2%, compared with 9.4% in January 2026. - January 2026: Muse was selected as preferred development partner for Bristol Temple Quarter’s regeneration programme; Construction Enquirer. Leading themes: - Major Projects & Delivery: 28.5% of Morgan Sindall's coverage (theme index 1.22, net tone +74) - Contract Awards & Order Books: 25.5% of Morgan Sindall's coverage (theme index 1.05, net tone +86) - Financial Results & Trading: 20.6% of Morgan Sindall's coverage (theme index 1.28, net tone +89) Notable positive coverage: - 20 January 2026, theconstructionindex.co.uk: [Morgan Sindall starts £69m Hackney baths renovation](https://www.theconstructionindex.co.uk/news/view/morgan-sindall-starts-69m-hackney-baths-renovation). Morgan Sindall Construction has begun a £68.7m refurbishment and extension of Hackney's Grade II-listed Kings Hall Leisure Centre. The project, procured through the Southern Construction Framework, is due for handover in autumn 2028. - 12 February 2026, constructionenquirer.com: [Morgan Sindall eyes bumper 2026 on record workload](https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2026/02/12/morgan-sindall-eyes-bumper-2026-on-record-workload/). Morgan Sindall said a stronger-than-expected start to 2026, led by Fit Out, should lift group performance above prior guidance. Its secured order book and preferred-bidder work rose 17% to a record £19.1bn. - 12 February 2026, constructionnews.co.uk: [Morgan Sindall fit-out forecast boosts profit expectations](https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/financial/morgan-sindall-fit-out-forecast-boosts-profit-expectations-12-02-2026/). Morgan Sindall said its fit-out division is outperforming expectations, prompting upgrades to profit forecasts. Its secured order book and preferred-bidder work rose 17% to £19.1bn. Notable negative coverage: - 24 April 2026, independent.co.uk: [London plumber attacked in radiator row wins payout of up to £200,000from bosses](https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/london-plumber-fight-thomas-browne-b2964139.html). A court found Morgan Sindall Property Services and K&T Heating Services liable after a heating engineer was assaulted while working alone at a council property. Compensation of up to £200,000 will be determined or agreed later. - 8 January 2026, bbc.com: [Blackpool DWP office evacuated after cladding falls from building](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c87r1074jzno). Fylde View, a new £100m DWP office in Blackpool, was evacuated after cladding fell from the building. The project was delivered by Blackpool Council alongside Muse, a Morgan Sindall business, and VINCI Building. - 30 July 2026, constructionnews.co.uk: [Council that ‘sacked’ Morgan Sindall immediately reinstates firm for £1m extra](https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/contractors/morgan-sindall/council-that-sacked-morgan-sindall-immediately-reinstates-firm-for-1m-extra-30-07-2026/). Basildon Council extended Morgan Sindall Property Services’ housing-repairs contract by one year at an additional £1m after abandoning plans to bring the service in-house. The article cites previous criticism of the contractor’s repair and maintenance performance. - [Morgan Sindall deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-ytd?entity=morgansindall&view=deep-dive) - [Morgan Sindall PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-ytd/reports/morgansindall.pdf) ### Costain **Financial milestones and infrastructure wins sustain Costain’s top-five profile** Costain ranked 4th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (9.0%) in the UK Construction Contractors benchmark for 2026 year to date, with 287 mentions and a net tone of +72. Costain recorded 287 mentions from January to September, accounting for 8.8% of tracked-company mentions across the full period. Its 9.0% average monthly share ranked fourth, while its pooled share ranked fifth, reflecting the greater weight given to months with larger cohort volumes in the pooled measure. The opening agenda combined expectations of a margin above the 4.5% run-rate target, increased shareholder returns and the M5 Junction 22A contract for the Somerset gigafactory. Visibility then contracted in February despite reporting on Costain’s return to the FTSE 250 and its role in the £525m Salford wastewater programme. March restored a top-five position as annual results showed pre-tax profit rising to £48.2m and the forward order book reaching £7bn, alongside the £45m Rugby Newbold wastewater contract. The middle of the period broadened the profile from financial performance into delivery and procurement, including 3D-printed concrete on Teesside, the Port of Dover utilities framework and the £122m West Winch road scheme. July’s lower share occurred alongside the extension of Costain’s United Utilities contract through AMP8, while wider sector reporting also referenced the company contextually in coverage of HS2 contract negotiations and roads procurement. August brought renewed financial and water-sector prominence through first-half growth, a doubled interim dividend and approximately £150m of Thames Water upgrades. September produced the period’s highest monthly volume, with reporting spanning the South Kensington Tube station transformation, a record apprentice intake and Rohan O’Grady’s appointment to lead the SCS joint venture. Across the window, Costain’s profile rested on a recurring combination of financial progress and secured infrastructure work, with delivery innovation, workforce investment and leadership becoming more visible later in the period. Key messages: - Costain accounted for 8.8% of tracked-company mentions; its monthly rank was #3-#7 among 10. - Coverage concentrated on Contract Awards & Order Books and Financial Results & Trading. - Visibility peaked in January 2026 at 11.1%, compared with 6.3% in February 2026. - January 2026: Costain won the M5 Junction 22A contract serving the Somerset gigafactory, reported by Construction News. Leading themes: - Contract Awards & Order Books: 26.8% of Costain's coverage (theme index 1.11, net tone +95) - Financial Results & Trading: 24.4% of Costain's coverage (theme index 1.51, net tone +86) - Major Projects & Delivery: 19.5% of Costain's coverage (theme index 0.79, net tone +73) Notable positive coverage: - 26 January 2026, constructionenquirer.com: [Costain to exceed 4.5% margin target after strong year](https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2026/01/26/costain-to-exceed-4-5-margin-target-after-strong-year/). Costain expects stronger profitability and £190 million of cash after a positive year. It plans higher dividends and a £20 million share buyback following a pension reset. - 26 January 2026, building.co.uk: [Costain says it will exceed margin target](https://www.building.co.uk/costain-says-it-will-exceed-margin-target/5140372.article). Costain expects adjusted operating margin to exceed its 4.5% run-rate target in 2025. It also cited recent nuclear, utilities and highways contract wins. - 27 January 2026, newcivilengineer.com: [£100M contract awarded to Costain for new junction on M5 to serve Somerset gigafactory](https://www.newcivilengineer.com/latest/100m-contract-awarded-to-costain-for-new-junction-on-m5-to-serve-somerset-gigafactory-27-01-2026/). Costain has been appointed on a £100m, five-year contract to design and construct M5 junction 22A for the Gravity Smart Campus and Agratas gigafactory. Sir Robert McAlpine is constructing the gigafactory. - [Costain deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-ytd?entity=costain&view=deep-dive) - [Costain PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-ytd/reports/costain.pdf) ### Galliford Try **Galliford Try reporting spans results, frameworks and water contracts** Galliford Try ranked 5th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (8.4%) in the UK Construction Contractors benchmark for 2026 year to date, with 299 mentions and a net tone of +77. Galliford Try recorded 299 mentions from January to September, representing 9.2% of tracked-company mentions and fourth place on a pooled basis. Its average monthly share was 8.4%, placing it fifth when each month carried equal weight; the stronger pooled position reflects its greater presence in higher-volume months. Visibility began at 5.2% and joint eighth place in January, when reporting covered upgraded profit expectations, a £4.1bn order book and work on the Carlisle Southern Link Road. February broadened the agenda through the £15.4bn Department for Education framework, new health, housing and water work, and Bill Hocking’s account of the contractor’s turnaround strategy. March brought an 11.2% share and fourth place alongside interim profit growth, another guidance upgrade, the £10m acquisition of Nene Valley Fire & Acoustic and contracts at RAF Lakenheath and St Helens Primary School. After a contract-led April, including the £750m Sovereign affordable-homes framework, Galliford Try fell to ninth in May despite coverage of Selby Station Gateway, M53 upgrades and a green-hydrogen generator trial. June added the £39m Balgores SEND School contract, the opening of Carlisle Southern Link Road and public-realm plans for Piccadilly Gardens, while reporting on problems at Worthing Integrated Care Centre provided a delivery counterpoint. The share then rose to 11.4% and fourth place in July, contemporaneous with a £4.3bn order book, expectations of a sixth consecutive year of profit growth, a £47.5m Thames Water contract and places on major public-sector frameworks. August’s mix was more operational: Galliford Try secured health and regeneration work and completed Paisley Grammar School Community Campus, but was replaced on the Sizewell C highways package after commercial terms could not be agreed. September produced the period’s strongest position at 14.0% and third place, alongside annual pre-tax profit of £55m, a £4.3bn order book, the £110m River Mease pipeline award and a senior environment-business appointment focused on water-sector growth. Key messages: - Galliford Try accounted for 9.2% of tracked-company mentions; its monthly rank was #3-#9 among 10. - Coverage concentrated on Contract Awards & Order Books and Financial Results & Trading. - Visibility peaked in September 2026 at 14%, compared with 4.5% in May 2026. - January 2026: Galliford Try upgraded its full-year profit outlook after stronger first-half trading, reported by Construction Enquirer. Leading themes: - Contract Awards & Order Books: 38.5% of Galliford Try's coverage (theme index 1.67, net tone +92) - Financial Results & Trading: 30.8% of Galliford Try's coverage (theme index 1.99, net tone +95) - Major Projects & Delivery: 13.0% of Galliford Try's coverage (theme index 0.52, net tone +21) Notable positive coverage: - 21 January 2026, constructionenquirer.com: [Galliford Try lifts profit outlook for first half](https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2026/01/21/galliford-try-lifts-profit-outlook-for-first-half/). Galliford Try upgraded its full-year profit outlook following stronger first-half trading. Its order book increased to £4.1bn, with recent framework wins across water, transport and social infrastructure. - 9 February 2026, constructionnews.co.uk: [Galliford Try awaits RAAC-hit school rebuild approval](https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/cn-intelligence/sector/education/galliford-try-awaits-raac-hit-school-rebuild-approval-09-02-2026/). Galliford Try is awaiting approval to demolish and rebuild a RAAC-affected primary school in Ascot under the Department for Education's remediation programme. The £11m replacement school is expected to complete in September 2027 if approved. - 19 February 2026, constructionnews.co.uk: [Galliford Try wins £33m Clarion homes job in Chester](https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/buildings/galliford-try-wins-33m-clarion-homes-job-in-chester-19-02-2026/). Galliford Try has been selected for a £32.8m design-and-build contract for 126 homes at City Place in Chester for Clarion Housing. The scheme is expected to run from March 2026 to February 2028. Notable negative coverage: - 3 June 2026, bbc.com: [Bacteria delays push Worthing health centre build cost to £49m](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cr5pgv05y6mo). Worthing Integrated Care Centre's cost has risen to almost £49m amid unresolved legionella-related water-system problems. Galliford Try is responsible for remediation, while the council is considering cost recovery. - 3 April 2026, bbc.com: [Halifax restaurant at 'breaking point' over roadworks scheme](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c3v69gqr6ylo). Halifax restaurant owners say disruption and flooding associated with a £64m town-centre roadworks scheme have reduced takings. Calderdale Council says it and contractor Galliford Try are investigating the concerns. - 25 March 2026, bbc.com: [Worthing £45m health centre clear of legionella bacteria but work continues](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c20qw41xz3yo). Legionella has been cleared from Worthing Integrated Care Centre, but unresolved water-system issues still prevent handover and opening. Galliford Try remains responsible for completing, testing and signing off the required works. - [Galliford Try deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-ytd?entity=gallifordtry&view=deep-dive) - [Galliford Try PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-ytd/reports/gallifordtry.pdf) ### Sir Robert McAlpine **From Chiltern milestones to a broader delivery and strategy story** Sir Robert McAlpine ranked 6th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (6.6%) in the UK Construction Contractors benchmark for 2026 year to date, with 208 mentions and a net tone of +41. Sir Robert McAlpine recorded 208 mentions from January to September, representing 6.4% of tracked-company mentions and sixth place on both pooled and average monthly measures. Its 6.6% average monthly share was slightly higher than its pooled share because stronger months such as January and May carried equal weight in the monthly measure, while busier cohort months had more influence on the pooled result. Early visibility centred on the £150m West End office refurbishment, the reported Ellison Institute appointment and completion of civil works on HS2’s Chiltern tunnel by Align. Delivery remained prominent through the Agratas gigafactory steel-frame milestone, Broadgate, the Sloane Robinson Building at the Temple Quarter campus and the NESST space-skills facility. The account broadened in March and May through the sale of social-infrastructure interests, circularity work, workforce planning and results showing higher profit and a substantial order book. June combined the appointment of Integrated Health Projects to the £1.3bn Leighton Hospital scheme with Sir Robert McAlpine’s departure from the Agratas project and delays affecting the Port Talbot electric arc furnace. The company’s share then fell to 5.3% and tenth place in July, when reporting included the Leighton Hospital contract, 2 Finsbury Avenue’s sustainability-led construction and an unsuccessful Barbican bid. August restored fifth place as the contractor’s five-year sustainability results became the dominant company story, including a reported 33% reduction in absolute carbon emissions. September produced the highest monthly volume, with coverage spanning a Universal Studios construction zone, Broadgate delivery, completion of the Sloane Robinson Building and handover of the National Rehabilitation Centre after a six-month water-quality delay and reported remedial work. Across the period, the profile developed from awards and engineering milestones into a wider account encompassing financial discipline, portfolio choices, sustainability performance, healthcare expansion and delivery risk. Key messages: - Sir Robert McAlpine accounted for 6.4% of tracked-company mentions; its monthly rank was #5-#10 among 10. - Coverage concentrated on Major Projects & Delivery and Contract Awards & Order Books. - Visibility peaked in May 2026 at 8.9%, compared with 4.7% in March 2026. - January 2026: Align completed civil works on HS2’s 10-mile Chiltern tunnel — Construction News. Leading themes: - Major Projects & Delivery: 32.2% of Sir Robert McAlpine's coverage (theme index 1.36, net tone +25) - Contract Awards & Order Books: 23.1% of Sir Robert McAlpine's coverage (theme index 0.94, net tone +48) - Policy, Procurement & Infrastructure Pipeline: 13.9% of Sir Robert McAlpine's coverage (theme index 1.23, net tone +62) Notable positive coverage: - 1 May 2026, constructionnews.co.uk: ['Disciplined work selection' drives 50% profit boost at Sir Robert McAlpine](https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/contractors/sir-robert-mcalpine/disciplined-work-selection-drives-50-profit-boost-at-sir-robert-mcalpine-01-05-2026/). Sir Robert McAlpine increased pre-tax profit to £15.7m and secured £1bn of work, supported by selective bidding and margin discipline. It also reported remediation provisions and warned of inflation and supply-chain insolvency risks. - 5 May 2026, scottishconstructionnow.com: [Sir Robert McAlpine lifts margins as strategic reset drives strong 2025 performance](https://www.scottishconstructionnow.com/articles/sir-robert-mcalpine-lifts-margins-as-strategic-reset-drives-strong-2025-performance). Sir Robert McAlpine reported pre-tax profit of £15.7m for 2025, up from £10.4m, with turnover stable at £945.7m. Its committed order book reached £1.3bn and margins improved following its Evolve strategy. - 13 May 2026, constructionmanagement.co.uk: [Sir Robert McAlpine adopts workforce planning platform](https://constructionmanagement.co.uk/sir-robert-mcalpine-adopts-workforce-planning-platform/). Sir Robert McAlpine adopted Bridgit's AI-enabled workforce-planning platform to improve deployment, skills visibility and team planning. The contractor also intends to use it to assess its balance of junior and experienced staff. 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. - 12 June 2026, renewableenergy.caboodleai.net: [McAlpine Exits £4bn Agratas Gigafactory Project as TSL Takes the Helm](https://renewableenergy.caboodleai.net/article/527618/mcalpine-exits-4bn-agratas-gigafactory-project-as-tsl-takes-the-helm). Sir Robert McAlpine has agreed with Agratas to exit the next phase of its £4bn Somerset battery gigafactory after completing the initial phase. TSL has been appointed as the new construction partner. - 20 June 2026, theguardian.com: [JLR at risk of battery supply delays after Somerset factory turmoil](https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/jun/20/jaguar-land-rover-jlr-battery-supply-delay-somerset-agratas). Agratas has replaced Sir Robert McAlpine on its Somerset battery-factory project amid an estimated £500m-plus budget gap and substantial schedule delays. The disruption could delay JLR’s battery supply and the government-backed project’s planned start of production. - [Sir Robert McAlpine deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-ytd?entity=sirrobertmcalpine&view=deep-dive) - [Sir Robert McAlpine PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-ytd/reports/sirrobertmcalpine.pdf) ### Mace **Mace’s demerger and major wins shape an uneven year** Mace ranked 7th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (6.5%) in the UK Construction Contractors benchmark for 2026 year to date, with 204 mentions and a net tone of +42. Mace recorded 204 mentions from January to September, representing 6.3% of tracked-company mentions and seventh place on a pooled basis. Its average monthly share was slightly higher at 6.5%, also ranking seventh. January’s 8.1% share coincided with coverage of its planned rebrand, 2025 contracts-league leadership and partnership on three low-carbon data centres. After falling to 4.6% and tenth in February, Mace recovered to 9.2% and sixth in March, when the completed Mace Consult demerger and £450m Red Lion Court award supplied two substantial strands of reporting. The share eased to 7.1% in April before rising to 7.6% in May, alongside the Baltic Exchange design-risk ruling, completion of 100 New Bridge Street and the £250m John Innes Centre laboratory contract. June’s 6.1% share accompanied progress at HS2’s Curzon Street station, Mace’s construction-productivity report and news that finance chief David Allen would leave. July brought a modest increase to 6.6%, with the £150m former City Hall retrofit and the £70m 60 Queen Victoria Street refurbishment extending the project-led account. August’s 5.8% share featured further examination of the post-demerger restructuring, while some wider sector articles referred only contextually to unsuccessful bids and joint industry initiatives. September fell to 3.1% and joint ninth despite substantive reporting on circular construction at 30 Duke Street St James’s and the restart of the redesigned Daubeny Buildings scheme. Across the period, Mace’s profile combined major commercial and research projects with an extended corporate transition, before workforce, productivity and circularity became more prominent later in the window. Key messages: - Mace accounted for 6.3% of tracked-company mentions; its monthly rank was #6-#10 among 10. - Coverage concentrated on Major Projects & Delivery and Contract Awards & Order Books. - Visibility peaked in March 2026 at 9.2%, compared with 3.1% in September 2026. - January 2026: Mace topped the 2025 contracts league with £3.18bn of secured orders, reported by Construction Enquirer. Leading themes: - Major Projects & Delivery: 27.0% of Mace's coverage (theme index 1.12, net tone +56) - Contract Awards & Order Books: 24.0% of Mace's coverage (theme index 0.98, net tone +37) - Leadership, Strategy & M&A: 22.1% of Mace's coverage (theme index 2.59, net tone +31) Notable positive coverage: - 2 January 2026, building.co.uk: [Mace boss among construction figures recognised in King's New ...](https://www.building.co.uk/news/mace-boss-among-construction-figures-recognised-in-kings-new-years-honours/5139989.article). Mace Group executive chair Mark Reynolds received a CBE in the King's New Year Honours for services to business and construction. The article also notes other built-environment award recipients. - 2 January 2026, constructionnews.co.uk: [Mace chair Reynolds awarded CBE in New Year Honours list](https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/contractors/mace/mace-chair-reynolds-awarded-cbe-in-new-year-honours-list-02-01-2026/). Mace Group executive chairman Mark Reynolds was awarded a CBE in the New Year Honours for services to business and construction. He credited Mace staff and the wider Construction Leadership Council. - 9 January 2026, constructionenquirer.com: [Mace crowned annual contracts league champion](https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2026/01/09/mace-crowned-annual-contracts-league-champion/). Mace topped the 2025 contracts league with £3.18bn of secured orders, including the British Library extension. Sir Robert McAlpine placed third with £2.26bn of wins. Notable negative coverage: - 23 March 2026, theguardian.com: [HS2 firm says new steel tariffs will 'exacerbate' cost pressures for UK construction industry](https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/mar/22/hs2-firm-says-new-steel-tariffs-will-exacerbate-cost-pressures-for-uk-construction-industry). Mace chair Mark Reynolds said higher tariffs on imported steel would worsen cost pressures for UK construction. Mace is delivering HS2 stations at London Euston and Birmingham Curzon Street. - [Mace deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-ytd?entity=mace&view=deep-dive) - [Mace PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-ytd/reports/mace.pdf) ### Skanska UK **Delivery milestones and major awards frame Skanska UK’s shifting visibility** Skanska UK ranked 8th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (6.3%) in the UK Construction Contractors benchmark for 2026 year to date, with 203 mentions and a net tone of +40. Skanska UK recorded 203 mentions from January to September, representing 6.2% of tracked-company mentions and placing eighth on both pooled and average monthly share. It ranked fifth in January and joint fifth in February, fell to eighth in April and May, recovered to seventh in June and sixth in July before ending eighth in September. January’s 9.1% share coincided with extensive reporting on the 4,200-tonne Clifton Bridge replacement over the M6, alongside the Rolls-Royce SMR prototype commission and Katy Dowding’s infrastructure-delivery interview. February broadened the agenda through the £273m One Appold Street award and completion of Anglian Water’s Everton treatment wetland. In March, coverage included Lee Marks’s appointment to lead the building business, the launch of HS2’s final Euston tunnel-boring machine and Dowding’s account of inclusion, safety and risk discipline. April combined the completion of 34 Northolt Tunnel cross passages with results showing £1.37bn revenue, £1.36bn of new work and lower profit. May brought Skanska’s proposed roles on two New Hospital Programme schemes and archaeological discoveries during preparation for the A46 Newark Bypass. June presented a contrasting set of developments: the £282m 55 Old Broad Street award, cancellation of the £297m A46 contract and an official report of a £400,000 fine against SCS Railways following a tipper-truck incident. July’s sixth-place position was accompanied by reporting on Skanska UK’s balance sheet, while August featured its use of prefabricated building-services modules at South Molton and its first place in the July contractor league table. September ended with a 4.5% share, as reporting included the modular bridge taking shape at Thickthorn, while wider contextual articles covered the A46’s return to market and continuing HS2 contract-reset negotiations. Key messages: - Skanska UK accounted for 6.2% of tracked-company mentions; its monthly rank was #5-#9 among 10. - Coverage concentrated on Policy, Procurement & Infrastructure Pipeline and Major Projects & Delivery. - Visibility peaked in January 2026 at 9.1%, compared with 4.5% in September 2026. - January 2026: Skanska and Network Rail installed the 4,200-tonne Clifton Bridge over the M6, with the motorway reopening 13 hours early — Construction Enquirer. Leading themes: - Policy, Procurement & Infrastructure Pipeline: 27.6% of Skanska UK's coverage (theme index 2.64, net tone +20) - Major Projects & Delivery: 26.6% of Skanska UK's coverage (theme index 1.11, net tone +70) - Contract Awards & Order Books: 20.2% of Skanska UK's coverage (theme index 0.82, net tone +63) Notable positive coverage: - 5 January 2026, constructionenquirer.com: [Watch Skanska giant rail bridge demolition](https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2026/01/05/watch-skanska-giant-rail-bridge-demolition/). Skanska completed the first phase of Network Rail’s £60m Clifton Bridge renewal scheme, demolishing the West Coast Main Line bridge over the M6. The motorway reopened ahead of schedule and a replacement structure will be installed next. - 12 January 2026, constructionenquirer.com: [Skanska slides 4,200 tonne railway bridge into place](https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2026/01/12/skanska-slides-4200-tonne-railway-bridge-into-place/). Skanska and Network Rail installed a 4,200-tonne replacement railway bridge over the M6 near Penrith as part of a £60m West Coast Main Line investment. The motorway reopened 13 hours ahead of schedule following the complex operation. - 28 January 2026, newcivilengineer.com: [Skanska UK president and CEO on bringing certainty to public sector infrastructure delivery](https://www.newcivilengineer.com/in-depth/skanska-uk-president-and-ceo-on-bringing-certainty-to-public-sector-infrastructure-delivery-28-01-2026/). Skanska UK CEO Katy Dowding discusses the need for a stable long-term infrastructure pipeline, collaborative procurement and clearer project objectives. She highlights Skanska's activity on HS2, Lower Thames Crossing, energy and water opportunities. Notable negative coverage: - 30 June 2026, bbc.co.uk: [Contract worth £297m for road upgrade in Nottinghamshire cancelled](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/ceqdzvdn5y3o). National Highways confirmed cancellation of Skanska's £297m contract for the A46 Newark Bypass upgrade. The authority plans to procure the main construction works again. - 1 July 2026, highwaysmagazine.co.uk: [A46 bypass casualty of Starmer cuts](https://www.highwaysmagazine.co.uk/companies-and-contracts/a46-bypass-casualty-starmer-cuts). National Highways cancelled Skanska's £297m A46 Newark bypass contract following proposed transport-funding cuts. Skanska said the cancellation would reduce European order bookings in the second quarter of 2026. - 29 June 2026, constructionnews.co.uk: [New contractor sought for A46 bypass after £297m Skanska job cancelled](https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/civils/new-contractor-sought-for-a46-bypass-after-297m-skanska-job-cancelled-29-06-2026/). National Highways cancelled Skanska UK's £297m A46 Newark bypass contract before main works began and is seeking a replacement contractor. The cancellation will reduce Skanska's European order bookings. - [Skanska UK deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-ytd?entity=skanskauk&view=deep-dive) - [Skanska UK PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-ytd/reports/skanskauk.pdf) ### Laing O'Rourke **Hospitals, manufacturing and legacy risk shaped Laing O'Rourke's uneven visibility** Laing O'Rourke ranked 9th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (5.7%) in the UK Construction Contractors benchmark for 2026 year to date, with 181 mentions and a net tone of +41. Laing O'Rourke recorded 181 mentions from January to September, ranking ninth by both its 5.7% average monthly share and 5.6% pooled share of tracked-company mentions. Its position was volatile, ranging from fourth in February to tenth in April and June before reaching fifth in July and ending September in ninth. January established an agenda spanning the £250m Sussex Cancer Centre, Wayne Davies's appointment and disputes involving Shepperton Studios and the Bylor joint venture. February's rise to 7.8% coincided with extensive reporting on the £35m One Hyde Park defects judgment and trial dates concerning incidents at Hinkley Point C. March broadened the account through Laing O'Rourke's £3.2m Shepperton Studios award, digital-construction recognition and a PPE supply agreement incorporating carbon reporting and social-value commitments. Spring coverage moved towards delivery and infrastructure, including completion of the £1bn Whiteley redevelopment, the start of work on the Sussex Cancer Centre and Laing O'Rourke's selection for all three National Grid substation work packages. The position then weakened in June as reporting included the Scottish Government's decision to reset the £2.1bn Monklands Hospital project, completed ground-stabilisation works as enabling works progressed and the appointment of Ronan O’Rourke as Europe Hub clients and markets director. July presented the fullest corporate account of the period: pre-tax profit reached £80.1m, the order book reached £17.2bn, manufacturing expansion was announced and the Calderdale hospital contract was signed. August and September returned the emphasis to contracts and delivery through North West London substation packages, a £400m-plus Lancashire prison scheme and offsite construction at the Brighton cancer centre. Wider sector articles also cited Laing O'Rourke in connection with Sizewell C, the New Hospital Programme and contractor league tables, but these were contextual references rather than developments at the company. Key messages: - Laing O'Rourke accounted for 5.6% of tracked-company mentions; its monthly rank was #4-#10 among 10. - Coverage concentrated on Major Projects & Delivery and Contract Awards & Order Books. - Visibility peaked in July 2026 at 8.9%, compared with 3.1% in September 2026. - January 2026: Laing O'Rourke received confirmation to build the £250m Sussex Cancer Centre — building.co.uk. Leading themes: - Major Projects & Delivery: 22.1% of Laing O'Rourke's coverage (theme index 0.91, net tone +43) - Contract Awards & Order Books: 19.9% of Laing O'Rourke's coverage (theme index 0.8, net tone +78) - Policy, Procurement & Infrastructure Pipeline: 19.3% of Laing O'Rourke's coverage (theme index 1.75, net tone +60) Notable positive coverage: - 6 January 2026, building.co.uk: [Laing O’Rourke appoints new chief people officer](https://www.building.co.uk/news/laing-orourke-appoints-new-chief-people-officer/5140030.article). Laing O'Rourke appointed Wayne Davies as chief people officer. He will lead the contractor's global people strategy, including capability, talent and inclusion. - 7 January 2026, constructionnews.co.uk: [Laing O'Rourke names Wayne Davies as global chief people officer](https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/peoplemoves/laing-orourke-names-wayne-davies-as-global-chief-people-officer-07-01-2026/). Laing O'Rourke has appointed Wayne Davies as global chief people officer. He will lead its people strategy covering talent, inclusion and cultural transformation. - 30 January 2026, constructionnews.co.uk: [Laing O'Rourke confirmed for £250m Sussex Cancer Centre](https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/buildings/laing-orourke-confirmed-for-250m-sussex-cancer-centre-30-01-2026/). Laing O'Rourke has been confirmed to deliver a £250m cancer centre at Royal Sussex County Hospital. The project is the second stage of the hospital's 3Ts redevelopment. Notable negative coverage: - 2 February 2026, reuters.com: [London's luxury One Hyde Park wins UK lawsuit over $48 million repair bill](https://www.reuters.com/world/uk/londons-luxury-one-hyde-park-wins-uk-lawsuit-over-48-million-repair-bill-2026-02-02/). One Hyde Park won a High Court claim worth more than £35m against a Laing O'Rourke subsidiary over corroded pipework. The court found defective insulation installation caused corrosion and made the contractor liable for remedial works. - 23 March 2026, inews.co.uk: [I'm stuck in a damp, leaky new-build - I wish I'd never bought it](https://inews.co.uk/inews-lifestyle/im-stuck-in-a-damp-leaky-new-build-i-wish-id-never-bought-it-4271520). Article examines defects, flood risk and workmanship problems affecting UK new-build homes. It reports that One Hyde Park leaseholders won a February court case against Laing O'Rourke concerning defective pipework. - 3 February 2026, standard.co.uk: [Super-rich London residents 'face decade of misery' despite £35million court win](https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/one-hyde-park-rich-londoners-face-misery-court-win-b1269360.html). Laing O'Rourke Construction South is cited in a dispute concerning alleged pipe disrepair at One Hyde Park. The contractor said it had sought an amicable resolution and offered compensation and free remedial work. - [Laing O'Rourke deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-ytd?entity=laingorourke&view=deep-dive) - [Laing O'Rourke PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-ytd/reports/laingorourke.pdf) ### Wates **Wates visibility fluctuated across awards, results and leadership coverage** Wates ranked 10th of 10 by average monthly share of coverage (4.6%) in the UK Construction Contractors benchmark for 2026 year to date, with 153 mentions and a net tone of +71. Wates recorded 153 mentions from January to September, representing a 4.7% pooled share of tracked-company mentions and a 4.6% average monthly share, with tenth place on both measures. Its monthly rank ranged from sixth to tenth, with April producing its strongest position at 8.3% and sixth place. January’s contract-led agenda included the Manchester government-hub fit-out, Southwark housing agreements and Birmingham’s long-term housing-maintenance work. February broadened the profile through the Cardiff geothermal heat network, milestones at Channel View and Wembley, and changes within the London and SES leadership teams. Wates returned to tenth in March, when stories included its Parliamentary Estate roles, purchase of its Leatherhead headquarters and housing approvals in Guildford, Cardiff and Romford. April’s rise to sixth coincided with reporting on the record £10bn order book, the £108.5m HMP Manchester refurbishment and George Mosey’s permanent appointment to lead Construction London. Share fell to 1.8% in May, when the only development centred on Wates was Construction News’s interview with chief executive Eoghan O’Lionaird about the group’s financial position and strategy. June and July brought higher volumes, alongside the £138m Sevenoaks regeneration appointment, the HMP Wayland modular houseblock and Wates becoming the Ministry of Justice’s largest construction supplier in 2025/26. August brought Roger Forsdyke’s appointment as UK operations director and Wates entering a pre-construction services agreement to assess existing work and the supply chain at Hackney’s Britannia housing scheme ahead of a proposed restart, with the main contract still pending; its share was 3.0% and its rank was tenth. September produced the period’s highest volume and a rise to seventh, with stories covering the Britannia pre-construction agreement, record results at SES and appointments leading social value and sustainability. Key messages: - Wates accounted for 4.7% of tracked-company mentions; its monthly rank was #6-#10 among 10. - Coverage concentrated on Contract Awards & Order Books and Leadership, Strategy & M&A. - Visibility peaked in April 2026 at 8.3%, compared with 1.8% in May 2026. - January 2026: Wates secured two Birmingham housing-maintenance lots worth up to £1.75bn, reported by Construction Enquirer. Leading themes: - Contract Awards & Order Books: 32.7% of Wates's coverage (theme index 1.36, net tone +76) - Leadership, Strategy & M&A: 24.2% of Wates's coverage (theme index 2.8, net tone +78) - Major Projects & Delivery: 13.1% of Wates's coverage (theme index 0.53, net tone +60) Notable positive coverage: - 15 January 2026, building.co.uk: [Wates boss set to leave this spring](https://www.building.co.uk/news/wates-boss-set-to-leave-this-spring/5140194.article). Wates public-sector director Steve Beechey will leave in May after 16 years; Building reports that he is understood to be setting up a consultancy. Wates credited his contribution to its public-sector strategy and inclusion initiatives. - 22 January 2026, constructionenquirer.com: [Wates and Mount Anvil seal deal to deliver 1,100-plus London homes](https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2026/01/22/wates-and-mount-anvil-seal-deal-to-deliver-1100-plus-london-homes/). Southwark Council signed development agreements with Wates Residential and Mount Anvil for more than 1,100 homes. Wates Residential will deliver four schemes providing at least 343 affordable homes. - 27 January 2026, constructionnews.co.uk: [Wates secures £33m Manchester fit-out job](https://www.constructionnews.co.uk/contracts/wates-secures-33m-manchester-fit-out-job-27-01-2026/). Wates has secured a £32.8m contract to fit out a government hub at First Street in Manchester. The project is due to run from February to November 2026. Notable negative coverage: - 8 June 2026, bbc.com: [Hartlepool leisure centre opening pushed back for final tweaks](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c04yp52vvx9o). The opening of Hartlepool's £35m leisure centre has been delayed by just under two weeks for final works and testing. Wates Group was the lead contractor for the project. - 16 July 2026, constructionenquirer.com: [Wates regional MD and director exit suddenly](https://www.constructionenquirer.com/2026/07/16/wates-regional-md-and-commercial-director-exit-suddenly/). Wates Construction’s UK East managing director and commercial director left with immediate effect. The article reports they had been suspended while Wates investigated their conduct. - [Wates deep dive](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-ytd?entity=wates&view=deep-dive) - [Wates PDF report](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-ytd/reports/wates.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 – 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) - [UK construction contractors media reputation tracker – September 2026](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-09.md) - [All Omniscan media benchmarks](https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks.md) ## How to cite Omniscan, "UK construction contractors media reputation tracker", 2026 year to date (1 January 2026–30 September 2026), published 4 October 2026. https://www.omniscan.ai/benchmarks/uk-construction-contractors-2026-ytd