The Future of UK Infrastructure: Can We Retain Our Top Talent?

Over the years, the UK infrastructure sector has been a cornerstone of national development, delivering world-class projects across transport, energy, and telecommunications. However, in recent times we are seeing a trend emerge that threatens the foundation of future progress – the brain drain of talented infrastructure experts to international markets.

The Lure of International Destinations

Throughout the years, various international destinations have become appealing for UK infrastructure professionals. Recently, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) has become a predominant driver, attracting talent with ambitious projects and lucrative opportunities.

But KSA is not alone. We are frequently speaking with clients in the US, Canada, Hong Kong, and Ireland, among others, who want to attract UK executives to work on major schemes in rail, data centres, and other mega-projects. These global projects offer exciting challenges and career advancements that are difficult to ignore.

The Impact on the UK Infrastructure Sector

With the new UK government outlining a strong commitment to investment in infrastructure, the question arises: will the UK still have the depth of talent needed to deliver these ambitious plans? The UK’s infrastructure sector will face a critical juncture where the availability of skilled professionals is paramount to turning policy into tangible progress.

Forces at Play

We see several forces contributing to this talent migration:

• Economic Incentives:?Higher salaries and better living standards abroad are significant pull factors.
• Career Development:?International projects often provide larger scale and faster career advancement.
• Political and Economic Stability:?Political uncertainties and economic fluctuations in the UK may push professionals to seek stability elsewhere.
• Quality of Life:?Work-life balance and quality of living conditions are becoming increasingly important in career decisions.

Mitigating all of these factors simultaneously presents a challenge, particularly in terms of economic incentives, where the UK cannot compete with the low tax regimes offered in some other locations.?

However, if promised infrastructure investments materialise, the UK could offer exposure to large-scale or cutting-edge projects of international significance. This would potentially reduce the need for professionals to look abroad for career-defining experiences, and represent a significant step in the right direction.

Summary

In summary, the UK infrastructure sector is at a pivotal moment. The government’s commitment to infrastructure investment is a promising step, but it must be accompanied by strategies to retain and attract top talent. By addressing the root causes of the brain drain and implementing proactive measures, the UK can continue to lead in infrastructure development, both domestically and on the global stage.

About Novare:

Novare is a boutique Executive Search business, specialising in Infrastructure & Real Assets. We work closely with Advisors, Owners & Investors to deliver Executive Search services and Strategic Advice. Founded in 2014, we have delivered 300+ mandates in over 20 countries around the world for our clients

?