Can it really be that another year is drawing to a close? It’s been a year in which infrastructure has once again been high on our politicians’ agenda, along with the ever-present concern of Brexit and the effects that might have on the economy and our sector.

While the ramifications of the Brexit negotiations are still (still!) uncertain, what we do know is that infrastructure expenditure is one of the best and most cost-effective ways of boosting the UK economy and improving the lives of millions of citizens. In 2019 I hope that our politicians finally grasp this truth and start to really invest in infrastructure and the industry that supports its delivery.

Good quality infrastructure, as Keith Howells writes on page 22 and 23, can connect and unite communities and help resolve many of the challenges we face as a society. That’s a big message and we as an industry need to ensure that it is one that is heard loud and clear by those in government and, given the uncertain political climate, by those in opposition too.  

As Sir John Armitt correctly points out in this issue, winning over the public is a prerequisite to winning political support for projects and in 2019 I hope to see the industry redouble its resolve to engage people and get its positive message across on all fronts.

As this is our final issue of 2018, I’d like to be the first to wish all our readers a happy and relaxing festive season and a prosperous and peaceful 2019.

Download the magazine from Infrastructure Intelligence. Stay up-to-date with the latest infrastructure news on the website which is updated daily. Receive the twice weekly e-bulletins straight to your inbox.