PBC End of Year Message – 2025
As 2025 draws to a close, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the year’s journey- one marked by global influences and more than a little fiscal uncertainty in the UK economy, but at PBC a year when the team’s resilience, drive to innovate, and a series of individual and collective achievements have shone through.
Overview of 2025 & Market Outlook for 2026
The latter part of the year was dominated by speculation as the Chancellor’s Budget approached, contributing to hesitation in real estate and construction industries, as well as the wider economy. This came at the end of a year when the economy had been struggling to return to any concerted growth, and the global business community grappled with tariffs and a number of other influences. This moment has, however, passed and, notwithstanding the effect of the budget at an individual level, it is now a known quantity and we have the stability our industries need to push on into 2026.
Construction output faced challenges throughout the year, but forecasts for 2026 are positive. Pressures remain from the collapse and departure from the market of several “approved inspectors.” However, clearance of the Building Safety Regulator’s backlog is giving cause for optimism that construction is opening up to progress. Coupled with continued government focus on housing and planning reform, this boost is reflected in the fully secured workbook for PBC’s Development Monitoring Team.
Core sectors for PBC remain with scale and high end residential, heritage, and commercial, with a strong leaning to the continuing Flex office phenomenon, as well as supporting ESG impact investors across all asset classes.
News and Achievements:
Sustainability & Social Responsibility: We continued our commitment to ESG, launching the PBC ESG Project, setting out our plans to further progress from our long-held carbon-neutral status, and make a positive impact for society as we do so. Our donations and support for charitable initiatives have made a tangible impact, and we’re proud to lead teams working towards decarbonisation and net zero across our projects.
Technology & Innovation: The rollout of PBC Connect has transformed our project management and administration services, enhancing the client experience and their ability to understand what is happening with their projects and portfolios at a moment’s notice. We continue to invest in the ambitious but responsible implementation of AI, to enhance the services we provide.
Team News & Promotions: What a year! We have been delighted to be able to congratulate Ben, Tamsin and Scott on their promotions. Double congratulations go to Tamsin also with the achievement of her CIOB qualification and to James M in achieving his RICS Chartership. A special note too to James G, who hit the incredible milestone of being with PBC for twenty years in 2025!
Business Growth: The team has made a huge collective contribution this year, at all levels of responsibility. Despite market headwinds, we’ve secured a multitude of new clients and instructions in all sectors, and extended our base with the opening of PBC’s Manchester Office led by Gareth. Business Generation Forums have resulted in extraordinary advances in business development and networking initiatives – such as the hugely successful PBC NextGen Shuffle Cup, as well as the identification and embracing of new technologies, and enhancement of our structured training provision to support our junior members to achieve their professional qualifications. We are also progressing well on the way to hitting our Project 2030 target of servicing 1,000 sites annually, increasing from 454 in the prior year to 553 this year.
Culture: Huge contributions have been made to the PBC Culture by the many colleagues to the PBC EDI Committee and PBC Social Committee. Our Mental Health First Aiders have continued to valuable provide support to colleagues, including with meditation and time to talk sessions. Thank you all for your wonderful and tremendously appreciated contributions.
Looking Ahead:
As we move into 2026, and our exciting 25th anniversary, we foresee continued innovation and growth. The economic outlook is more positive, with reducing interest rates and increased government support for development. Sustainability, technology, and team development will remain at the heart of our strategy. We are ready to embrace new challenges and opportunities, confident in our ability to deliver excellence for our clients and other stakeholders in our work, and enjoying pulling together as a team as we do so.
Thank you all for your outstanding contributions. Wishing you a restful festive season and a prosperous New Year!
