Spanish companies and government pledge long-term commitment to UK infrastructure

Some of Spain’s leading construction and engineering companies are attending a special summit in London this week (Tuesday 26 November) to discuss how they can play a long-term part in Britain’s infrastructure renewal. 

Top Spanish companies are joining Highways England, Transport for Wales, Midlands Connect, England’s Economic Heartland and others at the forum, which seeks to strengthen commercial ties with Britain. 

Spanish companies have become significant players in the UK infrastructure market, and they trust a smooth Brexit transition will enable this to continue. 

“The infrastructure market in the UK enjoys great dynamism and has been identified as a priority market for Spanish companies,” José Luis Ábalos, cabinet minister for public works, transport & housing for Spain, will tell delegates at the Spain-UK Transport Infrastructure Forum in Westminster. 

“In the last 12 months more than 400 infrastructure projects have been completed in the UK.  Spanish companies have played an important role in some of the most significant of these projects, whether in the design, construction, financing or delivery of them. This is a testament to Spanish companies’ strong track record and competitive costs in the British market.”

Six leading Spanish construction firms are currently taking part in 118 infrastructure projects in the UK with a total value of €45bn. Spanish companies are working on the deployment of high-speed rail, the construction of London’s Silvertown tunnel, the implementation of air traffic control systems, the management of major British airports, rail networks and the manufacture and supply of railway equipment.

Spanish firms have formed a number of British consortiums and Álvaro Nadal, head of the Spanish economic and commercial office, said this model of collaboration could help Britain open up post-Brexit markets in Latin America.  

“Our event has shown that collaboration between Spanish and UK firms creates long lasting ties and opens up opportunities worldwide, particularly in Latin America where Spain enjoys a well consolidated position,” he said. 

Spanish companies are currently building the longest tunnel in Latin America and have a very strong presence in a market that’s seeing infrastructure networks expand rapidly. 

“Our message is clear,” added Nadal. “Along with their UK partners, highly experienced Spanish companies have contributed to the successful delivery of key transport infrastructure projects in the UK, and are prepared to do so for years to come.”

The Spain-UK Transport Infrastructure Forum will take place at the Institution of Civil Engineers, 1 Great George Street, Westminster, London SW1P 3EE on 26 November from 10am-5pm.

Over 150 delegates of 80 Spanish and UK companies are expected to attend the Forum, which will also include speakers from engineering, consultancy and construction firms working on iconic UK infrastructure projects.