This thoroughly readable overview of the nature and history of the construction industry offers a clear understanding of how this vast and complex industry operates. Exploring its main features - the markets, the principal players, and ways of working - it provides a strong basis for further study. Construction UK: introduction to the industry takes a fresh approach to today’s key issues - sustainability, safety, efficiency, employment practices and procurement. It explains why things are the way they are and investigates the powerful trends for change.This new edition is updated with: the latest DTI statistics, including new information on causes accidents an examination of the effectiveness of initiatives post-Egan a new section on the influence of European initiatives expanded coverage of sustainability and the environmental drivers affecting construction - as well as the industry’s response an enlarged section on labour resources and the skills gap a new look at the role of IT and how it is changing the design, construction and operation of buildings new case studies on Holyrood and on Wembley Stadium. Students and all those interested in the built environment - architecture, engineering, surveying, construction - will find this a highly accessible and stimulating approach.