Construction & Trades

Essential, fragmented, owner-dependent. Every building needs them.

We analysed 389,510 UK Construction & Trades companies. 3,630 score 70+ for exit readiness.

Why Construction & Trades?

Construction and specialist trades represent one of the UK's most fragmented sectors, with thousands of small owner-managed businesses in plumbing, electrical, roofing, and general contracting. These companies are essential to the housing and commercial property supply chain, providing steady demand even in downturns. Many trade business owners are ageing out of the workforce with no apprentice or family member ready to take over. Acquirers can build regional platforms by rolling up multiple trades under one management team, sharing back-office costs and winning larger contracts.

389,510
Companies Analysed
9,265
Score 60+
3,630
Score 70+
50
Avg Director Age

Top Regions

London (1,463) South East (1,287) East of England (993) North West (983) South West (878)

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Succession data

Owner age in Construction & Trades

How many construction & trades companies are run by someone at or past retirement age, from the Companies House officer register — free to read, no account needed.

Property Development
27,387 companies — 43% have a director aged 60+
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General Construction
19,307 companies — 28% have a director aged 60+
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Other Specialist Trades
17,265 companies — 27.5% have a director aged 60+
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Or see the UK Business Succession Index across every trade and region.

Related insights

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