Innovation or business survival? A preliminary, qualitative study of UK construction plant supply chains

Purpose - The criticality of mechanical plant to construction activity is well accepted within the literature; however, the supply chain mechanisms by which that demand is satisfied, are much less documented or understood. The purpose of this paper is to address this theoretical gap by: describing Construction Plant Supply Chain (CPSC) evolvement; identifying with present sector difficulties; discussing solutions to those difficulties; and considering the role of innovation within CPSC (historically and for the future). Design/methodology/approach - A mixed-method research, i.e. qualitative and preliminary, including literature review, case study inquiry of an established multi-purpose CPSC player, and open question survey of a limited sample of CPSC stakeholders has been employed in this study. Inductive data analysis via textual interrogation is undertaken. Findings - In reaction to market forces and business challenges, CPSC evolution demonstrated innovative change from former contractor-held plant fleets to predominantly private sector "external" supply chains. Of late, CPSC challenges have intensified, given its intrinsic relationship to a depressed UK (and global) economy, dependency on capital investment, and the need for sustained demand. Suggestions to encounter present challenges have been made and a difficult medium-term future signified. Research limitations/implications - As a preliminary study, generalisation of findings should be viewed in a limited context; however, given the dearth of research in this subject, the findings make novel contribution to the CPSC literature while signposting fertile avenues for future and more comprehensive research. Originality/value - No previous research in this specific field has been identified.