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Who Owns Construction Enquirer?

The UK construction industry is one of the largest and most complex sectors in the nation’s economy, with a constant stream of developments, tenders, regulatory changes, and project launches. In such a dynamic environment, industry-specific news platforms play a crucial role. One of the most widely read and respected sources in this space is Construction Enquirer.

Over the years, Construction Enquirer has built a solid reputation for delivering fast, relevant, and independent news to professionals across the construction supply chain. But as its readership continues to grow, many have started to ask a fundamental question: Who owns Construction Enquirer?

This article explores the ownership, structure, editorial stance, and influence of Construction Enquirer in the UK construction media landscape. We’ll also examine its history, business model, and what sets it apart from its competitors.

What is Construction Enquirer?

Construction Enquirer is a digital-only construction news publication that covers the UK construction, civil engineering, and infrastructure sectors. Known for its crisp reporting, timely updates, and focus on business and contract news, it is widely read by professionals including:

  • Contractors and subcontractors
  • Architects and engineers
  • Quantity surveyors and estimators
  • Construction company executives
  • Suppliers and consultants
  • Government procurement professionals

The platform primarily covers:

  • Contract awards
  • Project launches and planning approvals
  • Contractor and subcontractor news
  • Business and financial updates
  • Health and safety incidents
  • Industry trends and innovations

It is especially popular among small to mid-sized contractors and tradespeople, who find mainstream construction media too focused on corporate giants.

History of Construction Enquirer

Construction Enquirer was launched in 2010 by a group of journalists who previously worked at well-known construction publications such as Contract Journal. After the closure of Contract Journal in 2009 by its then-owner RBI (Reed Business Information), several of its senior editorial team saw an opportunity to create an independent, fast-moving online alternative.

This group decided to pivot away from print and create a purely digital model — ahead of its time — focusing on simplicity, speed, and accessibility. Construction Enquirer was born with a mission: to deliver construction news in a clear, no-nonsense format without paywalls or the slow pace of traditional media.

Who Owns Construction Enquirer?

Construction Enquirer is privately owned by its founders and editors. The main figures behind the platform are Aaron Morby and Grant Prior, two experienced journalists who have steered the publication since its inception.

1. Aaron Morby

Aaron serves as the Editor of Construction Enquirer. He has a long-standing background in construction journalism, having been one of the senior editors at Contract Journal. He’s known for his sharp insight into the contracting world and a strong network of industry contacts.

2. Grant Prior

Grant is the Managing Director and Co-founder. Like Morby, he also worked at Contract Journal and brings decades of reporting experience. Grant often handles the operational and commercial side of the business while continuing to contribute editorially.

Together, they are the primary owners, editors, and strategic decision-makers of Construction Enquirer.

Structure and Business Model

Unlike many media companies that are part of larger publishing conglomerates, Construction Enquirer operates as an independent, lean organization. It doesn’t have large offices or a massive team. Instead, it thrives on a digital-first model with minimal overhead.

Business Model Highlights:

  • Free-to-access content: There are no subscription fees or paywalls.
  • Advertising-driven revenue: The site earns income primarily from banner ads, job listings, and sponsored content.
  • Job board: The “Jobs” section is a major revenue stream, offering targeted advertising to construction firms and recruiters.
  • Email newsletters: Their daily bulletin goes out to thousands of industry professionals and is a sought-after platform for advertisers.

Their independence and no-paywall policy have helped the Enquirer grow a large and loyal readership over the years.

Editorial Policy and Integrity

One of the key reasons people ask “Who owns Construction Enquirer?” is due to the independent tone of its reporting. Unlike corporate-owned publications, Construction Enquirer maintains a clear distance from PR-heavy narratives and large business influence.

Editorial Principles:

  • Independence: Free from corporate and political affiliations.
  • Clarity: Articles are short, readable, and jargon-free.
  • Speed: Breaking news is updated frequently throughout the day.
  • Skepticism: Often takes a critical stance on industry practices, contract disputes, or government delays.
  • Focus: Strictly covers UK construction and infrastructure – no global expansion or dilution of focus.

This editorial stance makes it a trusted source for small contractors, tradespeople, and professionals who value transparency and relevance over glossy content.

Audience Reach and Influence

Despite its modest team size, Construction Enquirer commands one of the highest daily readerships in the UK construction media landscape.

Key Metrics (approximate):

  • Over 100,000 daily readers
  • More than 250,000 email subscribers
  • High engagement on LinkedIn and Twitter/X
  • Widely read on construction sites, in site cabins, and on mobile devices

Its mobile-first design and fast-loading pages make it extremely accessible for busy professionals on the go. Construction Enquirer is often the first place many readers check for morning updates.

Key Differentiators From Competitors

Several other construction media outlets operate in the UK, including:

  • Building Magazine
  • Construction News
  • New Civil Engineer (NCE)
  • The Construction Index

While these publications have their own strengths, Construction Enquirer differentiates itself in the following ways:

FeatureConstruction EnquirerTraditional PublicationsOwnershipPrivately owned (independent)Owned by large media groupsAccessFreeOften behind paywallsFormatDigital-onlyPrint + digitalToneDirect and conciseFormal and analyticalFocusNews, tenders, jobsNews + opinion + featuresSpeedReal-time updatesDaily or weekly editions

This “everyman” approach appeals to a large chunk of the market that feels underserved by legacy publications.

Transparency and Accountability

Given its ownership by working journalists, Construction Enquirer maintains a relatively high level of transparency and credibility. Although it does not always publish detailed company information on its site, its editorial team is accessible and often engages with readers directly.

Also worth noting:

  • Contact emails are publicly available
  • Journalists respond to tips and corrections
  • Ads and sponsored content are clearly labelled
  • GDPR and privacy compliance is maintained

The publication is editor-run, not investor-run — a distinction that matters in today’s media landscape.

Challenges Faced

Like any independent media outlet, Construction Enquirer faces several challenges:

1. Revenue Sustainability

Advertising can be a volatile revenue stream, especially during downturns in the construction market.

2. Staffing Limitations

With a small team, there’s a limit to how deeply it can investigate or report on certain stories compared to bigger rivals.

3. Competition

As other construction publishers invest in digital, Construction Enquirer faces pressure to maintain its lead.

4. Cybersecurity & Reliability

Being an online-only publication, the site must remain secure and avoid downtime, especially during breaking news events.

Despite these challenges, the platform has remained resilient, profitable, and trusted.

The Future of Construction Enquirer

As of 2025, Construction Enquirer shows no signs of slowing down. It continues to grow its readership and expand its influence across the industry.

Future Directions May Include:

  • Enhanced mobile app or platform
  • Expansion of the job board with more AI features
  • Deeper analytics and insights for advertisers
  • More multimedia (video interviews, podcasts)
  • Collaborations with trade associations or training bodies

However, given its commitment to staying lean and independent, any future growth will likely be measured and controlled, avoiding the pitfalls of over-expansion.

Conclusion

So, who owns Construction Enquirer? The answer is straightforward yet powerful: it is owned and operated by its founders — experienced journalists Aaron Morby and Grant Prior — who have built it into one of the most trusted construction news platforms in the UK.

In a media landscape often dominated by corporate interests, Construction Enquirer stands as a rare example of independent, reader-focused journalism. Its blend of speed, clarity, and editorial independence has won it a devoted audience and a unique place in the British construction ecosystem.

For anyone involved in UK construction — whether you’re running a major contracting firm or a small subcontracting crew — Construction Enquirer is more than just a news source. It’s part of the daily rhythm of the industry.