BALFOUR Beatty has announced one of the largest AI investments of its kind in the UK construction and infrastructure industry.
The business is investing £7.2 million in Microsoft 365 Copilot. Unlike publicly available tools, Balfour Beatty explained that the AI-powered assistant embedded within Microsoft 365 applications will operate securely within the company’s compliant and confidential IT environment.
The aim is to enhance productivity across the industry and enable ‘smarter, faster, safer’ outcomes across hundreds of Balfour Beatty’s projects and sites nationwide.
With the McKinsey Global Institute citing a 14–15% productivity uplift in infrastructure and construction through technology adoption, Balfour Beatty added that Microsoft 365 Copilot has the potential to help close the industry’s ‘stubborn and well-documented’ productivity gap.
The firm is also partnering with Microsoft to develop AI-powered ‘smart agents’ to improve quality, health & safety and assurance processes.
The first trial is on the A9 project in Scotland, focusing on early-stage reviews of Inspection and Test Plans (ITPs). The ‘smart agent’ identifies issues such as using incorrect or outdated templates reaching technical experts.
Automating the manual review process accelerates delivery and allows engineers to focus on high-value tasks such as design assurance and technical problem-solving.
Leo Quinn, Balfour Beatty group chief executive, said, “This investment demonstrates our commitment to harnessing the full potential of digital innovation to drive productivity and support our people. Expanding access to Copilot is the natural next step in our digital transformation, empowering our teams with intuitive, AI-driven tools that streamline workflows, reduce repetitive tasks, and free up time for high-value work.”
Jon Ozanne, chief information officer for Balfour Beatty, added, “This investment isn’t just about embracing technology. It’s about ensuring our business remains at the forefront of competitiveness and cyber security. Our decision to collaborate with Microsoft underscores Balfour Beatty’s determination to tackle the industry’s productivity gap, drive sustainable outcomes and enhance safety.”
Darren Hardman, CEO, Microsoft UK & Ireland, commented, “Balfour Beatty’s investment in Microsoft 365 Copilot is another sign of the confidence businesses have in AI’s potential to deliver tangible productivity gains. By integrating Copilot into daily workflows, Balfour Beatty is empowering teams to work smarter, faster, and more safely. Our collaboration is a strong example of how AI is already having a measurable impact in the construction sector.”
