UK Contractors See the Strongest Growth in the Industry in Six Years

The construction industry is often a reliable barometer for a nation’s economic health. For the United Kingdom, this sector is gleaming with optimism. The substantial growth within the past six years suggests not just recovery but a robust resurgence.

Decoding the Indicators: Understanding the Numbers

Recent data suggests an undeniably positive trend in the UK’s construction sector. The IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Total Activity Index, an esteemed bellwether for the industry, marked a reading of 61.7. This has been an unparalleled growth rate since September 2014.

What’s striking is that this growth trend persisted despite the manifold challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Disruptions in the supply chain and surges in the pricing of raw materials could have easily derailed this progress. However, the UK construction landscape showcased resilience, continuing on its trajectory of long-term recovery.

A Closer Look at the Sub-Sectors: Where the Growth Lies

Commercial Construction:

April witnessed a surge in commercial work, with the index recording a reading of 62.2. This boom aligns with the UK’s phased reopening. Though the growth rate showed some stagnation compared to March, the figures remain promising.

Civil Engineering:

A significant driver behind the uptick is the civil engineering sector. With a performance index of 61.5, this sub-sector has experienced its most robust output surge since 2014. Industry insiders have cited an influx in workloads associated with pivotal infrastructure projects, like Highways England initiatives and the HS2 rail project.

House Building:

Although house construction depicted a marginal downturn from its March peak of 64.0, it still presented an appreciable output in April, registering at 61.2.

The Associated Challenges: Inflation and Delays

Industry growth comes with its set of challenges. Despite the sector’s success, construction material prices are on the rise. Factors like supply chain disruptions, compounded by skill shortages in the workforce, have inevitably extended project delivery timelines. Yet, the sector’s tenacity in the face of these obstacles underscores its significance in the UK’s economic revival.

Looking Forward: The Road Ahead for UK Construction

The optimism within the construction community is palpable. With an array of substantial infrastructural projects awaiting execution, the horizon looks promising. Moreover, commitments from governmental bodies and other pivotal stakeholders suggest continued investments. These investments aren’t merely monetary but are symbolic of the trust in the sector’s potential to devise resilient and innovative building solutions in the ever-evolving landscape.

Jerram Falkus: Building Tomorrow, Today

In these dynamic times, selecting the right partner for your construction endeavours is paramount. Jerram Falkus, a beacon of excellence with over 138 years of legacy, stands ready to shoulder your projects.

Our expertise spans multiple sectors, from Education to Healthcare, Heritage conservation, and Sports and leisure developments. As the construction sector showcases promising growth, there couldn’t be a better time to set the foundation for your vision. Get in touch with us to kickstart your construction projects.

Back