Construction market still 'sluggish'
FMB director general, Ian Davis, said: "While it is encouraging to see growth return to the market, a lasting upswing remains uncertain. Certain parts of the market are still struggling, and the impression that sluggish conditions will continue is reinforced by findings regarding workload in the next quarter and enquiries for future work."
While private housing work, both new build and repair, maintenance and improvement, is reasonably steady, the social housing sector is particularly weak and respondents showed no expectation of significant improvement. The results for public non-residential buildings are also disappointing. The summer months normally see a boost in work on school buildings for small and medium sized building firms, however the survey recorded its first negative third quarter result for public non-residential buildings.
Results by region are mixed both for current and projected work levels, but in most cases do not provide any clear indications that these trends are notably stronger or weaker than the national average. The possible exception is Scotland, which has returned consistently positive results throughout the year, and the indications are that this trend will continue.
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Susie Hughes
The Editor © Hardhatter 2006