Following four successive periods of negative growth, the latest State of Trade survey (PDF, 102kb) from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), covering the period June to September 2006, reports a slight increase in both workload and employment amongst small and medium sized building firms. Three out of ten firms reported an increase in work, with 5 out of 20 taking on more personnel.
But the FMB warns that the strength of improvement during the third quarter of the year, although similar to that in 2005, falls short of the normal seasonal upswing recorded in its surveys over the previous six years.
Says FMB director general, Ian Davis: "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.
First posted: 20 November 2006. Last modified: 20 November 2006.
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