Strong output growth was maintained across the UK construction sector in September, supported by sharp rises in housing, commercial and civil engineering activity. However, while the overall performance of the construction sector was close to its strongest since the summer of 2007, latest data indicated that new order growth and job creation both eased to their lowest for four months. Moreover, supply chain pressures resulted in a further steep increase in input costs, as well as further delays in the receipt of construction materials.
,Adjusted for seasonal influences, the Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) posted 64.2 in September, up fractionally from 64.0 in August. The latest reading signalled a sharp expansion of overall construction output that was the steepest since January (and the second fastest seen over the past seven years).
,The rise in the headline index was driven by an acceleration in both commercial and civil engineering activity growth during September. Commercial construction increased at the strongest pace since January, while civil engineering output rose at the most marked pace for six months. Meanwhile, housing activity remained the fastest growing area of construction output in September, but the rate of expansion eased to its weakest since May.
,Survey respondents widely linked sustained construction output growth to the improving economic backdrop and an associated improvement in clients’ willingness to spend. Some firms noted that greater business investment spending patterns, alongside a ripple effect from ongoing housing market strength, had helped boost commercial development activity during September.
,Robust construction output growth in September was supported by a further strong expansion of incoming new work. That said, the latest increase in new business was the least marked since May.
,September data pointed to a further moderation in job creation across the construction sector from July’s survey record high. Sub-contractor usage increased for the fourth month running and the squeeze on sub-contractor availability remained substantial, despite moderating from August’s 17 year record.
,Alongside pressures on skilled staff availability, construction companies pointed to ongoing supply chain bottlenecks in the wake of strong demand for construction materials in September. Latest data indicated that delivery times from vendors lengthened sharply over the month, with survey respondents mainly citing low stocks of bricks and blocks at suppliers.
,Looking ahead, construction firms are highly upbeat about the business outlook, with more than half (54%) expecting a rise in activity over the next 12 months and only 12% forecasting a fall. However, the latest survey signalled that the degree of positive sentiment eased since August and was the lowest for almost a year.
