Construction business optimism rises

Stronger construction sector growth led by fastest rise in new orders since October 2014

NOVEMBER PMI data indicated a sustained recovery in UK construction output, with the rate of expansion accelerating from the previous month. There were also positive signals for the near-term outlook as new order volumes expanded at the quickest pace for just over six years.

At 54.7 in November, up from 53.1 in October, the headline seasonally adjusted IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Total Activity Index registered above the 50.0 no-change value for the sixth consecutive month. The latest reading pointed to a solid increase in total construction output, although the rate of growth remained softer than the peak seen in July.

All three broad categories of activity saw higher output in November. Construction companies indicated that house building was the best-performing area in November (index at 59.2), despite the rate of growth easing since October. Civil engineering returned to growth in November (52.3), while commercial work increased only marginally (51.9) and at the slowest rate for six months.

New business volumes expanded at a robust and accelerated pace in November. The latest improvement in construction order books was the steepest since October 2014, which survey respondents attributed to a recovery in tender opportunities and improving confidence among clients. Greater workloads also contributed to a strong increase in purchasing activity during November, with the rate of growth reaching its highest for just over six years.

Around 51% of the survey panel forecast a rise in business activity during the year ahead, while only 16% predict a decline. The resulting index pointed to the strongest degree of business optimism across the construction sector since January.

Tim Moore, economics director at IHS Markit, who compile the survey, said: ‘UK construction output stayed on a recovery path in November and there were signs that the main growth driver has transitioned from catch-up work to new projects.

‘The latest increase in new orders was the strongest since late-2014, with construction firms reporting a boost from rising client confidence and the release of budgets that had been held back earlier in the pandemic.

‘House building was once again the standout performer, while a return to growth for civil engineering contributed to the rise in the headline PMI during November. Commercial construction lagged behind the recovery seen elsewhere in the sector amid subdued demand for office space, retail developments and other corporate projects hit by the pandemic.’