The latest construction survey from Markit and the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply reveals the good news that confidence is the highest it has been for nine years within the construction industry. Roofers DPR, a local Pontefract firm with 20 years’ experience in the roofing services industry, welcome this news as an indicator of a potential upturn in business for all construction workers. Although the actual output from the sector in the preceding three months has fallen slightly, according to figures produced in the Purchasing Managers’ Indices, an industry standard calculator of performance for specific industries, still businesses report increased confidence for future growth. Senior Economist at Markit, Tim Moore, agrees that the economic recovery has slowed somewhat, though recovery overall is still steady.

Glenigan, a leading provider of UK construction project sales leads and market analysis, supports the claims that new business volumes have continued to rise throughout March this year. They point to the 36% increase over last year in projects receiving detailed planning approvals in January and February as indicating a potential surge in construction growth for the coming year. While some firms suggest uncertainty over results of the upcoming General Election is a cause for the recent slowing in construction output, Allen Wilen, Glenigan Economics Director, anticipates increasing growth following the election “especially if a credible Government emerges quickly”.

The increase in planning permission approvals, and increased opportunities for tenders, have led to 57% of those surveyed by Glenigan stating that they expect a rise in output over the next year. This increase in optimism for future growth is the highest for almost ten years. In addition, the survey has highlighted reductions in numbers of sub-contractors leading to increases in sub-contractor charges.

Of the three types of construction monitored in the Markit survey, housing showed the strongest results, followed by commercial projects. Output in the civil engineering sector has not shown such strong results. Pontefract roofing company DPR are pleased that housing is returning strong results in the Markit survey, indicating increased confidence in the house-building sector. This upturn in business confidence can only be good for the construction industry, and homeowners. As a leading local roofing firm, DPR welcome the news that there may be an increase in house building over the coming year. They advise homeowners not to neglect essential maintenance of existing homes in the meantime, though, and reassure Pontefract residents that they are available to provide prompt appointments for roof surveys, maintenance, and repairs. To enquire about the services of a professional roofer anywhere in the Pontefract area, speak to a member of the roofing repair team at Pontefract’s premier roofing company, DPR, telephone 01977 220016.