Today's ONS Construction Output Figures: Comment from Beard's Fraser Johns

Fraser Johns, finance director at Beard, said: “After January’s increase in construction output bucked the trend of the previous three consecutive monthly falls, it would be tempting to think that February’s figures are a damp squib. However, it is evident from the ONS and our experience that poor weather had a lot to do with it, with heavy rainfall leading to delays in planned work and decreasing output in February.

“While there are ongoing pressures on the industry, including some remaining uncertainty around inflation, we shouldn’t let these latest figures shadow a brighter outlook and we shouldn’t let this small decline in output dampen the growing optimism we’re seeing on the ground.

“At Beard we reported in March our biggest ever year of sales in our 131-year history, with turnover of £179m. We’re continuing to see very strong demand for our services and we’ve started 2024 very upbeat about the prospects of the year ahead.

“More efficient and simpler procurement will help overcome the challenges facing the industry. Early engagement with contractors brings significant benefits for clients, supply chain partners and businesses. A robust supply chain is vital to the sector’s success too and we continue to stay close to, and work collaboratively with, our supply chain.”

Published: 12 April 2024