Beard Construction comments on ONS construction output data

13 July 2023

Fraser Johns, finance director at Beard Construction said: “A reduction in construction output, prompted by a decrease in new order volumes certainly demonstrates how unpredictable the first half of the year has been. Nonetheless, the three-month picture saw a rise in output – if only marginally, thanks to demand for repair and maintenance.

“While some sectors are feeling the pressure, particularly private housing, and uncertainty in the wider economy may be inhibiting some clients from pulling the trigger on new work, this is certainly not the entire industry picture. At Beard, we haven’t seen a drop off in pipeline opportunities with strong signs of solid demand. In addition to commercial refurbishment projects, we have seen a broad portfolio of work with demand in care, education and with local authority as frameworks remain very active.

“It is certainly not normal trading conditions, but it is proving less volatile than the wider industry picture may represent. Slowly and surely, the hope is we return to more stable conditions but there are many factors at play in making this is a reality. For us and many firms across the industry, it’s all about remaining agile, minimising pressure on cost plans and responding to the opportunities still available.”