Beard Construction comments on ONS construction output data

13 September 2023

Following the release of the latest ONS construction output figures, which showed monthly output decrease by 0.5% in July, here is a comment from Beard Construction.

Fraser Johns, finance director at Beard Construction said: “With the UK seeing the wettest July for more than a decade, it should come as no surprise to see overall construction output take a dip. The continued slowdown in the housing sector is certainly helping to skew the entire industry picture, as both private housing repair and maintenance, and new work continue to face sustained pressure.

“Although only marginally, it is a positive to see new work increasing – not just in the month, but in the three months to July. It’s a reminder that while some sectors are facing real challenges, others are opening up with clients continuing to find their confidence. This has been reflected on the ground at Beard and in our future pipeline opportunities, as demand remains strong – particularly within frameworks.

“While we have seen signs of improvement in recent months, especially with inflation easing and the stabilisation of supply and costs, the industry has a whole remains very volatile with the picture changing from month to month. There remains an element of controlling what we can control; whether that is in our tendering and our cost plans, our ability to explore buoyant sectors, or in our conversations with both clients and suppliers.”