Beard Construction comments on ONS construction output data

12 June 2024

Following the release of the latest ONS construction output figures, which shows a fall in construction output in April and the three months to April, we have a comment from Beard Construction.

Fraser Johns, finance director at Beard, said: “Given the poor weather conditions seen in April, it should be hardly surprising to see a drop in monthly construction output. A sixth consecutive fall in the three-month series is more troubling, however it shows the mixed bag of the industry in the current climate.

“While there are those across the country undoubtedly experiencing challenges and significant pressures, from our perspective, the south of England remains incredibly buoyant with growing confidence and demand from both clients and from regional and national frameworks helping to fill our pipeline.

“While experiencing a 0.8% fall nationally, repair and maintenance still remains a core part of our operations, as does more specialist, boutique projects which we can deliver in real volume. Having this broad spectrum of work is hugely valuable in the current climate, especially as some clients wait for prevailing economic conditions to allow them to get their ducks in a row.

“A sensible approach to both tendering and procurement is also very important, encouraging clients to engage early with a contractor to save time and achieve better project viability and importantly, quality. Despite today’s data, momentum does seem to be building, as is confidence. We are still expect some bumps in the road, particularly with the upcoming General Election, but even so, we certainly believe that the prospects look good for the remainder of the year.”