‘Tough’ – survey

 

Nearly nine out of 10 UK construction firms expect public spending cuts to act as a drag on operating conditions, the CBI said recently.

Responding to the first CBI/Speedy Services national construction survey, close to two-thirds of firms described the UK’s planning system as an obstacle to business, while four out of 10 have seen a deterioration in the availability of finance over the past year.

However, the Chancellor’s autumn statement contained encouraging news for the sector, including details of the Funded Construction Pipeline and infrastructure spending. The survey portrays a sector well-placed to boost skills and create jobs, with more than three-quarters of firms planning to maintain or increase spending levels on training and investment in apprentices in the coming year.

The survey was conducted online between 30th September and 21st October 2011, with responses from CEOs, managing directors, and senior managers from firms across the UK, employing close to a million people in all areas of construction, ranging from design and materials supply to civil engineering and house building.

 

 

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