The construction supply chain extended its run of strong growth into 2022, in spite of existing price and supply issues being exacerbated by the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In Q1, construction product manufacturers reported an increase in sales, and SME builders, chartered surveyors and civil engineering contractors all reported further growth in workloads during the quarter. Continuing the trend since lockdowns were eased in 2020, private housing and RM&I remained the main drivers of growth, confirmed by official ONS data which showed output from the latter sector well above its pre-pandemic level in 2022 Q1.

Encouragingly, expectations for activity and workloads over the next 12 months remained upbeat throughout the supply chain. This optimism comes despite further pressure on prices during the quarter, the wider impact on demand and the economy resulting from the rising cost of living, and renewed uncertainty and volatility in energy and commodities linked to the situation in Ukraine

The CPA’s Construction Trade Survey brings together results from surveys of building contractors, specialist contractors, civil contractors and product manufacturers. It provides a pan-industry assessment of current and expected conditions.

FIS members can access the CPA Report here