According to the latest Construction Trade Survey published on 12 May by the Construction Products Association (CPA), companies across the construction industry have reported an eighth consecutive quarter of growth in activity during the first quarter of 2015. Large contractors, SMEs, civil engineers and product manufacturers all enjoyed growth in output in Q1, and further expansion is predicted throughout 2015.

CPA economics director, Dr Noble Francis, said: 'Activity rose in the first quarter of 2015 compared to a year earlier according to 50% of contractors, on balance. Furthermore, increases in orders and enquiries indicate that the construction industry’s longest expansionary streak in six years is set to continue over the next 12 months.

'Increased activity was led by the private housing sector, in which 54% of firms, on balance, reported a rise in output. Increased output was also reported in private commercial, the largest construction sector, where 23% of firms, on balance, reported rising volumes of offices and retail work.'

He continued: 'This momentum is set to continue, as it was in the private housing and commercial sectors that contractors registered growth in order books in Q1. Specialist contractors and SMEs also reported a noticeable upturn in new enquiries in the quarter.'

Stephen Ratcliffe, Director UKCG, said: 'The continued growth in construction reported by the latest survey is encouraging, and hopefully the clear general election result will help minimise any impact on work pipelines. Rising costs continue to reflect skills shortages, and the need to focus on recruiting and training new people into the industry.'