Industry Insights December

Sparks from Steel

Every Region in England is suffering with declines in project-starts A deepening recession, continued construction materials inflation, and flat lining growth continue to hinder the industry, according to Glenigan. Unfortunately, with the Russia-Ukraine war and resulting materials, energy, and fuel price inflation, a return to pre-COVID activity levels will be delayed for some time. Every […]

Industry Insights November

Sparks from Steel

November construction insights: Contract awards continue to defy expectations In this month’s industry insights, we review the latest construction data from Barbour ABI and Glenigan. October was a strong month for contract awards and the level of planning approvals remains stable for the third month. Although it has been a good month for contract awards, […]

Industry insights for October and Q3 review

Elland Steel logo in the middle of grinding sparks on a steel tube

The latest analysis from industry commentators shows both peaks and troughs in activity. In this month’s industry insights, we review the planning applications, approvals, contract awards and project-starts. According to the latest construction industry data and economists, there were more contract awards than expected in Q3. The data also shows that despite recent economic turmoil, […]

Building a new structure whilst preserving existing structural elements

Halifax Bus Station Y shape building with green plants on the roof

Integrating existing structural elements into an architectural design can be challenging. This is especially true when structures of historical importance need to form part of the new building. Building a new structure whilst preserving existing structural elements requires expertise and close collaboration between the client, architects, engineers and construction teams. The structural engineer is able […]

One City Park office design raises the bar for Bradford

Office block with curved perimeter

One City Park is a new 5-storey building that isn’t like any other office development in Bradford. The building’s modern architecture has an unusual curved shape with stepped roof terraces. The office employees will have views of the Mirror Pool fountains and the Venetian-style city hall with a 220ft bell tower. Part of the wider […]

Refurb work and retaining structural elements

refurb construction site next to busy roads

Refurb work Over recent years, there has been an increase in the amount of refurb work that avoids demolition. This is especially true for London, where there is a high demand for commercial space and a desire from investors to extend a lettable area of an existing structure. There are many reasons why refurb work […]

Industry Insights September

Sparks from Steel

Construction Industry Insights September 2022 The latest analysis from industry commentators shows both peaks and troughs in activity as planning applications and approvals, contract awards, and project starts are all reviewed. While the data for the third quarter is gloomy, September showed a slight improvement on August, and the decline in project-starts has begun to […]

Rising construction costs suppress project-starts

Sparks from Steel

The August Glenigan index highlights a downward trend across most sector verticals. Similar to the July Glenigan index, the construction industry recovery continues to be held back by several factors. This includes the Russia-Ukraine war and global materials shortages, which are contributing towards rising construction costs. The weaker economic outlook has continued to negatively affect […]

Industry Insights August

Sparks from Steel

Construction Industry Insights August 2022 Activity remains weak in the construction sector with the value of planning approvals falling. Despite the rising inflation, fragile consumer confidence and higher interest rates, July was another good month for contract awards. The value of contract awards has increased by 13% for the second month running, providing some respite […]

Steel price increase and predictions for Q3 and Q4 2022

Elland Steel logo in the middle of grinding sparks on a steel tube

What is causing the steel price increases? Record high price increases were imposed for structural steel in September, January and March. Unprecedented pressures forced British Steel to increase steel section prices by a staggering £250 per tonne earlier this year.  The war in Ukraine was cited as a pivotal factor, as it deprived access to […]