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<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\nLooking ahead new orders surged 26.6% in Q1, up \u00a32.4bn on the previous quarter, mainly thanks to a sharp rise in infrastructure and private industrial projects.<\/p>\n
McBains managing director Clive Docwra welcomed the March figures but warned the sector was still playing catch-up and that it\u2019s too early to say if the sector has turned a corner.<\/p>\n
He added: \u201cThe industry will be worried that this week\u2019s proposed immigration changes restricting skilled workers could seriously hit future work capacity \u2013 and the government\u2019s housing targets too.<\/p>\n
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<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\u201cA cut in interest rates next month would help give an injection of confidence in the industry during a period of uncertainty.\u201d<\/p>\n
Scott Motley, head of programme, project and cost management at AECOM, said: \u201cA continued uptick in output suggests the sector may be entering a more stable period as it moves into what\u2019s typically a busier time of year.<\/p>\n
“While the improvement offers encouragement, maintaining momentum will be the sector\u2019s number one priority as it continues to contend with wider economic pressures.<\/p>\n
“The upcoming Spending Review is uniquely placed to give the sector long-term clarity over the major investment decisions that must be made in order to deliver the infrastructure we desperately need across the UK.\u201d<\/p>\n
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