Competitive Advantage Consultancy Ltd

The CPA Construction Trade Survey for Q2 2015 survey shows that most firms across construction reported growth for Q2 2015, making this the 9th consecutive quarter of growth for the construction industry. However the Markit/CIPS UK construction PMI for July 2015 shows a slowdown in construction output growth.

ONS Output in the Construction Industry figures for May 2015 show that output decreased by 1.3% compared with April 2015. In contrast Markit/CIPS UK Construction PMI shows construction output growth rebounding to its fastest for four months in June 2015. And the latest CPA State of the Trade Survey for Q2 2015 indicates that construction product manufacturers' sales increased for the 9th consecutive quarter.

ONS have made upward revisions to their previous UK construction output data, which now shows Q1 2015 having achieved 0.2% growth, rather than a 2.2% contraction as previously reported. The Barbour ABI Economic & Construction Market Review reports an increase of 11% in the value of construction projects awarded in April 2015, compared to April 2014. This rise gives cause for optimism with private housing continuing to perform well, accounting for 67% of new contracts awarded.

The Construction Products Association State of the Trade Survey indicates an 8th consecutive quarter of increasing sales for construction product manufacturers. Yet the Markit/CIPS UK Construction PMI and the ONS shows construction output growth slowing. The Green Deal and the ECO are at their lowest level of uptake in 20 months. The NBS have released The National BIM Report 2015.

Latest ONS figures show construction output in February 2015 decreased by 0.9% compared with January 2015. The CPA do not agree with these figures, as they are not supported by a wide range of construction surveys, which all indicate growth in January and February.

Eric Pickles, in his Planning update, confirmed that the Code for Sustainable Homes has been withdrawn. The NBS have launched their new BIM Toolkit. Glenigan provide a report on how the results of the general election could impact construction.

According to the latest ONS figures, output in the construction industry decreased by 2.6% in January 2015. In contrast the Construction Products Association's Construction Trade Survey shows activity rising for the 7th consecutive quarter to Q4 2014. The Markit/CIPS PMI Shows the fastest rise in new orders in construction, since October 2014.

This month with National Apprenticeship Week and the CITB Building Futures Summit we have seen much needed impetus for recruitment. The HBF estimate over 100,000 extra new jobs have been created by growing UK house building over the past two years. At the end of January CITB told Construction News of research that forecast an additional 223,450 jobs would be needed over the next five years by UK Construction.

The ONS has announced construction output for December 2014 is the 19th monthly period of year-on-year growth. Construction output is predicted to increase by 5.8% in 2015 according to the Construction Product Associations latest forecasts.

The UK construction industry in a strong position heading into 2015. Concerns are still being raised about skills shortages and the Green Deal is still coming under fire.

The ONS Output in the Construction Industry figures for September and Q3 2014 show a sixth consecutive period of annual quarter-on-quarter growth for the construction industry. The Market/CIPS Construction Purchasing Managers Index reached a 13 month low in November 2014, making it the slowest expansion of construction output since October 2013.

More positive news as the CPA in their Autumn Forecasts show that the construction industry will grow 23% by the end of 2018. And the Glenigan Index reports its 17th consecutive monthly rise.

With winter fast approaching the growth of the construction industry seems to be slowing dramatically. The ONS Output in the Construction Industry figures for 2014 show output was estimated to have fallen by 3.9% in August 2014. DECC have announced that a further £100m is to be made available for the installation of household energy efficiency measures under the Green Deal. And a number of Government initiatives to help bolster housebuilding have been announced.

The ONS have released its latest Output in the Construction industry July 2014 figures, which state that output in the construction industry has showed continued year-on-year growth for the 14th consecutive month.

The UK construction industry heads into a period of sustained growth according to RIBA Insight's monthly briefing, also stating that the UK Construction market is leading the way for construction growth across the whole of Europe. However the Glenigan Index shows a slowing in construction growth rate, along with a fall in the Purchasing Managers Index from Markit/CIPS.

Concerns are being raised over a slowing in recovery. Output in Construction May 2014, show output has fallen by 1.1% in May 2014 compared to April 2014. However the latest Economic & Construction Market Review released by Barbour ABI shows that the total value of all new construction contracts awarded in May 2014 increased by 5.3% compared to April 2014, 3.7% lower than in May 2013.

For the first time in six years the industry has enjoyed four consecutive quarters of growth. Yet there are reports the London housing market is beginning to overheat and could stifle the rest of the industry's economic recovery. We review the 12 steps to delivering effective CPD, how to use sustainability to stand out from your competitors and what to consider when trying to get your stories into the construction press?

The housing sector is continuing to lead the construction recovery, yet some are warning of a housing bubble as well as supply shortages, rising costs and skill shortages. There are indeed new opportunities out there but also threats, our new tailored market forecast can help you identify them. With the market evolving we take a look at how to get the most from your specification activity and how to go about recruiting a specification salesperson.

Housing remains the best performing construction sector. We are also seeing the highest levels of confidence in the industry since January 2007, but at the recent CIMCIG Chairman's debate all agreed that the government, associations and industry need to do more to drive recovery. And with the launch of BIM4M2, a BIM sub-group for construction product manufacturers, we look at the implications of BIM for manufacturers, asking are they terrified?

UK construction output continues to show growth, with housing still leading the way. The government is reviewing the ECO and is extending its cash back scheme with the Green Deal. At the end of March BIM4M2, a BIM sub-group for construction product manufacturers is being launched. Our new research into Brand Strength and Specification for Ceilings has been published. Other articles look at the benefits of Key Account Management and how to deliver effective CPD.

There is more optimistic news demonstrating continuing growth in the construction sector, with the housing market continuing to lead the way. The focus remains on housing with a UN report highlighting the need for more affordable homes and discussions about how to deliver energy efficient homes. BIM is also high on the agenda.

With optimistic forecasts from the construction market we are starting 2014 by providing a number of blogs and webinars to help you refresh your specification strategy

There is continuing optimism regarding market activity although caution is still required, as regional variations and skills shortages are hindering a return to growth in some sectors. This is where understanding industry forecasts is of benefit in your planning, my recent interview with Nobel Francis of the CPA provides some advice on this.

In this edition we are focussing on Building Information Modelling and what it means for the manufacturer. We look at the benefits and consider how BIM can be incorporated into your specification sales strategy.

With reports of increasing confidence amongst UK construction firms, continued growth in the housing market and sales of construction products growing the outlook remains positive. So this eNews provides some useful tools for your forward planning, including information on our new research into marketing activity and spend, as well as the changing influences on specification sales.

It's a pleasure to be reporting positive news for the second month, with growth in construction activity continuing. And as the construction sector looks up there are a number of initiatives to bolster industry's recovery. With recovery in mind this newsletter focusses on communicating with specifiers, drawing on our recent CMI research and Adoption of BIM research, as now is the time to review and refresh your specification strategy.

Our market activity report is full of encouraging news. Our latest report on usage of BIM also shows rapid take-up in the coming years. All of this will change the structure of the market, so allow for research in next year's budget.

As well as the release of Construction 2025: an Industrial Strategy, there are a number of papers and initiatives that look at how to support industry growth. With housing and infrastructure leading the way to recovery there is increased optimism.

This month, to mark the launch of the 2013 Construction Media Index Report, we have focused on market research. We provide information about the 2013 CMI Report findings and how to purchase a copy, we take a look at the Net Promoter Score and how you can measure brand strength, we provide some useful links in our 'What's being said' section on generic research into marketing channels.

Although Q1 construction output figures are at their lowest since Q4 1988 we are beginning to see signs of recovery from the housing sector, offering some hope for the construction industry as a whole. In our articles we focus on communicating with construction industry decision makers, pre-viewing the 2013 Construction Media Index report, to be released this June.

With recent poor weather affecting orders it is hoped that construction product sales will pick up with the spring sunshine, and there are some glimmers of hope sited in our market activity review. Also covered in this edition is a review of the recent CIMCIG Chairman's debate, looking to clarify the future of the construction industry. In contrast our first Infographic provides a timeline of the industry!

For the second month running we see hints of optimism in the market; there is progress with the Green Deal and tools for BIM. Our articles cover how to write effective case studies, what to do after Ecobuild and selecting the correct sample size for your market research.

Our market activity overview provides a glimour of optimism as we take a look at opportunities in 2013 sited by the CPA. The Government continues efforts to boost the industry and our recent blog looks at how to align your sales and marketing efforts to weather the challenges ahead. Finally we have an article on understanding the different forms of specification

In this edition housing and sustainability seem to be a constant theme, with the launch of the Green Deal, our latest research into Social Housing and Energy Efficiency and the industry getting geared up for Ecobuild 2013.

In this edition, with the end of the year approaching, we summarise some useful articles to help you with your marketing predictions for 2013 and take a look at the situation regarding energy efficiency.

In this edition we provide some useful links for end of year housekeeping and look at how to prepare a winning strategy for 2013; in particular how to reduce uncertainty with research and forecasting and the importance of benchmarking.

To help with your budgeting process we have just published our Marketing Activity & Spend report and we have links to blog articles on sustainability and market research. Our Regulations section has a raft of Green Deal publications.

In this edition we review the tools available to the specification sales team and how best to use them, as well as give an introduction to the use of mystery shopper as part of your research strategy.

In this edition, to help you plan your sales and marketing initiatives for the autumn, we have pulled together a variety of information sources and articles. And don't miss our update of initiatives as there has been a surge of announcements from government since our last newsletter.

Included in this issue we detail some of the latest research, including our new report Designing with Sustainable Products. We look at factors to consider when conducting customer satisfaction surveys and also feature our interview with Tina Cardy from CIBSE on Communicating with Building Services Engineers.

Included in this issue are links to all of the latest documents for the Green Deal, just issued by DECC. We also have articles to help you decide your BIM strategy and write a market research brief.

Included in this issue are two articles, one emphasising the importance of BIM, the other considering how contractor's use different communication channels. And our Regulations and Initiatives section contains details of some useful reference documents.

As well as the budget, we have had a host of announcements from the government on energy efficiency measures, which are listed in our Regulations & Initiatives - quick update. This month we also look at BIM - the opportunity, as we announce the publication of a new piece of research.

We have details of our 2012 Construction Media Index which has just been published, essential reading if you want to communicate in the construction sector.

We have some information on communications and BIM as well as some information on EcoBuild related marketing.

With a depressed market for the next year or more we have introduced some regular features to help you improve performance; a blog roundup, regulations and initiatives update, plus how to learn of latest communications trends.

We have details of the Green Deal consultation, some information on the housing market and within our market activity report a link to the government's infrastructure plan.

We have the latest figures for construction output, a report from RICS on the Housing Market and a future trends survey by RIBA. And a Learning Legacy report from the ODA

We have details of developments with the Green Deal and links to some new government reports. There is also a report which can help those formulating their marketing budgets for next year.

We have details of the Tresury Select Committee report on PFI, a new website from the ONS covering construction new orders and output.

We have details of the National Planning Policy Framework consultation, details of the latest research into what specifiers want from manufacturer websites, We also have details of CIMCIG report “Taking Sustainability to the Consumer”

We have details, with links, of various announcements covering energy, the Green Deal and Zero Carbon. We also have details of a just published report, written by Competitive Advantage, on the Future of the Construction Industry in 2021.

Packed with details of initiatives - Education Funding Agency, Government Construction Board, BREEAM 2011, Feed-In Tariffs as well as opportunities for housing and nuclear.

We include details of the Renewable Energy Review, as well as an easy reference on the Green Deal. There are also some useful articles that have recently been published on social media.

This month we have updates on a number of government initiatives. With the budget over let’s hope we now see some confidence return to the market.

The construction market seems to be bumping along with conflicting messages. Housing is a key part of this and we look at some of the influences. There is also an update on the Green Deal as well as findings from our latest research.

We have a summary of industry commentators expectations for 2011, information on the impact the Localism Bill may have on planning and a view on the future of the housing market

In this first edition for 2011 we have details of yet more initiatives from the government, and information about some useful events.

In this final edition for 2010 we have plenty of new information including details of Paul Morell's report on Low Carbon Construction and the government's just published Localism Bill.

Once again the uncertainty over construction’s future continues, with the ONS revising down its previous output statistics. This month we give details of ways that Competitive Advantage can help your business as well as a reminder of the importance of the contractor in product specification.

Our market activity report shows that the market is still behaving positively and the CSR is not as bad as expected. One opportunity in the medium to long term is the Green Deal, read our report from a recent DECC briefing.

This month we have details of two useful sources of marketing information which will help those writing their budgets for next year. The government have published their construction statistics annual and UBM have published their readership survey - the first since 2005.

The focus for most of the newsletter is the state of the construction industry. We also have details of the Government's housing policy and a Specification Selling paper for download.

We have details of the Committee on Climate Change's second progress report to Parliament. If you are thinking about how to make your marketing more effective, there is a suggestion to help you increase your CPD bookings.

Although there have been signs of a slow recovery in the market, most activity is on hold until we know the outcome of next week’s emergency budget.

The next opportunity will be the introduction of Approved Documents L and F. This change will create a significant specification sales opportunity.

Sustainability remains centre stage with the recent publication of the Low Carbon Construction interim findings. This has the potential to be hugely significant to the industry.

There is no doubt that 2009 was a disastrous year, but if you look closely at the figures there are some positive indicators.

Market prospects remain flat or pessimistic despite some good signs. With a general election now only a matter of months away the uncertainty is starting to show through in future prospect.

One trend you can expect for 2010, as publishers worry about revenue, is a reduction in the amount of freely available information on the internet.

As we plan for 2010 here is some information about opportunities and suggestions to ensure you are well prepared to take advantage of them.

Disappointing news about the construction market. Suggestions to help you get the best from your marketing communications.

information to help you with specification selling to architects and engineers. Plus some comments on the market.

Some signs of hope have come through during the month. Construction statistics and development events.

Prepare for the Autumn, think about marketing to Architects, September development events and the housing market.

Feedback from clients suggests that the market is now stabilising, and this in turn is allowing companies’ planning to become a little more medium to long term.

This month we have details of business opportunities in Sports Stadia, BRE’s consultation on the revisions to SAP and details of free sources of market research.

A new approach is required, recognising that the external environment is changing, driven by negative factors such as the recession, but also new opportunities like sustainability.

The Market might be falling but there are still opportunities out there.

At last week's Ecobuild conference and exhibition Margaret Beckett, Minister for Housing and Planning, re-confirmed that the Government's green programme will not be delayed by the recession.

This month I'm looking at three issues - Housing, which remains a negative and Sustainability and Export which both represent opportunities, perhaps in combination.

Mostly bad news for the industry so far this month. However we have to face up to the recession and the solution is to take initiatives to counter the downturn. Here are some ideas.

Clarification from BRE on the use of their Green Guide, hints for running successful exhibitions and details of initiatives to help you with your business in 2009.

Competitive Advantage's free or low cost services help you get the best value from your spend. In this edition we have a number of suggestions.

Interview with Michael Ankers of the CPA with a view on what we can expect in the next year or two. We also direct you to a free download of the government's recently published annual statistics annual.

Details of free seminars being run by EIS and if you have new starters joining this autumn why not send them on one of our sales and marketing training courses.

Two industry consultations, one from BRE covering their proposal for Responsible Sourcing of Construction Products. The other from the UK Green Building Council covering measures to reduce the carbon footprint of existing housing stock.

Opportunities in Healthcare and Refurbishmant, Win an award, Sustainability

The Government's new sustainability strategy, BRE Green Guide to Specification, Value for money marketing, How Specifiers use the web

The state of the housing market and marketing your company's sustainability