Greetings!
Mostly bad news for the industry so far this month, but hopefully the governments' initiatives, or some of the major projects like the Olympics and Crossrail will bring better news soon. However we have to face up to the recession and the solution is to take initiatives to counter the downturn. Here are some ideas. |
| Latest Industry Forecast |
 The Construction Products Association have published their latest forecast, which says output will fall by 8.5% in 2009, a further 4% in 2010, then 0.1% in 2011 before increasing by 2.5% in 2112. This is significantly worse than their October forecast. Areas of growth are expected to be rail and public non-housing. More information Further pressure on the market is also being applied by large clients such as Tesco and Whitbread who are asking their construction suppliers to significantly reduce prices. |
| Surviving the Recession |
 With such grim news it is important to have a survival strategy. Why not consider attending the CIMCIG conference "A survivors guide to the recession" being held on 11th February at the Building Centre in London. With speakers such as Peter Wooliscroft, Chairman of the Construction Clients Group and Simon Rubinsohn, Chief Economist at RICS there will be plenty of expertise to give you a clear picture of what to expect as well as suggestions for survival initiatives. More information |
 Housebuilder Watch |
In their new forecast CPA tell us that total housing starts will fall to their lowest level since 1924. Bad news if housing is an important market for you. If it is you need to be as well informed as possible, so consider subscribing to Housebuilder Watch. This is a quarterly survey of 200 housebuilders, which provide a national picture, but also regional information about Starts and Sales, types of dwellings, take up of the Code for Sustainable Homes and in the January edition an indication of how house builders expect their supplier prices to change in 2009. To help you decide we have a special offer on subscriptions Learn more |
| Training Improves Performance |
If you or your team are to perform at your best then you need all the skills that are available. Although budgets are tight, it is well worth the investment in training to improve skills and performance and thus effectiveness. Why not book one of Competitive Advantage's open sales or marketing training courses during 2009. More information |
