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Construction Market Activity - February
Economic news continues to be disappointing, with the latest Office of National Statistics figures showing that construction output fell by 0.5% in the final quarter of 2011 when compared with the previous quarter. However total construction in 2011 was up 2.8% on 2010, which is encouraging. Looking at the ONS charts we seem to be back at the 2006-7 levels of activity. Perhaps we should focus on Stephen Ratcliffe, Director UKCG's comment on the latest results "Business conditions remain challenging but there are also still opportunities for the industry." My own experience is that those companies who target a niche and offer a good product or service, backed by good marketing, can outperform the industry.
In the housing sector there continues to be pent up demand, with the Home Builders Federation releasing a report that reveals that house-building in the South East has plummeted by around 37% over the past 6 years, while official government projections reveal that the number of households in the area is expected to increase by twice the current house-building level. In the short term the latest RICS Housing Market Survey shows that with first time buyers no longer exempt from stamp duty as of the end of March, some are looking to purchase homes before the deadline and, as a result, surveyors are relatively optimistic for the coming months.
Finally, building material producers seem to be driving prices up by more than inflation or the average for manufacturer output. Latest figures from BIS show that they increased by 6.8% for the year to December compared with an increase of 4.1% for all UK manufactured products. |
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Regulations & Initiatives - quick update
Building Regulations
The government has finally published its consultations on changes to the Building Regulations regime covering Part A (Structure), Part B (Fire), and Part P (Electrical Safety) as well as restructuring of other sections. The CLG website includes a statement, an easy to read guide and the full consultation.
Smart Meters
With the approach of the programme to install smart meters in every home, DECC has published a consultation on a draft Statutory Instrument that will enable the licensing of a new national provider of communications services to and from gas and electricity smart meters.
Feed In Tariffs
DECC have also published their policy on the reform of FITS including response to the Phase 1 consultation, the consultation on the review on solar PV and non-solar. |
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Communicating with Construction Industry Decision Makers
Yesterday saw the second annual seminar organised by CIMCIG on the subject of communicating in the construction industry. There was a mass of expertise presenting, with leading communications agencies; The Charlotte Street Agency, Ridgemount PR, Pauley Creative, CIB Communications and CFA, as well as Competitive Advantage and a case study from Celotex.
Key points to come out of the seminar were:
- The need for an integrated approach across all communications channels.
- The importance of selecting the right channels for your audience.
- A couple of examples were given that show that direct mail can still get over 10% response rates when used correctly.
The Competitive Advantage presentation was a preview of some of the findings from the 2012 Construction Media Index, which will be released in mid-March. Pre-order your copy now!
The Report shows a growth in the use of social media for information gathering, but also that traditional communication channels are still important. Members of CIMCIG will be able to access all of the presentations from the CIMCIG website next week, but you can view the Competitive Advantage presentation now.
The following comments were made on twitter.
To join in the discussion please use #cmi
- "#cimcig #cmi twitter usage has doubled in uk construction sector in last twelve months"
- "Good seminar by #CIMCIG today. Video is predicted to be the biggest growth area for popular media delivery in 2012.".
- " #cimcig #cmi BIG switch for @BDonline to have larger online readership than print & @CNplus & AJ @ArchitectsJrnal"
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What's being said - a round-up of useful marketing items
With a little over 4 weeks to go until the doors open at Ecobuild the industry is gearing up for the showcase event on sustainable construction. Ecobuild is the UK's largest construction event and with this is mind we have a blog article giving 6 top tips on how to make the most of your stand.
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