Civil engineering may resist downturn Engineering sector news from Workcircle

According to industry analysts Glenigan, the flow of new construction projects remains extremely weak with nearly all construction sectors impacted by the ongoing fallout from the credit crunch. The monthly Glenigan Index gives a forward indicator of UK construction activity by tracking the flow of construction projects that start on site each month.

-The sustained fall in new projects in the pre-construction pipeline does not bode well for the industry in 2009-, a recent report said. -With the UK’s economic outlook in continued decline and consumer and business confidence at record lows, we do not expect any significant improvement in the Glenigan Index during the first six months of 2009.-

In contrast, civil engineering is expected to be stronger after several renewable energy projects started at the end of 2008. A host of major infrastructure projects like Crossrail should ensure a solid workflow for some time yet. But, as Glenigan also points out, a large fall in the value of underlying planning approvals may suggest a looming change of fortunes.

Engineering sector news from Workcircle