UK construction companies recorded a sustained expansion of overall business activity in October, led by another solid increase in residential work, according to the Markit/CIPS Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index.

At 52, the seasonally adjusted Index edged up from 52.3 in September and remained above the 50.0 no change threshold for the second 

month running. The latest reading pointed to the fastest upturn in activity since March, although the rate of growth was only modest and still much softer than the average since the recovery began three-and-a-half years ago (57.3).

New order volumes picked up across the construction sector, but the rate of growth eased since September and remained weaker than seen prior to this summer. This contributed to a drop in business confidence regarding the year-ahead growth outlook, with the latest reading the second lowest since May 2013. 

At the same time, input costs rose at one of the fastest rates seen over the past five years, which survey respondents widely linked to the weaker pound.

Housing activity remained the key growth driver across the construction sector in October. Latest data signalled a solid increase in residential building work, and the pace of expansion was only slightly weaker than September’s eight-month peak. There was also a stabilisation in commercial construction activity during October, while civil engineering decreased slightly and was the weakest performing broad category of activity.

New business growth was only moderate in October and still much weaker than seen during the first quarter of 2016. Some firms noted that Brexit-related uncertainty had continued to act as a brake on client confidence and resulted in delayed spending decisions. Nonetheless, construction companies reported a further upturn in their staffing levels and purchasing activity during the latest survey period. 

Input prices increased at the second-fastest rate since July 2011 (exceeded only by the rise in costs reported this August). Anecdotal evidence suggested that suppliers had sought to pass on higher imported raw material prices. Some construction companies also pointed to greater transportation costs in October.

Looking ahead, the number of construction firms expecting a rise in business activity over the next 12 months (43%) continued to exceed those that forecast a reduction (14%). However, the latest reading was down markedly since September and the second-lowest since May 2013. 

Tim Moore, senior economist at IHS Markit and author of the Markit/CIPS Construction PMI, said: ‘The UK construction sector has started the fourth quarter in a positive fashion, with the latest survey data revealing a moderate rebound from the downturn seen during the summer.

‘Construction growth was dependent on a solid recovery in residential work, as civil engineering and commercial building struggled for momentum in October.

‘While business activity has picked up since the third quarter, the recent phase of new order growth has been the weakest for three-and-a-half years. 

“Survey respondents noted that Brexit-related uncertainty and concerns about the UK economic outlook had held back investment spending.”