CAB works closely with a number of other key strategic Associations in the construction sector to ensure that its members are kept fully informed as to what is happening in the wider industry. One such Association is The Construction Products Association (CPA) and CAB is delighted to join in formally with their quarterly ‘State of Trade’ survey which provides an insight into current and expected future industry trends.
CAB members complete a personalised version of the questionnaire which is then integrated into the wider CPA survey. Detailed graphics are then sent out which highlight both the results amongst the CAB membership and how these compare with the wider construction sector. The survey utilises a balance of respondents to assess results and identify trends. A positive balance of respondents means that the percentage of firms reporting a rise is more than the proportion of firms that report a decline.
The first survey took place for Q3, 2012 with a wide cross section of CAB members completing the questionnaire. Whilst trends in the industry cannot be gained from just one survey, the results made interesting reading.
One of the most encouraging results in the data is the positive outlook for the future. Whilst the wider construction industry seems to be quite concerned at future prospects over the next year or so, CAB members are surprisingly upbeat about prospects for growth with a positive net balance of 35% expecting growth in sales volume. This may be due to the growing market in the home improvement sector and the increase in refurbishment projects in commercial sector.
With regards to likely constraints on activities over the next 12 months, ‘demand’ was identified by an 80% net balance of respondents. ‘Fuel costs’ were identified as being the most crucial cost factors over the next year which was significantly ahead of both ‘energy costs’ and ‘wages and salaries’. On a further positive note a net balance of companies would be increasing expenditure in capital investment, customer research, research and development and e-business compared to 2012.
The results from the survey provide members with an excellent snapshot of activity and can provide additional support to their own market research.
For more information on CAB and its activities contact the office on 01453 828851 or email julie.harley@c-a-b.org.uk