Prison construction gets a boost whilst project starts remain low

Elland Steel logo in the middle of grinding sparks on a steel tube

According to the latest construction industry data, the amount of project starts is at a 10 year low. However, there are some industry bright spots: prison construction gets a boost, and the hotel construction pipeline looks strong. In this overview, we summarise the latest construction industry data from analysts at Barbour ABI and Glenigan. Prison […]

The impact of rising energy costs on the construction industry

Construction site with crane

The energy crisis has impacted the construction industry The impact of rising energy costs on the construction industry included eye-watering fuel prices that led to a spike in material costs. Ultimately resulting in many projects being postponed. On the plus side, the energy crisis has brought forward infrastructure projects and encouraged energy efficiency improvements. The […]

Structural steel frames continue to lead the way

Graph showing steel vs concrete frame market share

Steelwork further strengthens its structural frame market share and pushes forward with sustainability Structural steel frames continue to be the material of choice, whilst leading the way in sustainable construction. ‘The overall structural frames market in the UK for 2022 was up 6.7% which highlights that the post-pandemic recovery is continuing.’ Said BCSA Chief Executive […]

Quarter 1 performance continues to falter

Elland Steel logo in the middle of grinding sparks on a steel tube

Construction-starts flatlined in February Quarter 1 performance continues to falter in the midst of economic uncertainty according to Glenigan. The Glenigan index reviews the poor performance for Quarter 1. Meanwhile, the economic director has hope for a boost in project-starts in Q2 and Q3. Sector-wide decline in quarter 1 performance The Glenigan index of construction […]

Reducing embodied carbon with greener steel

Corner of green plant building

Using environmentally friendly construction materials As the construction industry strives to meet net zero targets, contractors seek to reduce embodied carbon. One way of doing this is to opt for greener construction materials.  ‘Embodied carbon’ refers to the emissions created by the construction process. This includes the sourcing, transport, and erection of materials that were […]

Industry Insights – Weak performance for most sectors

Sparks from Steel

The construction industry starts the year slowly The latest construction industry insights show that there was a weak performance for most sectors over the last three months. According to Glenigan, there is a continued weakening in project start statistics… ‘31% decline in project starts against a year ago reflects investor caution in the face of […]

Construction industry predictions for 2023

City buildings with a man calculating graphs with laptop

Construction industry forecasts for 2023 Tom Hall, Chief Economist at Barbour ABI predicts slower later stage planning and construction activity, particularly in the commercially sensitive sectors as the economy slows. Likewise, Glenigan’s construction industry predictions for 2023 show that project starts will fall by 2%. Read on for the 2023 construction industry predictions from data […]

Combining existing and new structures in a refurbishment project

King Truss at Wigan Life Centre

Combining new structures with existing structural frames in a refurbishment project Wigan Life Centre is a public services hub that delivers a range of council services and leisure facilities. The main contract was awarded to Morgan Sindall, who in turn appointed Elland Steel to supply and install the structural package for both the north and […]

Industry Insights – January

Elland Steel logo in the middle of grinding sparks on a steel tube

New Records in 2022 The construction industry has proved it’s resilience over the last 12 months. Although sector activity was mixed, the industry overcame challenges and saw a record amount of contract awards and planning approvals.   2022 saw record levels – Barbour ABI’s view According to the Barbour ABI January Snap Analysis,  the high […]

Our 2022 review and what’s in store for us in 2023

Business meeting discussing results

Reflecting on the year’s wins, challenges and recovery 2022 was a challenging year with industry-wide challenges that have tested the sector’s resilience. While Russia’s unprovoked invasion of Ukraine caused price rises and material shortages, contractors and clients have persevered, delivering projects to reinvigorate the economy. In spite of the challenges, 2022 was a year of […]