Weekly News Bulletin – 5th January 2018

This week, we kicked off 2018 by sharing Simply Business’ helpful points on what tradespeople need to know in 2018, including important points about the slowing rate of the construction market, London congestion charges and van exemption from an increase in diesel tax. Have you read it yet?

Reuters reported on an industry slow down with reports that the UK factory growth had cooled in December after riding 4-year highs in November. Due to the growth in the rest of 2017, the manufacturing sector is entering into 2018 with a higher than average PMI. This could be a direct result of factors such as a resurgent European economy and Brexit. Let us know if you are expecting to see strong growth in 2018.

With hopes for a prosperous 2018, Construction Enquirer also reported that construction buyers saw the biggest rise in new orders for seven months at the end of 2017 and the highest number of new jobs created since June. We hope that this healthy growth will continue throughout 2018.

Finally, we shared exciting news from the Construction Enquirer that 13 new major schemes are either under construction or are planned in London’s ‘Square Mile’. Due to the surrounding iconic buildings, such as TwentyTwo, the eastern cluster is rising in popularity for the financial sector. With expectations that office space will be needed for up to 100,000 additional city workers within the next 30 years, we’re excited to see the progression in the capital. What do you think?

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7 things tradespeople need to know in 2018

Tradesmen looking ahead to 2018 should be aware of economic changes on the horizon, and continued growth in the number of tool thefts – but it’s not all bad news.
https://www.simplybusiness.co.uk/knowledge/articles/2017/12/tradesman-predictions-for-2018/

UK construction growth disappoints while FTSE 100 slips despite positive Next update – as it happened

UK building figures show first slowdown since September, while German jobs data beats forecasts and Next Christmas trading is better than expected.
https://www.theguardian.com/business/live/2018/jan/03/ftse-100-expected-to-open-flat-ahead-of-uk-construction-figures-business-live

Construction buyers see new orders surge at end of 2017

Construction buyers reported the biggest rise in new orders for seven months at the end of 2017.
http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2018/01/03/construction-buyers-see-new-orders-surge-at-end-of-2017/

UK factory growth cools in December from four-year highs – PMI

LONDON (Reuters) – Growth in British manufacturing cooled last month from four-year highs struck in November, but the sector remained a bright spot in Britain’s economy heading into 2018, a survey showed on Tuesday.
https://uk.reuters.com/article/uk-britain-economy-pmi/uk-factory-growth-cools-in-december-from-four-year-highs-pmi-idUKKBN1ER0KS

City of London chiefs reveal the skyline of 2026

The City of London Corporation has revealed how the skyline is set to change in the Square Mile.
http://www.constructionenquirer.com/2018/01/02/city-of-london-chiefs-reveal-the-skyline-of-2026/