Now could be the time to invest in edge protection for future construction projects, as it appears the industry is exiting the recent downturn – which in turn is likely to see demand spike in the months to come.
Many projects have been put on hold during the recession and surrounding economic turbulence, from private housing to large-scale infrastructure.
As activity picks up once again, it is likely that there will be a period of over-activity as delayed projects finally reach completion, before business levels settle back down to normal.
Certain components – including temporary edge protection for construction sites, and permanent guard rails for roofs where future access will be required – are likely to see an excess of demand, making it a good idea to place orders in advance for such items.
And the latest ONS figures indicate that now could be the time to do so, as construction output in August was up by 4% year on year.
Private housing in particular has spiked in the past 12 months, up by 18% in the year to August.
Noble Francis, economics director at the Construction Products Association, says: “The association forecasts construction output growth of 2.2% in 2014 and 4.5% in 2015; the recovery will be led primarily by private housing in the short term.”