UK: A report by Markit/CIPS has shown that the UK construction industry as a whole experienced a slow down in January 2012. Jason Heath, a construction specialist at Bibby Financial Services said, "The latest Markit/CIPS survey highlighted that the construction sector slowed down in January 2012. Although the numbers indicate a fall in productivity, the survey also revealed that construction managers and owners are feeling optimistic for the first time in eight months."
"This optimism is perhaps down to construction firms having a particularly successful December 2011, potentially due to milder weather conditions and infrastructure projects commencing, which surprised economists who had predicted a decline towards the end of 2011," he continued. "In order to retain this positive outlook, the government needs to make funding the construction industry a priority by making it more accessible to firms so this sector can continue to provide a vital contribution to the UK economy," concluded Heath.