Tracking developments in the UK construction industry
For more than 30 years, the FMB's State of Trade Survey has monitored key indicators and predicted future short-term developments in the UK construction industry. It is the only survey of its kind to focus exclusively on small and medium-sized (SME) firms throughout the construction sector. The survey is dispatched to the entire membership every quarter. Between 300 and 400 responses are received and they are weighted according to the number of employees.
Key findings from the FMB State of Trade Survey for Q4 2020 include:
- 1 in 3 (27%) builders reported lower workloads in Q4, rising from 21% in the previous quarter
- Employment dropped back into negative territory after growing for just two months in 2020
- 82% of respondents reported material price increases
- Just 29% of builders are increasing the prices they charge for work, down from 37% in Q3, meaning more small firms are taking the hit as costs remain high
Download the latest State of Trade survey below. Previous reports are also available for download.
