CE Barometer results for October 2021

The October 2021 barometer survey was undertaken during the first three weeks of November.

We are getting used to confidence waxing and waning in construction, as one hiccup after another prevents recovery really taking off.

As this barometer summary is written, the Omicron variant of Covid is making the headlines; it remains to be seen what effect this will have on the industry.

This month, the balance figure (the difference between those reporting positive and negative movement between September and October 2021) stands at 19.0%, down almost 12% on the previous survey.

The number of repondents reporting growth in the past month dropped by just over 3%, but those who saw business holding steady last month fell by almost 6%, pushing down the balance figure.

Comparing business today with a year ago, things are a little more positive, with 63.5% still seeing improvement (although this is still 5.6% down on the previous survey result).

Looking a year ahead, confidence remains steady, with (47.6%) anticipating improved business levels – down just 2.4%. Equally, the number expecting a worsening of the situation in 12 months has declined (down 3.1%), moving the balance figure up by 0.8%.

It’s the last barometer before Christmas; we’ll be ho ho hoping for more positive news in the New Year.