Highway Maintenance Market Report - Key Facts

Did you know...

1. Highway Infrastructure and Maintenance are now a major sector of investment.
2. Around 50% of Authorities have now created long term maintenance contract agreements.
3. Several major groups, such as Kier, Amey and Ringway, are well-established in this sector.
4. Street Lighting is a £600 million market – significant upgrade programme is in place.
5. Key Suppliers of surface dressing binders are Nynas and Colas with a combined share of over 60%

These facts have been extracted from AMA Research's report 'Highway Maintenance Market Report - UK 2015-2019 Analysis', available from www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.

Merry Christmas from AMA Research

The team at AMA Research would like to thank all our clients for their custom in the past year. It has been another busy year for us and it seems the need for market insight is greater than ever before. 

In addition to publishing 60 reports, a number of which were brand new titles, we have also undertaken a large number of varied client specific projects, ranging from detailed reviews of specific building products and materials to in-depth assessments of distribution markets. We have also upgraded our customer delivery platform at www.amaresearch-interactive.co.uk and made a number of other improvements to the way we service customers. During 2016, we plan to continue to improve our product and service offering and widen our range of reports. 

Though the building and construction industry has seen lower than expected output growth during 2015, we feel the mood in general is a lot more positive than official figures show, with conditions improving steadily across a number of sectors. To read our review of the year and predictions for 2016, please click here. We hope the improving conditions will benefit all our customers and wish everyone a Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!

Please note that we are closed for business from 5pm on the 23rd December 2015 and will re- open on 4th January 2016. We will process all orders and respond to any enquiries as soon as we are back from the Christmas break.

Review of the UK construction market in 2015 and what lies ahead

2015 started with quite a bit of optimism within the construction industry and forecasts were for relatively buoyant output growth, following a stronger than expected performance in many sectors of the industry in 2014. Although construction output is thought to have improved in the second half of the year, official ONS data published so far indicates that 2015 has not proved to be as buoyant as forecast. However, the mood in the industry as a whole generally appears more optimistic than the latest figures show, and there have been some positive signs as the housebuilding and office construction sectors have continued to strengthen, and the education sector performed surprisingly well in 2014/15.

The construction industry is now a £140bn sector and inevitably fortunes will vary across the sector, with issues such as low-margin contracts, rising labour costs and skill shortages impacting contractors and across the supply chain. There has also been a significant amount of corporate restructuring in the construction sector during the year as material suppliers and contractors strive to improve margins.

In addition, we are starting to see the impact of changing consumer trends, with the growing impact of online retailing impacting on many sectors, while the focus is increasingly on trade sales as a result of the trend towards GSI (Get Someone In) rather than DIY. These trends have resulted in the implementation of some store rationalisation programmes, particularly among the DIY Multiples, but also in other related sectors.

However, as we move towards 2016, the pipeline and order books appear strong and AMA Research’s forecasts are positive for the short to medium term, with indications of good recovery for both residential and non-residential construction sectors likely to continue into the medium-term. Our forecast for 2016 is for around 5.5% growth, with medium term trends illustrated below. 

The next 12 months will continue to be challenging, but in general the outlook is positive across several key construction sectors, which should sustain underlying growth in the next 3-4 years.

Recently, the government has made some major announcements regarding housebuilding targets and infrastructure projects, with a substantial commitment to investment in the medium term. Among the large scale infrastructure schemes due to receive major investment are Hinckley Point C, HS2 and projects under the Roads Investment Strategy. The infrastructure sector is also likely to see a continued increase in foreign investment and involvement, in particular from Chinese or other Asian investors. However, the proposed cuts to feed-in-tariffs due to be introduced next year, may have a negative effect on growth in the renewables sector.

Housing output is also forecast to grow strongly in 2016 and beyond as a result of a general increase in demand due to improved consumer confidence and rising households, with stamp duty changes and the recently announced government Starter Homes Initiative, aimed at first time buyers also expected to drive housebuilding growth in the medium term.

However, AMA Research forecasts that the housing sector will see more of a steady recovery than a huge rise in the number of houses built. Government targets are very ambitious and similar announcements in the past have not led to any sudden increases in housebuilding. While there does now appear to be greater commitment from all parts of the political spectrum to increasing the supply of new homes, the ‘devil is in the detail’ in terms of easing planning restrictions and meeting the real demand for affordable housing in key parts of the country, such as the South East.

The education sector, which has been surprisingly buoyant of late, is also expected to remain strong, with commitments including investment in the higher education and student accommodation sectors in particular, while offices are also forecast to be among the most buoyant sectors going forward – and not just in London. However, public sector building, aside from in infrastructure, will most likely remain depressed.

Issues that will affect the building and construction industry negatively during 2016 include interest rate rises, the introduction of the National Living Wage (which will affect the FM and contracting sectors in particular) and planning issues. Planning is still causing problems, both at a local level with regards to housing as outlined above, and at a national level as has been exemplified with the delay in the decision regarding the third runway at Heathrow Airport. In addition, as output in the housing, infrastructure, health and education sectors are all politically driven, priorities may change at any time!

Nevertheless, the underlying economic drivers for growth look relatively positive for 2016 and the pipelines in most private construction sectors have continued to strengthen despite some negative pressures during 2015. Not everyone will benefit, but as construction activity continues to rise, this should feed up the supply chain in building, home improvement and related sectors.

As a result, for the longer term, AMA forecasts indicate annual growth rates of between 3-6% to 2019 when total construction output is forecast to reach around £170bn - hopefully providing you with some confidence for investment and good opportunities for growth.

Best Wishes for 2016 from all at AMA Research!

Suspended Ceilings and Partitioning Systems Market Report - Key Facts

Did you know...

1. The total market for this sector remained flat between 2011 and 2013, followed by an improvement in 2014 with growth estimated at 3%.
2. In 2014 the market was driven by a recovery in refurbishment projects and smaller scale new build projects.
3. Specific trends influencing the suspended ceilings sector include the focus on smaller scale developments and refurbishment in retail and entertainment sectors.
4. Minimalist frameless designs set to remain popular in the partitioning market in the future.
5. Growth of the office construction sector is expected to be a major factor driving demand for ceiling tiles over the next few years.

These facts have been extracted from AMA Research's report 'Suspended Ceilings and Partitions Market Report - UK 2015-2019 Analysis', available from www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.

Electrical Wholesale Market Report - Key Facts

Did you know...

1. The electrical wholesale market is forecast to grow by 15% by 2019.
2. The national companies now account for just over 80% of the market.
3. Cables, circuit protection & switch gear and lighting remain the largest product sectors within the electrical wholesale market, accounting for around 56% of market value.
4. Electrical Wholesalers are estimated to account for 26% of the overall electronic security and Access Control market.
5. Panel builders and OEM customers are estimated to account for 6% of wholesaler sales.

These facts have been extracted from AMA Research's report 'Electrical Wholesale Market Report - UK 2015-2019 Analysis', available from www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.

Flat Roofing Market Report - Key Facts

Did you know...

1. The market for flat roofing systems is expected to grow by 21% in terms of area installed by 2019.
2. The non-residential re-roofing sector is the largest end use sector for flat roofing products, typically accounting for 45 -50% of demand by area of waterproofing membranes installed.
3. Builders’ merchants account for only 10-15% of the sector.
4. PVC-based systems are the most widely used type of single ply membrane accounting for over half the market.
5. Insulation represents around a third of the flat roof material market in 2014.

These facts have been extracted from AMA Research's report 'Flat Roofing Market Report - UK 2015-2019 Analysis', available from www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.

#7 – Viewing and downloading historical data and previous editions

If you have a subscription or has purchased an earlier edition of a report, you can view these through AMA Research Interactive. This is how:

·         Click on ‘FIND’ in the top menu

·         Type a topic in the ‘ADVANCED SEARCH’ box on the left

·         Click ‘STATUS’  and select ‘ARCHIVED’

You should see previous editions of the report listed on the right.

Other chapters in this article series include:

AMA Research Interactive - More than just a delivery platform
#1 – Searching or browsing the entire report library
#2 – Managing personal details and resetting your password
#3 - Translating reports into another language
#4 – Exporting table data into MS Excel
#5 – Exporting the web version of the report into MS Word
#6 – Creating custom reports
#7 – Viewing and downloading historical data and previous editions

#6 – Creating custom reports

You can create a custom version of reports you have bought to view and manipulate online, as well as download to MS Word or MS Excel. This is how:

·         Go to the report, either through the listing under ‘find’ or by searching for it.

·         Click on the ‘Cut your own report’ tab in the bar above the report details.

·         Select the sections you would like to include

·         You can then view selection, save it, make notes etc. or export the selection.

Other chapters in this article series include:

AMA Research Interactive - More than just a delivery platform
#1 – Searching or browsing the entire report library
#2 – Managing personal details and resetting your password
#3 - Translating reports into another language
#4 – Exporting table data into MS Excel
#5 – Exporting the web version of the report into MS Word
#6 – Creating custom reports
#7 – Viewing and downloading historical data and previous editions

#5 – Exporting the web version of the report into MS Word

AMA Research Interactive allows users to edit a custom version of the report and make notes etc. online, but if you would prefer, you can also export the report contents into an MS Word document. To do this, do the following:

·         Go to the report, either through the listing under ‘find’ or by searching for it.

·         Click on the ‘Download’ tab in the bar above the report details.

·         Select the ‘Export the whole report to Word’ option.

Other chapters in this article series include:

AMA Research Interactive - More than just a delivery platform
#1 – Searching or browsing the entire report library
#2 – Managing personal details and resetting your password
#3 - Translating reports into another language
#4 – Exporting table data into MS Excel
#5 – Exporting the web version of the report into MS Word
#6 – Creating custom reports
#7 – Viewing and downloading historical data and previous editions

#4 – Exporting table data into MS Excel

If you would like to extract the data from one of our reports, or would like the data in a more useable format, you can export all the tables into an excel spreadsheet. To do this, take the following steps:

·         Go to the report, either through the listing under ‘find’ or by searching for it.

·         Click on the ‘Download’ tab in the bar above the report details.

·         Select the ‘Export all tables to Excel’ option.

Other chapters in this article series include:

AMA Research Interactive - More than just a delivery platform
#1 – Searching or browsing the entire report library
#2 – Managing personal details and resetting your password
#3 - Translating reports into another language
#4 – Exporting table data into MS Excel
#5 – Exporting the web version of the report into MS Word
#6 – Creating custom reports
#7 – Viewing and downloading historical data and previous editions

Concentration on the convenience sector and growth of discounters lead to changes in the UK retail construction pipeline.

Total UK retail sales have been boosted by an increase in online sales in recent years and the industry has performed strongly to date in 2015, with food sales generally buoyant and consumer confidence returning. Retail construction output saw a return to growth in 2013 driven by an uplift in consumer confidence, followed by a 2% increase in 2014/15 as positive factors such as low inflation and interest rates, rising real incomes and positive house price growth continued to support the market.

Retail construction, whilst challenging for the contractor and offering slim margins, offers repeated high volumes of work, especially in the grocery sector. Sectors such as food retail, where capital expenditure has remained relatively strong until recently, have been areas offering opportunities for contractors throughout the downturn. However, the retail market continues to be driven by structural changes due to the growth of online shopping. Profit margins for traditional retailers continue to be squeezed by a combination of online sales, rapidly changing consumer habits and intense competition from discounters such as Aldi and Lidl.

Driven by the rise of online shopping and with a strategy based on major expansion into the convenience market - the construction requirements of the retail sector are changing significantly, with short-term contracts now a marked feature of the market. Despite curtailed expansion plans there is still over 100m sq. ft. of total retail space in the development pipeline at all stages of development - grocery retail, shopping centres and retail parks - in 2015.

“Whilst retail contractors are likely to see more work coming through in 2016, the value and size of projects have changed with an emphasis on smaller refurbishment, particularly for the convenience and discount sectors in urban locations” said Jane Tarver of AMA Research. “Store rationalisation by many of the largest grocery and non-food chains looks likely to continue, with non-food retailers in particular focusing on major national hubs in shopping centres and out-of-town retail parks”.

The extent and speed of the recovery in the retail sector will remain heavily dependent on consumer confidence and spending levels and current forecasts indicate total annual output increases of around 3% per annum to 2017, when new work output is forecast to reach £6.1bn. Into the medium-term, the retail sector is facing significant structural changes with the continuing growth of internet shopping likely to increase demand for warehousing space but also declining demand for traditional retail outlets, particularly in high street locations.

The ‘Retail Construction and Refurbishment Market Report  - UK 2015-2019 Analysis’ report is published by AMA Research, a leading provider of market research and consultancy services with over 25 years’ experience within the construction and home improvement markets. The report is available now and can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.

Continued low level growth expected for FM outsourcing in the UK central and local government sectors

The outsourced, bundled facilities management market in central and local government was estimated to have grown by around 3% in 2015. While the market had experienced good growth through to 2011, reflecting the move towards greater levels of outsourcing of a wider range of services and a high level of investment in facilities, it substantially declined in 2012 as government spending fell and the government estate underwent consolidation in order to manage national debt and improve carbon emissions, a trend which continued into 2014.

Factors supporting the market include increasing penetration within central and local government, a move towards a greater array of services being outsourced, and the need for government departments to achieve significant cost savings to meet tighter budget restraints, with the government encouraging greater use of the private sector partners to help achieve this. Nevertheless there remain sustained pressure on margins, reflecting consolidation in the market and greater numbers of larger FM contractors in the market. In addition the Government’s ongoing activity to reduce the size of their estate has continued to impact on contract opportunities both in the central Government sector and the local Government sector.

Social housing remains the largest end-use sector, accounting for around 44% of market value, followed by central government, with local government the smallest sector in this market. Service development is currently focused on niche areas such as energy management and sustainability as well as diversification into wider back office areas outside the scope of this report. These services tend to be high cost, although they will provide long term savings and strict government targets on cost, carbon reduction commitments etc. encourage development in this area.

While remaining under pressure, the market for FM in the central and local government sectors is expected to improve and grow by 3% in 2015 and continue to display positive growth through to 2019. This should be driven by improvement in the social housing sector, as housing associations and local authorities intend to improve their operational efficiencies and as decent home standards need to be maintained. There are also expected to be inflationary pressures from the introduction of a compulsory Living Wage in 2016, which will contribute towards higher growth. Continuously evolving legislation and EU standards is also resulting in a move towards tighter carbon and energy targets, which should provide a boost in demand for energy management services.

“Energy conservation is likely to continue to be a driving factor within the market, as significant energy costs and tight legislation will encourage organisations to look at reducing consumption through technological investment and improved energy management” said Keith Taylor, Director of AMA Research. ”The introduction of the National Living Wage in 2016 could see costs increase, with limited scope to pass these costs on within the public sector and with substantial wage increases from 2016-2020 across the low paid sector, some inflationary pressures are bound to result from this development.”

However, public sector cuts continue with cross-collaboration across departments and regions, as well as collaboration between central and local departments likely to impact on opportunities for FM contracting in this sector. Other factors negatively affecting this market include continuing low levels of public sector new construction, in particular in the social housing sector.

The ‘Facilities Management Outsourcing – Central and Local Government Sector Report – UK 2015-2019 Analysis’ is published by AMA Research, a leading provider of market research and consultancy services within the construction and home improvement markets. The report is available now and can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.

Strong growth forecasts for bricks, blocks and precast concrete building products as confidence returns to UK construction

Demand for bricks, blocks, concrete precast products, cast stone and natural stone products is reliant on a wide range of factors, though housebuilding levels are undoubtedly a key driver. According to a new report from AMA Research, the market grew by around 25% by value between 2012 and 2014. A further 11% growth is forecast for 2015 and current estimates indicate that a recovery to pre-recessionary levels is possible by 2017.

Key specific factors trends that drive this market include UK and EU economic factors, the health and performance of the housing sector, levels of public sector investment in major projects and developments, business confidence & investment, as well as consumer confidence and spending.

Bricks were estimated to account for around 30% share of the total market in 2014, with indications that the strong growth experienced 2013-15 will continue into 2016 with forecasts of a further increase of over 10%. UK manufacturers of bricks have been under significant pressure by the sudden spike in demand after 5 years of volume decline and significant cuts in production. As a result, all the major players have been reopening mothballed plants, creating jobs and increasing shifts, as well as investing in technology and skills in order to boost output.

Precast concrete blocks have seen a similar rise in demand, with sales rebounding in 2013 after two years of decline, and signs of further strengthening of demand in 2014 and 2015. Block manufacturers have also had to adjust to the surge in housebuilding activity, although according to industry information there are now no discernible shortages, and current demands are being met.

The market for precast concrete structural building products increased by around 9% in 2014, with current indications of similar growth by the end of 2015. This sector incorporates a wide range of products, including crosswall panels which are estimated to account for around 20% share, while flooring, stairs, landings & balconies account for a combined share of over 35% of the ‘precast concrete’ sector.

Natural stone products used in building applications recorded around 10% growth in 2014, following a similar increase in the previous year, with market values estimated at around £100m.

“The total market for bricks, blocks, concrete precast and natural stone products is likely to continue on its relatively strong path of growth in the medium term with good growth in housebuilding and returning confidence in the private commercial sector likely to underpin value growth”, said Jane Tarver, AMA Research “However growth rates for individual product sectors will vary”.

The general trend is positive and current forecasts indicate good rates of growth of 7-9% to 2019. Undoubtedly, recent Government announcements of a significant boost to housing will underpin growth in the market over the medium term and give confidence to manufacturers to invest in new production capacity. However, market performance is also affected by global demand, supply and pricing issues, which remain volatile, as well as the performance of the UK construction sector.

The ‘Bricks, Blocks and Precast Concrete Products Market Report – UK 2015-2019 Analysis’ report is published by AMA Research, a leading provider of market research and consultancy services with over 25 years’ experience within the construction and home improvement markets. The report is available now and can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.

Steady growth forecast for the UK Care Homes Construction Market

Care home capacity has increased over the last 5 years and total care home sector revenue increased by an estimated 4.3% in 2014. There are now almost 20,000 care homes, nursing homes and residential homes providing adult and elderly care throughout the UK, of which the majority are operated by the independent sector or voluntary organisations, with the remainder NHS or local authority operated.

The private care home market in the UK is highly fragmented with a mix between several larger operators and a wide base of small providers - 80% of providers own just one care home. There has been a significant drop in the number of available places in local authority residential care homes, with government austerity measures impacting local authority budgets, combined with an ageing population to drive an increase in demand for care homes sector. The introduction of the new Living Wage legislation is also expected to further challenge the local authority care home sector as operational costs increase, though this has partially been mitigated by the recent announcement of a special optional precept on Council Tax increases for higher funding for social care. 

In England and Wales, demand for care home operators to build new facilities is still strong, with many new care homes registered during 2014/15. Nearly all new care home development currently taking place is targeted at private payers in affluent areas of the country, such as the South East. As a result, care home investors and developers are now seeking sites and homes in these strong regional locations, although the rest of the UK is also seeing a growth in new build care homes. However, the competition for land, particularly from the residential development market is reducing the number of readily available opportunities.

Despite substantial investment in new and refurbished capacity within the independent sector during the last 20 years, a considerable amount of existing care home stock is still classed as sub-standard. Further substantial investment in capacity will be required going forward as demand for care homes continues to rise in line with estimated rises in the elderly population, and those with conditions requiring specialist care such as dementia. One area of future growth in the sector is expected to be in nursing and dementia care homes for residents with high dependency needs.

Demand for care home places is also expected to rise steadily over the next 5-10 years. It is estimated that at least an extra 6,700 net new places will be needed each year to 2020 to satisfy demand in both the public and private care home sectors. This factor, together with underlying demographics and major funding issues, is driving activity in the new-build care home sector with growth focused specifically in the ‘for profit’ sector.

“The upturn in the economy and increasing availability of development funding should increase the likelihood of further development” said Andrew Hartley, Director of AMA Research. “However, despite being driven by the demographics of an ageing population, the market faces increasing pressures of central government under-funding and stiff competition for available land from the volume house-builders, though recently announced additional funding for local authority social care budgets will help improve the situation in the medium term”

The ‘Care Homes Construction Market Report – UK 2015-2019 Analysis’ is published by AMA Research, a leading provider of market research and consultancy services within the construction and home improvement markets. The report is available now and can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.

Domestic Kitchen Furniture Market Report - Key Facts

Did you know...

1. The kitchen furniture market comprises furniture, worktops and sinks, with furniture accounting for 79% of the market in value terms.
2. The market is at the mature stage of its product lifecycle, with replacement sales accounting for almost 80% of sales.
3. Imports currently account for around 9-10% (excluding worktops and sinks), with Germany and Italy being the major sources.
4. The sinks market is forecast to show modest growth in the period to 2019, accounting for around 8% of the total market.
5. The top 3 suppliers account for around 55% of the kitchen furniture market.

These facts have been extracted from AMA Research's report 'Domestic Kitchen Furniture Market Report - UK 2015-2019 Analysis', available from www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.

FM outsourcing in the UK corporate sector to grow by 7-8% per annum until 2019.

The market value for outsourced ‘bundled’ services and TFM within the corporate sector has seen some improvement in terms of number of contracts, driven by business confidence levels, a generally improved economy and good growth in the financial and service sector. This has led to reasonable growth in the market of 4-5% per annum. Nevertheless there remains sustained pressure on margins, reflecting consolidation in the market and greater numbers of larger FM contractors who are intent on ensuring they win enough business to satisfy their capacity.

Facilities outsourcing within the corporate market is also considered to be mature across most sectors, with around 75% of services by value thought to be outsourced in some way. Commercial offices and retail are approaching saturation point and as such, growth is largely reliant on expansion of these sectors.

Commercial offices represent the largest end use sector accounting for an estimated 52% of the market by value, followed by the retail sector. The leisure & entertainment sectors also account for a significant share. Certain sectors of the corporate FM industry are likely to offer greater opportunities than others, in particular the office sector in the south east is continuing to show good growth. The leisure sector is expected to continue growing though the retail sector remains under pressure from the growth of online sales. This seems likely to limit the opportunity for substantial new developments of larger scale retail parks, though it may create opportunities in the warehousing sector.

There is a shift from outsourcing an increasing number of non-core services to using FM providers as a much more integrated part of the company’s overall strategy. This more integrated approach links contracts to achieving company goals and these contracts tend to have a greater management element, thereby adding value. There are also likely to be a greater number of international contracts, favouring larger international providers. The FM market has experienced a number of mergers and acquisitions over the last few years, influenced by market maturity, as well as changes in the economic climate. This consolidation is likely to continue over the short term with tightening margins and a challenging economic environment.

There are expected to be inflationary pressures from the introduction of a compulsory Living Wage in 2016, perhaps squeezing the contractor margins, particularly in the public sector where budgets remain under pressure. In any event this is likely to create some inflation in the marketplace. Some of the growth forecast from 2016 onwards incorporates an impact from this change, with growth rates expected to increase to around 7-8% per annum until the end of the forecast period in 2019. However, there are greater pressures to create efficiencies through both cost and energy savings.

“The need to minimise operational costs and redundancies resulting in a reduction in workforces has seen many organisations reducing office space, and this is having a negative influence on the FM market as contract values are cut” said Keith Taylor, Director of AMA Research. “These cutbacks in FM contracts usually occur at the time of re-tendering but have also become more prevalent mid-contract, though pressures have been easing in the private sector as employment levels recover. However, the benefit of office rationalisation has seen a growth in use of niche services such as workspace management and move planning.”

In the longer term, as business confidence improves, it is expected that contracts will incorporate more services, increasing value through specialist skills and knowledge and cover longer periods as companies progressively move away from self-management of non-core services. Energy conservation is likely to continue to be a driving factor within the market.  Significant energy costs and tight legislation will encourage organisations to look at reducing consumption through technological investment and energy management.  While energy management forms part of most, larger FM contracts, the necessity to employ more complex technology and monitoring equipment is likely to enable FM providers to add value, strengthening the position of those providers with expertise in this area.

The ‘Facilities Management Outsourcing – Corporate Sector Market Report – UK 2015-2019 Analysis’ is published by AMA Research, a leading provider of market research and consultancy services within the construction and home improvement markets. The report is available now and can be ordered online at www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.

Commercial Office Construction Market Report - Key Facts

Did you know that...

1. Commercial office construction output (new build) recovered strongly in 2014 to reach a value of nearly £9 billion.
2. Total take-up of offices has grown strongly in 2013/14 to almost 25m square metres.
3. London has seen the strongest demand, but Manchester and Birmingham both have strong pipelines.
4. Business parks offer good growth prospects over the next 5 years.
5. London has a pipeline of over 25m square meters in the next 4 years, helping to drive growth rates of over 10% per annum in office construction output until 2019.

These facts have been extracted from AMA Research's report 'Commercial Office Construction Market Report - UK 2015-2019 Analysis', available from www.amaresearch.co.uk or by calling 01242 235724.