Francis Ho presented on the state of the UK construction market at a 2014 construction law conference. Construction output grew 2.2% year-over-year to its highest level since 2007, with the greatest growth in public housing (20%), private housing (14%), and private commercial construction (6.4%). New contracts were most frequently awarded in London (18%), Wales (19%), and Yorkshire & Humber (13%). Factors driving construction growth included an economic recovery, the Help to Buy housing scheme, a housing shortage, and infrastructure plans.

1. 2014 Construction Law Conference:
Construction Market: State of Play and Trends
Thursday, 6 February 2014
Francis Ho, Head of Construction
francis.ho@olswang.com | +44 20 7067 3505 | @fkyh

2. State of Play #1
• ONS – construction output up 2.2% year on year, output highest since 2007
• Greatest areas of growth over the year:
• Public housing:
20%
• Private housing:
14%
• Private commercial:
6.4%
• Where are new contracts being awarded?
• London (18%)
• Wales (19%)
• Yorkshire & Humber (13%)
#olswangconstruction
www.constructiveblog.com

3. State of Play #2
• Relevant factors?
• Recovering economy
• Help to Buy Scheme
• Housing shortage
• National Infrastructure Plan (private pension funds, renewables, highways,
utilities)
• London drives demand
• War on red tape?
#olswangconstruction
www.constructiveblog.com