CMA News

Construction activity slowed in August, as materials availability affected work volumes.

The latest IHS Markit/CIPS Purchasing Managers’ Index posted a score of 55.2 in August 2021, down from 58.7 in July. A reading above 50 indicates work levels are still increasing. August’s reading was the lowest since February.

New work that had been delayed due to Brexit and the pandemic was started during the month, but survey respondents said clients’ confidence had been dampened by limited material availability and inflation volatility. Two-thirds of respondents said delivery times increased in August compared with July. Hiring also slowed to its lowest level in four months, as firms struggled to meet rising labour costs.

Overall cost inflation increased in August and hit its second-highest level on record, surpassed only by the rate seen in June.

Civil engineering saw the slowest growth for the fourth month in a row, scoring 54.8. Commercial construction was the best-performing category, at 56, although this was the slowest rate of expansion for six months. Housebuilding recorded a rating of 55.

Despite the overall slowdown in growth and ongoing cost inflation, construction companies remained “highly upbeat” about their prospects for the coming 12 months, according to the survey. The positive sentiment was underpinned by expectations of more new work hitting the market in the months ahead.

The entry deadline for the Construction Marketing Awards 2021 is on September 17th.

Many of you have started your entries already, but if you haven’t, now is definitely the time to get moving! Remember, the only way to guarantee you wont win, is not to enter! Give your self a chance of lifting one of our prestigious trophies, and get going on your entry now!

As things stand, with the restrictions on live events lifted, we will be able to stage a gala dinner for 2021. Last year we ran an online celebration, which allowed us to present the awards, but didn’t allow the fabulous networking opportunity, and best party of the year, that is our gala dinner presentation to happen.

This year, we plan the presentation on December 2. We expect to welcome hundreds of guests to the Hilton London Bankside for an evening of fun and celebration.

Entries are open for the Construction Marketing Awards 2021!

The prestigious awards, now in their twenty first year, are highly competitive, and very highly regarded as a showcase of excellence in construction marketing and business development. The awards are an invaluable opportunity for recognition; a way to showcase creativity, innovation and effectiveness in your company’s marketing or business development strategy.

The CMAs raise the profile of marketing professionals and their achievements. Being shortlisted – becoming a finalist – is a clear indication of success. Winning or being Highly Commended is exceptional.

Have a look at our categories to see which you can enter – there are 29, so you should be able to see one that fits! This year we have split the popular Young Marketer of the Year category in to two – Young Marketer, for a clientside marketing person, and Emerging Agency Star, for those employed by communications agencies.

Entries are open from now until September 17, and the winners will be announced on December 2, 2021.