Uplift in confidence for British architects

Latest News Thu, Nov 16, 2017 4:42 PM

The Royal Institute of British Architects’ (RIBA) monthly Future Trends workload index – a tool used to measure RIBA members’ confidence in the market for architectural services – has increased, rising to +17 (up from, +11 in August and the earlier high of +14 in July 2017).

While practices in the North of England (balance figure +29) foresee a slight decline, the Midlands and East Anglia (balance figures +26) felt more optimistic about medium term workload prospects this month.

Practices in London remained by far the most cautious about future workloads, with a balance figure of +7, nevertheless this is the best figure for the London region for some time having has risen from -6 in August.

In terms of different work sectors, more forecasts saw upward movement.

The exception was the private housing sector workload forecast which fell back marginally to +18 from +19 in August overall, however, it remains the most positive of all our sector forecasts.

The commercial sector workload had significant uplift this month, with a balance figure of +7 in September 2017, up from +2 in August.

Both the community sector workload forecast (balance figure +3) and the public sectors workload forecast (Balance figure zero) increased in September, but these remain the weakest of our sector forecasts.

The RIBA Future Trends Staffing Index was unchanged this month, remaining at +5 in September 2017. On balance, the majority of practices expect their permanent staffing levels to either remain the same or increase over the coming quarter. Large practices (51+ staff), with a balance figure of +14, and medium-sized practices (11 - 50 staff), with a balance figure of +17, were more confident about future staffing levels than small practices (1 - 10 staff), with a balance figure of +3.

RIBA Executive Director Members, Adrian Dobson, said: “Whilst workloads are steady, there is anecdotal evidence of a weakening in general business confidence that is beginning to become evident in the architectural market.

"Private investors, whether home owners or commercial developers, remain active, but the public and community sectors are still at a relatively low ebb, so any weakening in overall private sector confidence is obviously a concern.”

Featured News

Specification news
London's super sewer now fully built after final lid...

Work to build London’s super sewer, including its tunnels and shafts, is now fully...

Read More >>

Specification news
Kier appointed to deliver major expansion at HMP Elmley

Work to expand HMP Elmley, a Category B and C adult male prison located on the Isle...

Read More >>

BUILDING PRODUCT LIBRARY - LATEST BROCHURES

REVO.Prime TSA 325 NT Brochure

REVO.Prime TSA 325 N...
By GEZE UK Ltd

Download Now >>

Natural ventilation strategy for Sunderland SEND school Brochure

Natural ventilation...
By Passivent

Download Now >>

Squash Court Flooring Brochure

Squash Court Floorin...
By Junckers Limited

Download Now >>

Junckers Acoustics Floor System Brochure

Junckers Acoustics F...
By Junckers Limited

Download Now >>

BUILDING PRODUCT DIRECTORY - LATEST PRODUCTS

Ei1025 Environmental Sensor
Ei1025 Environmental Sensor

Discreet and secure, the Ei1025 Environmental Sensor can be placed throughout a property to monitor...

Read More >>

Ei1000G SmartLINK Gateway
Ei1000G SmartLINK Gateway

The Gateway and Cloud portal use Aico’s SmartLINK technology to bring together data from all...

Read More >>

Ei3030 Multi-Sensor Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alarm
Ei3030 Multi-Sensor Fire and Carbon Monoxide Alarm

The Ei3030 is a multi-sensor Fire & Carbon Monoxide (CO) Alarm. Containing our proven and dependable...

Read More >>

CONSTRUCTION VIDEOS - LATEST VIDEOS

Forma aluminium column casings for Winchester College
Forma aluminium column casings for Winchester College

In progressive and dynamic business sectors, such as construction, it’s natural to be forward...

Watch Now >>

Decorative metal bulkheads & column casings for Tesco Extra, Birmingham
Decorative metal bulkheads & column casings for Tesco Extra, Birmingham

Decorative aluminium horizontal bulkheads more than 100 metres long have been supplied and installed...

Watch Now >>

Vecta building linings for the perfect finish
Vecta building linings for the perfect finish

More than 150 sq.m of Vecta aluminium wall lining and a feature bulkhead have been manufactured and...

Watch Now >>