Construction activity grew last month at the fastest rate since April 2022, led by a sharp uptick in civil engineering work.
September’s headline S&P Global UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) reported growth for the seventh month in a row. The index figure of 57.2 is the highest in nearly two and a half years. Any number above the neutral mark of 50 represents output growth.
Civil engineering activity grew the most in September, swelling from 51.8 the month before to 59. The sector recorded the highest growth since June 2021.
Commercial building also had a strong month, with the index rising from 53.7 to 55.2. Housebuilding grew to 54.3, representing the fastest uptick in activity in two and half years.
S&P economics director Tim Moore said lower interest rates, domestic economic stability and strong pipelines of infrastructure work helped boost order books in the past few months.
