The order books of specialist contractors in the construction sector are continuing to shrink according to the latest National Specialist Contractors’ Council State of Trade Survey.

Despite a decline in output and a slow-down of growth in construction sector activity, construction companies’ confidence about the future has strengthened markedly to reach an eight-month high, according to a new survey of the sector.

The Environment Agency has gone out to tender with a waterway construction contract.worth up to £40 million.

Leading audit firm PwC  says that with the number of construction insolvencies likely to increase in 2012, major contractors must take a pro-active approach to managing risk in their supply chain.

Thames Water has opted for early contractor involvement (ECI) on a major new scheme to upgrade its Deephams sewage treatment works.

UK construction output is forecast to fall by more than 5% next year and remain flat throughout 2013 according to the latest forecasts published by the Construction Products Association.

Blackpool and Wyre Borough Councils have jointly gone out to tender for two major coastal flood defence schemes worth up to £100 million.

The UK construction sector is questioning the ability of the Government’s plans to use a £5 billion boost to infrastructure spending and a £20 billion investment from pension funds to stimulate the economy.