The Fire Protection systems market is generally regarded as a relatively mature sector and is influenced by a number of factors, including the general health of the economy, levels of consumer confidence and spending, changing Building Regulations and Standards, and most significantly the underlying performance of the UK building and construction market.

This report analyses the market for electrical contracting. We estimate the output value of this market in Great Britain to have been £12.85bn in 2008 — an increase of 1.3% compared with the previous year. Electrical contracting is an important part of the construction industry and covers the installation of fixed electrical wiring and fittings for electrical power, lighting, alarms, security systems and communications equipment.

Civil engineering project starts up 4 per cent on 2008
Social and private housing drive residential project starts up 12 per cent on 2008

The flow of construction projects starting on site in September 2009 stabilised to 4 per cent below levels seen a year ago. This is the third month running that the year on year decline has been stable at 4 per cent. This is a significant improvement compared to the 21 per cent average year on year decline seen between September 2008 and July 2009. However, the Glenigan Index for September 2009 was 81 compared to the 2006 base of 100, showing that while there has been improvement in several sectors and regions, conditions in the construction industry remain challenging.

“The Government is investing £21.9 billion of capital into the school estate between 2008 and 2011 as part of the Comprehensive Spending Review (CSR) 2007.

1 in 6 companies in the UK Lighting industry could change ownership as a result of the current economic climate, claims a new study by leading financial analysts Plimsoll. With a surprising number of “cash rich” competitors waiting in the wings, the market could be set for a prolonged period of consolidation.

• Housing sectors slide
• Non-residential Index falls by more than a third

The Glenigan Index for March recorded a 35% fall in new project starts, due to a continued slide in housing and non-residential building. In contrast civil engineering project starts have strengthened sharply since the start of the year.