AUDIO NEWS: Construction put picks up in January and 47% of plumbers report falling profit margins

Construction output improves in January (but industry is still in decline), half of plumbers report falling profit margins, and FMB and CITB partner for apprenticeship scheme

Construction output has bounced back in January — that’s according to The Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index.

Although the industry is still in decline the index showed a 6-point improvement.

House building was again the weakest performing segment, but the pace of contraction eased to its slowest in the last three months.

Nearly 40% of respondents predicted continued improvement in construction output volumes over the next year, while just 17% foresaw a drop.

The index pointed to the highest level of optimism since May 2025.

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Nearly half of plumbers and heating engineers are reporting falling profit margins.

In a survey from SNIPEF, 41% of respondents said they were busier than expected in Q4.

But nearly half warned that profit margins were down — an increase of by 12% on the third quarter.

Cost pressures remain widespread with 93% of firms complaining of rising input prices.

Fiona Hodgson, chief executive with SNIPEF warned that too many businesses are absorbing higher costs and ongoing supply chain pressures”.

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The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and the CITB have launched a pilot apprentice scheme that makes learners ‘site ready’ from day one.

The Build Academy course equips apprentices with ‘hands on’ experience, health and safety know-how and business knowledge.

The course also aims to place graduates in full time employment through its network of employers.

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