Clearview National April 2015 - Issue 161 | Page 28

INDUSTRYNEWS Construction shakes off winter cold »»A double digit rise in private housebuilding has driven construction activity into positive territory for the first time this year, according to new figures from industry analysts Glenigan. The Glenigan Index for March, which covers the value of projects starting on site in the three months to February, is 6% up on a year ago, with private housing returning to the forefront of industry growth. The underlying value of private housing schemes starting on site rose by 12%, taking the Glenigan Residential Index to 8% higher than a year earlier, the fastest rate of expansion since August 2014. There was also some respite for the social housing sector, where starts were up on a year earlier for the first time since August, albeit b y a modest 2%. Allan Wilén, Economics Director at Glenigan, said, “Buoyant financial results statements released by several housebuilders in recent weeks point to housing market conditions remaining strong. “Sales rates have remained level with, or above, rates seen during the first eight weeks of 2014, despite the number of mortgage approvals falling by 17% between January and December last year.” He added, “A tightening of lending procedures by the Bank of England led to a cooling in mortgage lending throughout 2014. “However, approvals picked up by 2% between November and December, a sign that the reforms have bedded in and mortgage credit may begin to ease once more over the coming months. “Moreover, the pipeline of potential schemes is strong. The underlying value of detailed planning approvals secured for private housing schemes has risen by 15% over the 12 months to January.” Non-residential construction starts expanded by 5% compared to a year ago, fuelled by gains in privately funded building. New commercial construction remains on the up with the office, retail and hotel and leisure sectors all seeing higher values of starts compared to 2014. Across public sector dominated areas, activity was more subdued. The underlying value of education starts rose by 3% during the latest three months. However growth in the underlying value of health starts has faltered. YOU HAVE FITTED SECURE LOCKS BUT ARE THE WINDOWS SIMPLY LIKE UNLOCKED DOORS TO A BURGLAR? Many homes have double glazed windows where the glass is secured by a beading on the outside. This can easily be removed and is one of the most common ways that burglars get in. Taking out the glass is quick and makes no noise. NO-GO GLASS LOCKS lock the glass into the frame so that the glass cannot be removed without smashing the glass. NO-GO GLASS LOCKS are designed to be easily fitted to existing windows and are a very cost-effective way to make a property even more secure. NO-GO SECURITY PRODUCTS are looking for companies to sell and install our NO-GO GLASS LOCKS. If you would like to expand your business then contact us. To find out more email us on [email protected] Or see our website www.nogosecurity.co.uk Or phone [phone] » A PR 2015 » CL EARVI E W- UK . C O M