ECA poll finds 8 in 10 businesses see turnover steady or increase in Q2 2016

Published:  01 September, 2016

Almost 78% of electrical and building services firms say turnover increased or remained steady in the second quarter of 2016, according to new research from the Electrical Contractors’ Association (ECA).

The findings cover the period leading up to the EU referendum, and the week following the landmark result. The ECA is currently working on a separate Brexit survey, which is open until 6 September.

ECA chief executive Steve Bratt said: “The ECA’s business survey for Q2 indicates that electrical and building services firms have been doing more business, despite potential challenges in the wider economy.”

Looking at Q2 2016, the ECA’s Building Engineering Business Survey, conducted in association with Scolmore, also found that small businesses (turnover from £201,000 to £1m) had a positive quarter, with nearly three in four firms reporting turnover remaining steady or increasing, up 7% on the previous quarter.

Looking to Q3 2016, the period immediately following the EU referendum result, the outlook from building services firms remained positive. Over 8 out of 10 respondents expected turnover to increase or stay the same compared to Q2, which is similar to forecasts in the previous quarter.

ECA members were surveyed for their views in early July this year, with the response rate from members the highest in nearly five years.