House building and construction remaining robust in face of ongoing Brexit talks. According to figures released last month by Barbour ABI, a leading provider of construction sector intelligence, infrastructure projects across the UK have hit a new six-year low.

The sector accounted for £784 million of construction contract values, which totalled £5.4 billion based on a 3-month rolling average, awarded across all regions of the UK during July.

The slump in infrastructure projects reflected a 97 percent annual decrease, its worst performing month for over six years.

David Jarvie, business development director of one of Scotland’s largest independent plant hire companies, Jarvie Plant Group, says this is a concerning development:

“We have recently witnessed the completion of the Queensferry Crossing, Scotland’s biggest infrastructure project in a generation, which produced work for thousands of people over a decade.

“The dualing of the A9, A96 and the Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route are ongoing but there is little sign of them being replaced.”

In May, Jarvie Plant opened a new £1 million depot in Manchester which they hope will play a role in supplying equipment to HS2 and other major civil engineering and construction projects.

But whilst infrastructure projects are dipping the outlook in other sectors, in particular house building, remains positive with contract values for that sector reaching £2.5 billion in July.

“For businesses such as ourselves who are hiring equipment to house builders in Scotland and the north of England, these figures are very encouraging,” explained Mr Jarvie.

Meanwhile the Grangemouth-based company, who have 9 depots, say they are monitoring the Brexit talks closely and are urging the UK government to reach a trade agreement as soon as possible.

As a result of Brexit Mr Jarvie predicts “a whole host of opportunities” for the plant hire industry which is estimated to be worth £4 billion to the UK economy.

“I think Brexit offers potential for more domestic contractors to successfully win contracts ahead of our European counterparts.

“From a plant hire perspective we will be able to develop closer relations with them – they’re on our doorstep; we know them,” he explained.