For many weeks now at CEW we have been arguing that construction is recovering and that there are some real signs for optimism in our sector. For very sound reasons there are some commentators in the industry who are more cautious, but whatever view you take it is great to see that this week the Welsh media began to share our view that business is improving for Welsh construction. 

The story this week that there are more construction companies per head in Wales than across the UK shows not that Welsh construction is a good employer, but that labour that had left the sector is now returning as work picks up. This does not mean we have no skills shortages or issues with materials being expensive or hard to find – but it does indicate our industry is going in a positive direction from the grass roots upwards.

Other headlines across the media back up this sensation. Willmott Dixon made the headlines on Wednesday when it was announced it had won the race to build a £34.5m ‘super’ school for 3-19 year olds in Llandysul, Wales. Willmott Dixon will create a new school that merges five other – Ysgol Dyffryn Teifi, Aberbanc, Coedybryn, Llandysul, and Pontsian – to form the county’s second ‘all-through’ school. It is a radical approach to school procurement driven as a result of the 21st Century Schools programme, which also released the news that Interserve has got the planning green light to build a £31m Monmouthshire secondary school under the Welsh 21st century school programme. Caldicot Comprehensive School is one of four new schools planned by the local county council as part of an £80m building project under the Welsh 21st century school programme.

All of which is great news and I am sure more will follow – let’s make sure all of the new work is procured collaboratively!