Featured Region: North East

Construction activity has suffered several years of falling starts and output in the North East, with starts falling a further 5% during 2013. However the outlook for the region is now more positive; new project starts accelerated during the second half of the year, led by a boom in private housing.

New orders and planning approval data suggests further growth will come from a broader base of sectors, with the commercial sector in particular expected to be a strong source of demand.

Output in the region, according to the ONS, has already begun to improve, with particularly strong growth in the third quarter of 2013.We anticipate activity to grow through 2014, as the region bounces back from a tough two years. The North East consists of the following Counties:  Cleveland, County Durham, Northumberland, Tyne & Wear.