Featured Region: South East

Construction activity in the South East appears set for another burst of growth, with output growth of 7% in the third quarter of 2013, and a 23% annual increase in project starts in the final quarter.

Activity in the first half of the year was disappointing, and growth in new project starts moderated to 5% in 2013, from 18% in 2012. Output figures from the ONS also reflect this weak start to the year.

However 2013 also witnessed a 17% rise in detailed planning approvals. The relative strength of the private sector has driven the good performance in the South East in recent years, and while this has slowed somewhat during 2013, we have seen an increase in planned office, private housing and industrial projects over the past year.

In addition the region will continue to benefit from the rising housing market, with high levels of demand and house prices expected to spur continued growth in new housing activity.

The South East consists of the following Counties: Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Hampshire, Isle Of Wight, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey, West Sussex.