Two thirds of UK construction companies expect their sector to grow in 2006 with the majority of growth from new housing
These are the results of accountants and business advisers, PKF's latest survey.
Over 200 UK construction companies were surveyed by PKF in December 2005. Of these 30% did not expect the Construction sector to grow in 2006 while 6% were unsure.
Brian Lovie, director and construction expert at PKF, said: "It is promising to see optimism amongstthe majority of UK construction given pessimistic forecasts about UK economic growth. In a year where companies in the south-east will be chasing Olympic contracts it is encouraging to see that the Midlands and the North are also confident of their prospects.
He added: "Sector growth may mean that the struggle to find skilled workers gets worse andconstruction companies need to act now to invest in training and recruiting a quality workforce to ensure they don't get caught short."
Of those who expect the sector to grow, the majority (76%) predict the sector will grow in newhousing. This percentage rises to 87% in Scotland.