Stephen Marcos Jones, chief executive of the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE) responds to the latest IHS Markit / CIPS UK Construction PMI figures.

“More good news for construction and the continued easing of pressures on the sector is welcomed. With demand upbeat as we emerge from the latest coronavirus wave, and pressures on supply chains easing, there is plenty to be positive about.

“Having said that, companies will be keeping an eye on the supply and availability of materials and skills, crucial if we are to be able to meet this uptick in demand. ACE members welcome this positive news and the confidence it creates for the wider construction sector.”