Industry boost creates opportunities for those with the right ‘intelligence’

Insight’s Data Analyst David Lewis

Despite global financial turmoil and continued economic uncertainty, the mood of the UK construction sector has been lifted by a number of positive stories related to the industry, says leading market intelligence providers Insight Data.

“From compiling our own market research and bringing together other leading studies and surveys, we have found that construction activity picked up last month amidst a clutch of positive news for major firms,” comments Insight’s Data Analyst David Lewis.

Insight’s findings were echoed by the Markit CIPS UK Construction survey which stated that, despite a weakness in house building, construction activity picked up unexpectedly last month to reach a five-month high as companies boosted their order books and put more staff on the payroll.

News that Costain’s order book has increased to £2.6b after it secured a major contract with Network Rail; housebuilder Taylor Wimpey’s announcement that it expects to boost margins even further in 2012, and Babcock’s 30 percent increase in turnover for the six months leading up to September 2011 further illustrated the good feeling in the industry.

But despite the positive news, Insight Data has identified that many suppliers in the building industry are still struggling to locate the details of key decision-makers.

David explains why: “The fact that major house builders are returning to profit and main contractors are winning contracts shows that there is life in the industry and huge opportunities for suppliers. But there has been massive consolidation since the recession hit, with management changes everywhere altering the landscape of the industry and making it difficult for suppliers to reach those they need to in order to sell their products and services. ”

“That’s why having access to the most up-to-date contact details of directors of main contractors, major house builders, and property development firms is vital if companies are serious about making the most of the opportunities out there.”

Insight Data can provide the market intelligence that allows suppliers to do just that thanks to their recently launched Construction file.

The Construction File is continuously updated by Insight Data’s research team and provides suppliers with ruthlessly accurate data on all major building firms on one easy-to-use database. With over 4,900 senior decision-makers (including over 4,300 email addresses), across 1,400 organisations including major house-builders, property developers, maintenance companies and main building contractors.

Users of the database can instantly search between business types (eg house builders or main contractors) and even market sectors (eg education sector or social housing).

For more information on the Construction File or other building industry databases call Insight Data on 01934 808293 or visit www.insightdata.co.uk