Construction orders improved 4% in October

The value of new orders won by contractors in October increased by 4% year-on-year to nearly £2.5bn, according to the latest data from the Department of Trade & Industry.

All sectors except public housing and infrastructure were up year-on-year. Even the beleaguered private industrial sector managed an 18% hike to £265m.

The total value of new work for in the 10 months of 2002 is £27.5bn, which strongly suggests 2001's 12-month total of £29.6bn will be passed. In fact £30bn should be on the cards.

Public housing £78m (2001: £90m)

Private housing £665m (£455m)

Infrastrucure £184m (£436m)

Other public £418m (£364m)

Private industrial £265m (£223m)

Private commercial £863m (£804m)

October total £2,472m (£2,372m)