New orders reached £2.8bn in April
11:00 12 Jun 2003
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New orders in April increased 25% year-on-year from £2.2bn to £2.8bn, according to the latest data from the Department of Trade & Industry.
Public and private housing were well ahead year-on-year, increasing by 26% and 24% respectively. At £795m, the latter's total its highest since January.
The other public sector surged ahead by 44% to £451m,
driven by 58% boost in government spending on schools and
colleges.
Infrastructure experienced an explosion of 140% to reach
£685m. That's the second highest total of the year, spurred
on by a doubling of water orders and the other subsector (gas,
communications, air, harbours and railways) accelerating by
440%.
Private industrial was down 19% to £190m, while private commercial slipped 12.7% to £637m (spending was down on offices 12% year-on-year and shops 6%).
In the four months of the year-to-date, total new orders are ahead nearly 10% at £11.9bn.
April construction orders
Public housing £106m (2002: £84m )
Private housing £795m (£639m)
Infrastructure £685m (£285m)
Other public £451m (£313m)
Private industrial £190m (£235m)
Private commercial £637m (£730m)
Total £2,864m (£2,286m)