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Construction output grew in March to hit a 21-month high on the Markit-CIPS 'Construction Purchasing Managers' Index' (PMI).
Having not fallen below 50 since January 2011, the index hit 56.7 last month, up 2.4 points from February.
Growth in new business received by UK construction companies has now been sustained for six consecutive months, and the latest rise was the sharpest since September 2007.
UK construction companies are optimistic that construction activity will increase over the next year and Chris Williamson, chief economist at Markit, put the sunny outlook for the construction sector down to the weather.
"The good weather appears to have led to a surge in demand for construction projects in March, adding to the recent flow of good news which suggests the economy will have skirted a recession," he said.
The PMI is based on monthly replies to questionnaires given by purchasing executives in over 170 construction companies.
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