Matthew Farrow, director of policy at the Association for Consultancy and Engineering (ACE), which represents the companies large and small that design, deliver and manage our national infrastructure and built environment, said:

“Autumn is here and the figures have not substantively improved. As in many other sectors we are facing the spectre of rising people costs as well as delays and inflationary pressures on materials. This is a potent combination which will hold back post-pandemic recovery in both the construction sector and the wider economy.

“Despite these challenges, the fact that respondents remain largely upbeat with a positive business outlook is good news. It remains to be seen whether this withstands the next few months of 2021 which are unlikely to see any substantial change in the circumstances we are working in.”