Key Statistics: 2 June 2015

Construction

• The value of projects starting on site fell by 10% compared to a year ago during the three months to May, according to Glenigan data. Private housing saw strong growth, however non-residential and civil engineering activity slumped, in a sign that the election and its immediate aftermath delayed investment decisions. The figures include projects worth between £250,000 and £100 million.
• The number of new home registrations was well ahead of a year ago during the three months to April, according to NHBC statistics. 41,307 homes were registered during the period, up 20% from 34,451 a year ago. The Capital saw a sharp 30% drop in registrations, alongside the North East as the only two regions to see a decline.

Economy

• Business investment returned to growth in Q1 2015, having weakened during the second half of last year. Business investment was 3.7% higher than a year ago and 1.7% up on the previous quarter. Investment into dwellings and ‘other buildings and structures’ were up 4.0% and 2.4% on a year ago respectively. 
• UK car production in April was 3.8% lower than a year ago, as falling exports more than offset a rise in cars produced for sale in the UK.