Category Archives: Economic growth (GDP)

UK construction industry still booming despite dip in May

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Markit/CIPS construction PMI slips as growth slows in commercial space such as offices, shops and warehouses

British construction grew at the slowest pace in seven months in May but economists said the outlook remained strong amid a boom in housebuilding.

The Markit/CIPS construction PMI, which measures building activity, edged lower to 60 in May from 60.8, mainly reflecting slowing growth in commercial space such as offices, shops and warehouses.

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Shop vacancy rates fall in UK but regions vary wildly

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North-west bears brunt of empty shops with vacancy rate of 17.3% compared to 12.2% average with small towns performing best

Retailers in the north and south of Britain face dramatically different conditions despite a slight fall in the proportion of empty shops across the country last year, new data released shows.

Shop vacancy rates fell below 14% for the first time since July 2010 to 13.9% in December last year, according to the latest figures from the Local Data Company (LDC). That compares to 14.6% in February 2012, suggesting that an improving economy and widespread efforts to help town centres are paying off.

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