According to the latest work trends survey from the Civil Engineering Contractors Association a balance of 17% of firms reported higher workloads in Q4 than a year ago, reversing the dip seen in Q3.<\/p>\n
But order books barely shifted, with a balance of just 3% reporting growth \u2013 the lowest reading since 2020 Q3 and a warning that the forward pipeline remains fragile.<\/p>\n
Civils is splitting into a two-speed sector with larger contractors better insulated than smaller subcontractors.<\/p>\n
Firms employing more than 600 staff reported stronger workload and order balances than smaller civils firms, reflecting spots on major frameworks and energy programmes.<\/p>\n
Smaller civils firms tied to local roads and early-stage works face a tougher outlook, compounded by a wet start to 2026.<\/p>\n
Cost pressures remain intense, with 86% of firms reporting annual increases. Tender prices are still rising for both new work and repair and maintenance.<\/p>\n
The upturn in activity was driven by airports, electricity and gas, with energy-related work providing the strongest boost to both workloads and orders.<\/p>\n
Electricity recorded the healthiest order book growth, followed by airports and gas. Water and sewerage and harbours also saw modest gains.<\/p>\n
Transport remains the drag. Rail workloads fell sharply while motorways, trunk roads and local roads continue to post declining order books, extending a run of contraction that now stretches back several quarters. Preliminary works has also been in decline for more than a year.<\/p>\n CECA Policy Director Ben Goodwin said: \u201cCECA\u2019s latest survey shows a mixed picture\u2026 the clear weakness in order books is an indication that too much of the pipeline is struggling to be converted into committed work on the ground.\u201d<\/p>\n Despite the fragile pipeline, 60% of firms expect workloads to rise over the next 12 months, signalling cautious optimism heading into 2026.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n![\"-\"](\"https:\/\/www.constructionenquirer.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/Screenshot-2026-02-26-at-20.16.12.png\")
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