The net output of mechanical contractors was £6.3bn, with electrical contractors' net output at £6.8bn.
For contractors working in the non-housing sector, the market is expected to increase from £4.6bn in 2000 to £6.1bn in 2004.
The survey found that the number of women employed in M&E remains 'very low', particularly in manual roles — where just 0.8 per cent of the workforce are women.
For all but the largest companies, where the biggest problem is skills shortages, the industry continues to be plagued by late payment issues.
The top 15 national M&E firms control 20 per cent of the market, with another 25 large companies controlling nine per cent. The report said that the top national companies are 'dramatically outperforming' the rest of the industry.
Source
The Facilities Business