A BSRIA report has shown an annual growth in m&e contracting of 6% in 2000.
The m&e industry recorded an annual growth of 6% in 2000, with an output of £13.2 billion.

The net output by electrical contractors was £6.8 billion, with 45% attributed to lighting and small power. Mechanical contracting had a net output of £6.3 billion, with 61% of this accounted for by plumbing, heating and ventilation work.

A total of 20% of the market was controlled by the top 15 national m&e contractors, with a further 25 large firms controlling another 9%. A comparison of the performance of nine of the companies in each of the two segments suggest that the top contractors are dramatically outperforming the rest of the industry.

Increases are expected to continue: turnover in the housing sector is expected to rise from £0.9 billion in 2000 to £1.3 billion in 2004, with private housing predicted to grow by £0.4 billion to £3.8 billion in the same period.

The market for the non-housing new build and major refurbishment sector is expected to increase from £4.6 billion to £6.1 billion in 2004.

The figures were detailed in the latest study from the Building Services Research and Information Association (BSRIA). Replies from over 500 companies were used to compile the data.

The study M&E contracting in the UK was published and compiled by BSRIA with help from the ECA, HVCA and the Association of Plumbing and Heating Contractors. Phone 01344 426511 for a copy.