Overall, 31% of total m&e work was in housing. However, there are significant differences in sector work between the size of firm and between mechanical and electrical contractors.
These are some of the findings of BSRIA's study M&E Contracting – Market size, structure, sectors and self-employment.
It is the result of 1224 questionnaires completed by m&e contractors and forms part of the Workload ii Study, undertaken by BSRIA and Construction Forecasting and Research as a DETR-sponsored "Partners in Technology" project during 1997-1998.
In 1997 m&e contracting turnover in non-housing work (excluding infrastructure) was £8·4 billion. BSRIA estimates that this increased by 7% in 1998 to £9 billion.
Offices account for nearly one-third of non-housing work undertaken by m&e contractors. In 1996/7, a marked increase in all types of leisure work was seen, with a particularly high percentage of new building. Although leisure is an important sector, it should be noted that these figures are unusually high, being bolstered by Millennium projects.
Overall, 40% of all m&e work is from traditional contracts, ie standard main- and subcontracts. This type of procurement is more significant for larger, rather than smaller firms.
Source
Electrical and Mechanical Contractor
Postscript
For further information call Rachel Slater at BSRIA on 01344 426511.
