Electrical contractors have dim view of 2012

Four in five electrical contractors are predicting no turnover growth in 2012, according to a survey by the Electrical Contractors Association (ECA).

The ECA’s quarterly business trends survey found 41% of electrical contractors expected a fall in revenue this year, while 39% expected no change.

However 2011 ended positively for many ECA members - which have an annual turnover of £5bn and employ 30,000 people.

Nearly a quarter of respondents (24%) reported growth in turnover in the last quarter of 2011, while 39% saw no change in revenue.

Steve Bratt, chief executive of the ECA, said: “We are still feeling the effects of the recession, and consumers and contract clients alike continue to be cautious about spending.

“This is reflected in the demand that member’s are experiencing. We are hopeful that the announcements made in the Chancellor’s recent budget will have a positive knock-on impact for our members.

“For example, up-front cash loans that will be made available for construction companies and housebuilders should mean that more schemes can be progressed, and our members can benefit from the increased workload.”