It is something of an understatement to suggest that the past few years have been turbulent ones for UK businesses. Brexit, covid, the war in Ukraine, materials inflation, rampant interest rates and skills shortages have all combined with some old-fashioned political mismanagement and upheaval to make the environment for construction firms more difficult.

But, as the rate of inflation finally starts to fall, amid evidence that materials prices are beginning to moderate, are we finally seeing a return to growth and confidence? Are the economic waters calming sufficienty to allow us to reach the safety of dry land?