Third of consultants expect trading conditions to worsen over next 12 months

More than a third of consultants expect trading conditions to get worse in the next 12 months, according to Building’s annual Top 150 Consultants sentiment survey.

This year’s survey results, due to be published on Friday, will show a collapse in optimism across the industry compared to this time last year.

The findings show 35% now expect conditions to get worse, compared to just 2% last year. Four in 10 respondents have a negative view of the economic outlook over the next 12 months, compared to just 1% last year.

The real level of pessimism may be higher as the survey was carried out in the summer, before last month’s mini-budget and the resulting economic turbulence.

“A lack of certainty and a lack of visibility as to what is likely to happen is what I suspect is creating this nervousness,” said James Clark, partner at Core Five.

Alinea, in its survey response, warned that economic uncertainty could hold up work.

“A period of unprecedented tendering activity so far in 2022 could have the edge taken off as decisions are delayed and projects decelerate,” an Alinea spokesperson said.

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See also: After the storm: housebuilding’s prospects following the mini-budget

The survey does show, however, that the largest 150 consultants increased their chartered workforce by nearly 12% in the past year.

Building’s annual Top 150 Consultants rankings tables and full market analysis will be published on Friday.