Scotland’s construction sector reported an “extremely successful” end to the 2014 year a new survey shows, boosted by a strong recovery in the housing sector.
The latest quarterly survey from the Scottish Chambers of Commerce, in collaboration with the University of Strathclyde’s Fraser of Allander Institute, found the number of construction firms reporting an increase in new work in the quarter was the highest recorded since 2007.
Work secured from the public sector also increased to its highest level in eight years in the three months to the end of 2014, according to the survey findings from almost 500 firms operating across a broad range of sectors which includes construction, financial and business services, manufacturing, retail and wholesale and tourism.
Scottish manufacturing sector firms answering the survey said growth in orders slowed, though employment and investment levels remained strong.
Retail and wholesale businesses reported an increase in sales in the quarter for the first time in 2014, the report suggests.
Meanwhile, business confidence among tourism firms increased compared with the same quarter in 2013.
Liz Cameron, director and chief executive of Scottish Chambers of Commerce, said: “Strong performance from 2014 has helped Scottish businesses get off to a great start in 2015.
“With investment levels high across all sectors, there is much to look forward to as businesses seek to continue this impressive growth.