Positive outlook confirmed by Civils 2008

Civils 2008 reflects that while housebuilders are suffering an unprecedented sharp slump in demand, civil engineering remains as strong as ever.

Confirmation of how well UK civil engineering is bucking the downward trend comes from the organisers of the Civils 2008 exhibition, which takes place at Earls Court 2 in London from 18 to 20 November 2008.

"Civil engineering projects with a value exceeding GBP30 billion are being showcased by clients exhibiting at Civils 2008,"says Civils event manager, Gerry Sherwood.

"With today's landmark projects like the 2012 Olympics, Crossrail and new developments in nuclear and alternative energy sources, we see no sign of a downturn in the civil engineering industry".

"While parts of the UK construction sector have undoubtedly felt the chill wind of the credit crunch, the longer term nature of civil engineering sector has left it buoyant.

Sherwood continues.

"Major infrastructure organisations are continuing to commission civil engineering projects".

"Recently given Royal Assent, Crossrail alone is costed at GBP16 billion at today's prices, making it Europe's largest civil engineering project".

"Other clients showcasing billions of pounds worth of major projects at Civils 2008 include Metronet, The Highways Agency, BAA and Sellafield".

"Infrastructure prospects are currently more positive than for some time," confirms Allan Wilen, Economics Director, at EMAP Glenigan.

"The sector promises to be a construction bright spot amid concerns over the impact of the credit crunch upon private housing and commercial work".

"Glenigan recorded a 25% jump in the value of projects starting on site during the first half of this year and we expect the flow of work to remain firm over the next twelve months".

The positive trend is further confirmed in the latest survey of the finances of 118 firms for New Civil Engineer's Contractors File 2008 (http://www.nce.co.uk/contractorsfile/).

It revealed that the UK civil engineering market is now worth GBP13.5bn, up around GBP0.75bn on last year.

The survey also found contractors predicting a 10% growth in turnover at a 5% margin over the next two years.

"The sector is already benefiting from increased capital expenditure by the water and energy utilities," Wilen continues".

"Investment in the rail infrastructure is also on the rise with Network Rail pressing on with major enhancement projects such Thameslink".

Celebrating its tenth successful year Civils combines an exhibition with a conference programme; CPD seminars; industry awards and key note addresses.

Every aspect of the civil engineering industry is represented at the exhibition from major industry clients through to top contractors, consultants and suppliers.

No other event brings together the whole industry in one place to network, educate, promote, learn and recruit.

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