Total business activity increased only marginally during the latest survey period, while new work decreased for the second month running. Anecdotal evidence suggested that fragile business confidence and ongoing political uncertainty remained key factors holding back client demand. At the same time, strong input cost pressures were reported in February, with higher raw material prices, fuel bills and staff wages reported by survey respondents.

At 51.4 in February, the seasonally adjusted IHS Markit/CIPS UK Construction Purchasing Managers' Index edged up from January's four-month low of 50.2. This signalled a marginal increase in construction output during February, with the index also weaker than seen on average in 2017 (52.3).