CONCRETE – Heal Thyself

Self-healing concrete set to save Britain billions

An exclusive deal makes JP Concrete the first UK company to offer self-healing concrete. This revolutionary product could help save both the environment and the economy.

It’s no stretch to say that concrete is central to human society. It’s at the heart of pretty much every structure, from roads and bridges to homes, workplaces, civic buildings…you name it. It’s sturdy, versatile, and popular – so popular that the global construction industry pours 7.3 billion cubic metres of concrete every single year.

All this new concrete obviously costs a lot of money. But what many people don’t realise is that maintenance costs for concrete are also enormous.

Every piece of concrete poured will crack eventually. Those cracks need to be filled, or structures will come crashing down.

We spend a whopping £2 trillion every year on maintaining global infrastructure. 2 trillion. Imagine what we could do with that kind of money if we weren’t spending it on old concrete?

Just 20% less maintenance for our concrete structures would save 200 billion pounds annually. To put that into perspective, £200bn is enough to plant a rainforest as big as the Amazon.

But how can we get these savings without compromising our concrete structures? If concrete starts to break down, millions of lives will be at risk. That’s why we spend so much maintaining it in the first place.

If only concrete could automatically repair itself, we could save hundreds of billions every year without compromising any structural integrity.

It sounds like a dream solution – but it’s very real. Dutch microbiologist Henk Jonkers has spent years developing a form of living concrete which automatically seals its own cracks.

Recently, Jonkers’ company Basilisk has signed an exclusive deal with British precast firm – JP Concrete. Their new product, Sensicrete, will be the first self-healing concrete in the UK. It’s set to revolutionise the British construction industry.

With Sensicrete, we can finally produce more sustainable structures while saving businesses, the government, and private individuals a huge amount of money.

How does self-healing concrete work?

Put very simply, self-healing concrete acts as a habitat for limestone-producing bacteria. The bacteria sleep in the concrete until woken by air and water, which get in through cracks. They then busily begin producing limestone until the crack is sealed – at which point the bacteria go back to sleep.

Despite being microscopically tiny, these bacteria (called ‘Bascilis’) can produce an astonishing amount of limestone in a short amount of time.

Henk Jonkers, the inventor of self-healing concrete, explains:

“Concrete becomes unsafe when its reinforcements break down. Concrete is usually reinforced with steel rebar, and this corrodes when water gets to it. By making sure that the concrete seals up any cracks before water reaches the rebar, we can keep the steel safe for longer and prolong the life of the structure”.

This is done by adding a special bacterial ingredient to the concrete as it’s being mixed. “The bacteria only become active when the concrete cracks and water gets in”, says Jonkers, “When the bacteria activates, it starts to produce limestone. The limestone fills and seals the crack, and the water is driven back. This makes the concrete much more durable and extends the structure’s lifetime. It’s as simple as that”.

 

“A new age of bio-structures”

Jonkers sees his self-healing bio-concrete as the first step towards a new, sustainable future of bio-structures. “It’s combining nature with construction materials”, he says, “it’s asking nature to help us, rather than fighting against nature. It’s very sustainable.”

Sensicrete is helping to achieve this vision in the UK – and will make a huge difference to UK infrastructure and economy into the bargain. For example, as an island nation we spend £800 million every year on coastal defences. If concrete sea defences could protect themselves against the sea, we’d be (literally) high and dry.

To find out more about how this revolutionary new concrete will change construction, save billions, and help build a more sustainable future, visit the JP Concrete website.

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Kentec Appoints New Head of UK Sales

Kentec Electronics, a leading manufacturer of life-critical control systems, has promoted Sammy Steel to the role of Head of UK Sales to further strengthen the company’s UK growth and footprint.

In her new role Sammy will lead, manage, and support the UK BDM sales team to achieve Kentec’s strategic sales plan. She will be working directly with installers, distributors and end-users while strengthening the current UK customer base. A key part of the strategy includes focusing on both of Kentec’s partnering programmes; one for installers and one for distributors.  The Kentec Installer Partner (KIP) programme provides Kentec’s registered customers with a wide-ranging bespoke training and best-in-class technical support, as well as dedicated software and enhanced product functionality; while the Kentec Authorised Distributors (KAD) programme offers customers access to off-the-shelf service, local to them.

Sammy has 15 years’ experience in the fire industry. Prior to becoming Head of UK Sales, Sammy was a Strategic Partner, focusing on Kentec’s sister company, Hochiki Corporation. She first joined Kentec three years ago.

“I am very pleased to welcome Sammy in her new role,” says Derrick Hall, Director of Sales at Kentec Electronics. “Her dedication to our customers, as well as her wealth of experience and knowledge of Kentec and our values make her the perfect choice for this role.”

Sammy says she is excited to get started: “Initially, my focus will be building successful working relationships with the UK sales team – and ultimately, my goal is for the UK to reach their full potential and for us to help our customers meet the needs of their life safety projects. I am passionate about this industry and really looking forward to getting back on the road and meeting with our UK customers.”

 

kentec.co.uk

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Wernick’s new Chief Executive: Jonathan Wernick

From Yard Operative to Chief Executive, Jonathan has worked his way through many roles within the Wernick Group. Initially joining as a Yard Operative at the Wickford Hire depot for the summer of 2006 before moving on to do seasonal work with Wernick Events between 2009 and 2011.

 

It was in January 2012 when Jonathan stepped into his first full-time role as Depot Manager for Wernick Events. Just over a year later in September 2013, he became General Manager for Wernick Events (Seating & Infrastructure), before eventually joining Wernick Hire as Regional Manager for the South East in 2015 where he had responsibility for six depots.

 

Continuing his path through Wernick Hire, Jonathan was promoted to the position of Deputy Managing Director in January 2017 assuming responsibility for all three southern regions which comprised of a total of 12 depots. At the same time, he also joined the Wernick Group Executive Team as Group Marketing Director.

 

Jonathan believes that it is the people that make his job enjoyable: “We have the privilege of employing the best people in our sector who bring with them an abundance of skills, experience, and more importantly, personality to make every day a pleasure.”

 

Jonathan’s latest promotion came about following the announcement from the former Chief Executive of the Wernick Group, Simon Doran, who stated that he would be retiring from the company in 2021. As a result, Jonathan stepped into his new role as Chief Executive from the 1st July 2021 following Simon’s departure on the 30th June.

 

When questioned on his feelings about becoming Chief Executive Jonathan commented: “It’s exciting to be the 4th generation of the family to be leading the company and I look forward to the challenge of continuing its success.”

 

Speaking on his retirement, former Chief Executive, Simon Doran, commented: “I’m delighted that Jonathan will be taking over from me as Chief Executive and I wish him every success in the new role”

 

www.wernick.co.uk

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iContact is Simply Diverse

A brochure to explain the diversity of a product with massive capabilities has been published by Strand Technologies.

iContact uses GSM/GPRS to enable real-time reporting across a range of security critical applications and access control systems for global remote monitoring, alerting, diagnostics and remote control.

It can be fitted to a range of electro-mechanical equipment – making it a versatile option. It works by collecting data which ‘talks’ to its parent – a specially developed software package produced with Python programming.  This is accessed via a user gateway that allows the client to remotely manage the assets.

The brochure highlights how the system works, where it can be used and provides technical details for specifiers and technologists. It can be downloaded via www.strandtech.co.uk

iContact has a proven track record of being used in many types of environs including commercial, retail, manufacturing and warehousing premises – providing facilities managers with the tools for rapid diagnostics, performance reporting and essential remote locking/unlocking.

It is ideal for schools, universities, hospitals, care homes and other buildings accessed by the public to deliver safeguarding requirements, improved accessibility and alert systems linked to entrances, gates and barriers.

iContact can be used for access control in facilities which operate entry tags, PIN numbers and card management – providing access history and alerts for unauthorised access attempts and to manage systems within specialised markets.

Simon Bowden, Sales and Business Development Director for Strand Technologies said that iContact was a small product with big capabilities.

“If you are managing buildings remotely or oversee a large estate with multiple assets, iContact can help you do so remotely with improved connectivity,” he said.

“It provides a cost-effective solution that is compatible with wider building management control but can also be used as a stand-alone system – making it ideal for both new and retrofit developments.

“In minimising site attendance and emergency visits from service engineers, it can help reduce your carbon footprint and reduce energy costs by ensuring that your assets are working to their optimum,” added Simon.

iContact has been fitted to a diverse range of equipment including fire and smoke protection, temperature monitoring equipment, road safety signs and lights, threat protection and alert systems and specialist aquatics operations.

For more information contact: info@strandtech.co.uk

or visit: www.strandtech.co.uk/icontact

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FRESH START FOR VICKI

Vicki Hawkes knows what it’s like to operate in a man’s world. The new Area Sales Manager at Strand Hardware has worked in the construction and building products sector for 23 years and is delighted to be joining a company with a woman at the helm.

“It was one of the things that most interested me about the job,” she says referring to Strand’s Managing Director Catherine Franks. “Although there are now many more women working in the industry, there are relatively few who are in leadership roles.”

Appointed in November 2019, Vicki was just starting her sales activity, covering the southern/eastern half of the Midlands, South Wales, East Anglia and the South of the UK, when the UK went into its first COVID lockdown.

Following furlough and a part-time return, Vicki is now back in her full-time role and is keen to highlight the benefits of Strand Hardware’s quality products to distribution, architectural ironmongers and locksmiths.

Having worked for Carillion and Assa Abloy UK, she is experienced in many areas of the industry including fleet management, customer services and sales.

Most recently Vicki worked for Alpro Hardware Ltd, where she was Area Sales Manager and Technical Support Advisor for the Midlands and South West, selling manual and electrical hardware to distribution and aluminium manufacturers and fabricators.

Her experience in this field will hopefully open new doors for Strand Hardware which offers an extensive range of panic hardware, finger protection devices and window openers.

“I can see great possibilities working with the aluminium industry. Over the past three or four years, aluminium has become so popular as a versatile and durable alternative to wood and PVC fittings.

It also presents great aesthetics which would be an ideal blend with the products that we offer,” she adds.

Strand Hardware recently became a member of the Council for Aluminium in Building (CAB) and the company is already starting to work with a number of key distribution partners to help with this new venture.

Vicki’s work achievements include the awarding of an Excellence Certificate during her time at Carillion, an employee of the year award from Yale which she received following her first year in sales out on the road and two years’ qualifications from the Guild of Architectural Ironmongers – one of which she passed with distinction.

“I have had some interesting times in the industry, working long hours and travelling many miles,” she said.

This has included some ‘awkward’ social occasions including a visit to an exotic dance club.

“My male colleagues wanted to go there and clearly, I had no interest in what was happening on stage, so I ended up behind the scenes, having a cup of coffee with the girls,” she laughs.

Outside of work, Vicki, who lives in Alcester, Worcestershire, enjoys gardening and spending time with her “crazy” chocolate sprocker spaniel, Samuel, “who my life revolves around”.

For more information about Strand Hardware’ extensive range of products visit: www. strandhardware.co.uk or email: info@strandhardware.co.uk

 

 

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cutting edge training academy from Integra

A stunning new academy for training engineers and leaders of today and tomorrow has been delivered using cutting-edge modular building methods.

Integra Buildings, one of the UK’s leading modular construction specialists, has completed the development for Severn Trent Water, which serves eight million people across the Midlands.

Staff from both companies came together for a celebratory event to mark the launch of the Severn Trent Academy, which was officially opened by Prime Minister Boris Johnson earlier this month.

It provides a purpose-built centre of excellence for technical training on a new flagship campus in Coventry, as part of Severn Trent’s wider £10m investment in skills and training.

The versatile facilities provide a variety of traditional and experimental training environments, from hands-on areas designed to replicate Severn Trent’s working environments, to use of the latest technologies in virtual reality and “network simulation” computer modelling.

The energy-efficient building, which will meet Severn Trent’s present and future training needs, also houses an extensive suite of stylish rooms and breakout areas for hosting conferences and educational events.

It will offer a wide range of development opportunities for Severn Trent’s 7,000 staff, including apprentices, as well as members of the wider community, who will have a chance to gain valuable employability skills and training.

Hands on Training

The facilities will also benefit 500 young people to be employed by Severn Trent over the next year under the Government’s Kickstart Scheme, which creates six-month paid work placements for 16-24-year-olds at risk of long-term unemployment.

East Yorkshire-based Integra completed the development in just 12 months from the design stage to handing over the keys, despite the challenges brought about by the pandemic.

The building is a prime example of how modern modular techniques are transforming the construction sector by delivering major projects faster and more efficiently than traditional methods, without compromising on quality.

The Prime Minister took a tour of the new building and described Severn Trent’s training programme as “world class”. He added: “This brilliant academy will support thousands of people in the West Midlands to gain the skills they need to secure long-term jobs and to take a step towards brighter futures.”

Integra Managing Director Gary Parker said: “We’re delighted that the Prime Minister has praised the new academy, which looks superb inside and out. Working closely with Severn Trent, our team has delivered a first-class training environment with cutting-edge facilities.

“It’s a great example of how our innovative approach to bespoke modular building allows us to meet even the most challenging design briefs while delivering faster and more cost-effective results for the client.

“To do that while dealing with the challenges of Covid, especially during the uncertainty of the first lockdown, represents an outstanding achievement by our team, partners and suppliers.”

Severn Trent Construction Project Manager Zoe McPhilbin said: “It was great to work with Integra in helping us create our new academy that will be so valuable in providing skills and opportunities for our people and communities.

“The design aspirations for our academy have been met in full, which clearly demonstrates how Integra shared the same values and ambitions as ourselves on delivering such an amazing space in which to learn.”

East Yorkshire-based Integra designed and manufactured the building, which has a floorspace of 22,600 sq ft (2,100 sq m), at its site near Hull. The facility is made up of 45 modular units, which were transported by articulated lorry to Coventry, before being assembled on Severn Trent’s site on the outskirts of the city.

Working alongside Webb Gray Architects, Integra completed the design phase in just eight weeks.

Key aspects pushed the boundaries of what can be achieved with a modular build. The roof would have been too high to be transported by lorry from the production facilities to site, so the team designed an innovative extendable frame that allowed the height to be extended in situ.

Integra, which is renowned for providing bespoke solutions to clients, laid down robust, waterproof floors in rooms designed to replicate the challenges faced by Severn Trent’s engineers, such as working with pressurised pipes.

Incorporating sustainable features, including an air-source heat pump to provide hot water, ensured the building received an “A” rating for energy performance.

Visitors enter the academy through a warm and welcoming reception, while conference, break-out and office areas have been furnished with a stylish, contemporary look.

As the principal contractor, Integra also completed extensive preparatory works, groundworks and landscaping, including the demolition of existing buildings on site, alongside specialists from Dales Contractors. During the work, consideration was given to some of the area’s smaller residents – special lighting and bat boxes were installed to avoid disturbing a colony of bats.

A close and collaborative working relationship between Integra and Severn Trent was a key factor in the success of the development.

Integra’s on-site team worked hand-in-hand with Severn Trent’s project manager, which meant decisions could be made on the ground in real time, while in the conference suite, installing the hi-tech infrastructure involved extensive coordination with Severn Trent’s IT team.

Mr Parker said: “It’s been a pleasure to work alongside Severn Trent’s team, whose support, encouragement and expertise has made a huge difference to the success of the project.

“We enjoyed excellent communication on the ground and at management level, which helped keep the project running smoothly at all times.

“We pride ourselves on building strong relationships with our clients, which helps us to understand their needs and meet and exceed their expectations, so it’s really pleasing to see this approach paying dividends.”

The opening of the academy comes at an exciting time for Integra as it embarks on a major expansion of its base in Paull, near Hull, which is key to the management’s ambitions to double revenues to £60m within three years.

Integra has developed a nationwide reputation for excellence in the design, construction and fit-out of modular buildings for a wide range of uses, including education, sport, leisure, healthcare and commercial operations.

 

www.integrabuildings.co.uk

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ACTION PLAN FOR CARBON ZERO

CIC launches a Carbon Zero climate action plan for Professional Institutions

On the 17th of June the CIC launched ‘Carbon Zero: the professional institutions’ climate action plan’ which was spearheaded by CIC’s Climate Change Panel which is chaired by CIC’s Deputy Chairman Stephen Hodder MBE. The CIC Climate Change Panel coordinates the efforts of the professional institutes in the built environments in meeting the UK government 2050 net zero emissions targets.

This Climate Action Plan is proposed by the professional institutions and organisations active in the construction and property industries – covering both the natural and built environments, as convened by CIC. The signatories to this Action Plan agree that:

  • the actions listed are necessary for dealing with the challenge of climate change;
  • they will implement those actions appropriate to them as an institution/organisation; and
  • they will support the other signatory institutions and organisations in delivering the remaining actions

This plan identifies 10 areas of work, which embrace all interests within CIC, and were developed in close collaboration with a diverse range of institutions, organisations and individuals.  The actions have been divided into three priority groupings: short-term, medium term and longer term. As an indication CIC recommends that these will be commenced immediately, achieved within the next 2 to 3 years and be established and consolidated within the next 5 years, respectively. The signatories to this plan commit to each developing and publishing an action implementation programme by October 2021, prior to COP26.

Stephen Hodder MBE said of the publication of the Action Plan’ “The institutional action plan represents a significant shift in establishing measurable deliverables that built environment professionals are to meet in delivering net zero within the construction industry. The actions by themselves are not sufficient for the scale of the challenge, but they are essential, and will take the construction sector closer to the start of its transition to becoming an effective and digitally enabled industry, able to deliver on the challenges and obligations ahead. There is no time to lose and this unprecedented institutional alliance will bring collective skills, knowledge and influence in support of the necessary changes critical to the decarbonisation of the construction industry. The support has been overwhelming and I would like to thank everyone who has been contributory to it.”

 

Responding to the announcement Eddie Tuttle, Director of Policy, Public Affairs and Research at CIOB, said:

“One of the most pressing issues facing society – and, of course, the construction industry – is climate change and the requirement to move towards net zero carbon emissions. CIOB has been playing its part in industry initiatives to help combat climate change, including supporting the Construction Industry Council’s Climate Change Panel and leading on the Competence, Ethics and Advocacy workstream. We were very pleased to be coordinating the excellent work underway in this area, establishing the actions necessary for professional institutions to improve levels of expertise and competency, and create codes of ethics and practice.”

 

The Action Plan can be downloaded here.

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Grenfell’s Impact on Indemnity Insurance

Rising professional indemnity insurance premiums and restrictions on cover are preventing construction companies from taking on projects, and could delay work to improve the safety of buildings post-Grenfell, an industry survey has revealed.

The issue is creating a “two-tier system” where only those firms prepared to procure appropriate PI cover can undertake higher-risk projects.

The Construction Leadership Council survey results indicate that PI insurance premiums increased almost four-fold at the last renewal, having doubled the year before. Meanwhile, a quarter of respondents reported losing work due to inadequate PI cover. A similar proportion have changed the nature of their work due to strict conditions and limitations placed on them by insurance firms.

Even though high rise residential work makes up less than 5% of the work of two-thirds of firms surveyed, almost one in three could not buy the cover they needed in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire. In addition, over 60% of survey respondents have some form of restriction on cover relating to cladding or fire safety, while one in three have a total exclusion in place for cladding claims and one in five for fire claims.

The survey results back up issues we are now seeing in practice due to a hardening of the professional indemnity market. The impact of this shift is likely to be disproportionately felt by SMEs, which are less able to shoulder the burden of increased premiums and are often reliant on the ability to accept a variety of work. We are starting to see, in effect, a two-tier system, where only those able and prepared to procure appropriate PI cover can take on work on higher risk projects. The forces of supply and demand then give those contractors and consultants a stronger bargaining position in commercial negotiations.

An interesting point I noted from the survey is that one-third of respondents report that they could not do remedial work to external cladding systems even if they wanted to, due to insurance constraints. This will undoubtedly impact the pace at which remediation can happen, lead to increased costs, and could make out of court settlements on liability more difficult to achieve.

A majority of respondents to the CLC survey said they buy cover for £10M or less, with very few buying over £30M. Almost half said they had been declined insurance by three insurers or more, while two-thirdscarry a claim excess imposed upon them by their insurers.

Difficulties in obtaining PI cover have implications for projects completed during previous insurance periods as well as current schemes because PI insurance operates on a “claims made” basis.

Contractors and consultants are typically obliged to maintain insurance cover at the same level in placewhen they delivered the work. This must be the case for the duration of the limitation period in which claims can be brought. Any failure to do that could be a breach of contract and could mean that a future claim is not backed by adequate insurance. The excess liabilityrequired in these instances might well push smaller contractors or consultants to the wall.

We are already seeing how difficulties arising from PI coverage limitations stifle the construction sector’s ability to react nimbly to new needs and opportunities, which could have a detrimental impact on the Government’s Build Back Better aspirations.

Commenting on the survey findings, the CLC’s PI insurance group chair Samantha Peat of Wren Managers, said she was extremely worried by the extent of the industry’s PI insurance problems and pledged to work with the government and industry to identify solutions:

“The cost increases, exclusions and claim excesses that companies are having to bear – even those that do not even work in high rise residential – could make it unsustainable for them to stay in business,” she warned.

“The survey results suggest firms will not be able to afford premiums and claim excesses, and they face the choice of refusing some work or undertaking projects for clients with inadequate insurance cover.”

There are no obvious solutions, but – given that the dynamics of the PI market are driven by insurers’ appetites for risk – there might be value in encouraging a more nuanced assessment of the business models of insured consultants and contractors, particularly the two thirds for whom less than five per cent of work is high risk. If the current constraints persist, that might lead to more fundamental changes in the way work is allocated, including, for instance, by renewed emphasis on alternative models, such as the integrated project insurance route.

 

Source: Business Matters

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Fire Protection Advice for Construction

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NBS AND ASFP ANNOUNCE SAFETY-BASED COLLABORATION

Today, NBS, a leading specification and product information platform for the construction industry, has entered into a new partnership agreement with the ASFP (Association for Specialist Fire Protection), the UK’s leading association for the passive fire protection sector.

The partnership aims to assist with peer review and ensure the accuracy and quality of specifications relating to passive fire protection. It allows NBS to publish references to and extracts from ASFP Technical Guidance in NBS products and services, and to provide ASFP with extracts of NBS content for peer review.

The move will result in improved support to architects, designers and specifiers in developing specifications for passive fire protection products and systems. It ensures they will have access to appropriate high-quality guidance and technical content, helping them to produce accurate and structured specifications. It will also assist passive fire protection manufacturers to provide product information and technical data in an appropriate and structured format.

Commenting on the partnership, ASFP CEO, Steve Davies, said: “One of the ASFP’s key aims is to raise the standards and improve the quality of passive fire protection products and installations. This new partnership with NBS offers us the opportunity to influence the way in which passive fire protection products are specified and to improve understanding throughout the construction sector of the properties and performance of these key life safety products.

“We look forward to working with NBS to raise awareness so that passive fire protection will be considered much earlier in the construction process. By sharing our technical expertise and best practice guidance we hope to promote the correct design, specification and installation of passive fire protection products and systems.”

Richard Waterhouse from NBS, said: “Fire safety has never been more important, and the ASFP bring a wealth of knowledge that’s unmatched in the industry. Having them on board will no doubt prove invaluable to our users when looking to specify passive fire protection products. Equally, this will be hugely beneficial to manufacturers who are looking to provide the very best standard of data and in a format that architects and specifiers can easily obtain.

“As specialists in their field, ASFP are the leading authority on passive fire protection and the design and installation of passive fire protection products, so we’re thrilled to be announcing this partnership. We’re also keen to share with ASFP members how NBS software can help protect against risk through our digitally collaborative specification writing platform.”

Commenting on the partnership, Sascia Elliott, Head of Partnerships at NBS, said: “Similar to the NBS ethos, end-user safety is at the heart of what ASFP do. The need for further expertise and guidance on this matter has never been more relevant and we’re looking forward to introducing this knowledge into the NBS platform as soon as possible.”

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THE UPS AND DOWNS OF RECOVERY FROM COVID-19

Construction output fell unexpectedly by 2.0 per cent in April – although the ONS said this followed a hefty 5.8 per cent jump in March.

 

Britain’s recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic sped up in April as lockdown measures eased, with the fastest monthly growth since July leaving output a record 27.6 per cent higher than a year earlier, when the virus was rampant and lockdown tightest.

It comes, however, after output had plunged by almost 10 per cent, the biggest drop in more than 300 years. Exports and construction are still in a slump.

The figures on Friday from the Office for National Statistics (ONS) showed rapid growth in the services sector as non-essential retail and hospitality businesses opened their doors after months of closure and schools fully restarted.

Economic output rose by 2.3 per cent month-on-month in April, marking the fastest growth since July, the ONS said, and slightly above the Reuters poll consensus for a 2.2 per cent increase.

“The jump in GDP in April was another sign that consumers are raring to spend as the economy reopens,” said Thomas Pugh, UK economist at consultancy Capital Economics.

However, British economic output remained 3.7 per cent below its level in February 2020, before the pandemic led to lockdown measures, the ONS said.

Although Prime Minister Boris Johnson wanted to fully lift lockdown restrictions in England on June 21, helped by a swift roll-out of Covid-19 vaccines that has brightened Britain’s economic outlook, the Delta variant of Covid-19 first detected in India is spreading fast, and likely to result in an announcement later to day that the restrictions will be extended, possibly for a further 4 weeks.

April’s growth came despite an unexpected 1.3 per cent drop in industrial output, reflecting widespread maintenance of oil rigs and a shortage of computer chips for car manufacturers.

Output in the services sector jumped by 3.4 per cent in monthly terms in April – above all forecasts in the Reuters poll that pointed to growth of 2.8 per cent.

Schools reopening added 0.7 percentage points to GDP growth in April, while the retail and wholesale sector added 0.9 percentage points, the ONS said.

Construction output fell unexpectedly by 2.0 per cent in April – although the ONS said this followed a hefty 5.8 per cent jump in March.

“Today’s figures are a promising sign that our economy is beginning to recover,” finance minister Rishi Sunak said.

Last month the Bank of England raised its forecast for British economic growth in 2021 to 7.25 per cent from February’s estimate of 5.0 per cent.

That would be the fastest annual growth since 1941 when Britain was rearming during World War Two. But it comes after output plunged by almost 10 per cent, the biggest drop in more than 300 years.

Trade with the EU continues to be hurt by friction from new post-Brexit trade restrictions, though by less than at the start of the year.

Compared with three years ago – the last time trade was unaffected by either Covid or fears of an imminent disruptive Brexit – British goods exports to the EU this April were 7.1 per cent lower and imports from the EU were 15.3 per cent lower.

Exports to the EU were also below their average for 2019.

“That is a disappointing performance, given the boom in global trade flows; UK exporters have lost market share,” Samuel Tombs of Pantheon Macroeconomics said.

 

Source: Cyprus Mail

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