In May the RIBA Future Trends Workload Index remained at +5 for the third consecutive month.
While practices in London remain pessimistic about future workloads (balance figure -2) and the Midlands and East Anglia slipped to zero (from +9), the North of England continued its positive run (balance figure +16) along with Wales and the West (+8). The South of England remained steady with a balance figure of +3.
In terms of practice size, medium-sized practices (11 to 50 staff) remain the most positive, returning a balance figure of +28, and small practices only recorded a one-point fall, down to +2. Large practices (51+ staff) showed a significant increase in confidence, returning a balance figure of +20 in May after two months of recording zero.
The community sector remained pessimistic (returning a balance figure of -4 compared to -2 last month), however the private housing, commercial and public sectors all showed a new level of optimism. The private housing sector workload forecast rose by four points (to +8), the commercial sector rose by five points (to +4) and the public sector recovered from -3 to zero.
The RIBA Future Trends Staffing Index showed a slight decrease to +1, from +4 compared to April 2019.
RIBA Head of Economic Research and Analysis, Adrian Malleson, said:
“Commentary from practices this month continued to reference difficulties caused by the lack of clarity around Brexit. Clients remain cautious, fees are under pressure, and projects are being put on hold or delayed. But some practices seem more optimistic, reporting an increase in enquiries, a resilient domestic sector and a reluctance to acquire work through fee discounting.
“This complex picture suggests an architectural market that is unsure of future workloads. Many practices face significant downward pressure and uncertainty is a common theme.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
1. For further press information contact Emily.Stallard@riba.org +44 (0) 20 7307 3813
2. Completed by a mix of small, medium and large firms based on a geographically representative sample, the RIBA Future Trends Survey was launched in January 2009 to monitor business and employment trends affecting the architects’ profession.
3. The Future Trends survey is carried out by the RIBA in partnership with the Fees Bureau. Results of the survey, including a full graphical analysis, are published each month here.
4. The definition for the workload balance figure is the difference between those expecting more work and those expecting less. A negative figure means more respondents expect less work than those expecting more work. This figure is used to represent the RIBA Future Trends workload index.
5. The definition for the staffing balance figure is the difference between those expecting to employ more permanent staff in the next three months and those expecting to employ fewer. A negative figure means more respondents expect to employ fewer permanent staff. This figure is used to represent the RIBA Future Trends staffing index.
6. To participate in the RIBA Future Trends Survey, please contact the RIBA Practice Department on 020 7307 3749 or email practice@riba.org. The survey takes approximately five minutes to complete each month, and all returns are independently processed in strict confidence.
7. The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) is a global professional membership body that serves its members and society in order to deliver better buildings and places, stronger communities and a sustainable environment. Follow @RIBA on Twitter for regular updates.
