Latest news with #RICS
South Wales Argus
2 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
RICS: Construction activity is on the rise across Wales
The increase has been reported for the fifth consecutive quarter, according to the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Construction Monitor for the second quarter of 2025. The growth, driven by both public and private housebuilding, has not been matched by a rise in profit margins. Sam Rees, interim head of public affairs UK and Ireland at RICS, said: "It's encouraging to see construction activity picking up in Wales and housing being the main driver. "This was also evidenced in NHBC's most recent quarterly report which also shows a rise in the number of new homes registered in Wales. "However, it is important to note that even with an uplift in activity, there is still much progress to be made in building enough homes to meet housing need. "The Welsh Government has an ambitious target of creating 20,000 homes by next year, and it's hoped this momentum can continue, particularly in regard to social and affordable housing." A net balance of 22 per cent of surveyors in Wales reported increased construction activity, the highest level since early 2022. Public housing saw the strongest growth, with a net balance of 38 per cent reporting a rise, while private housing recorded a 24 per cent increase. Profit margins are expected to remain flat over the next year. While this figure is subdued, it is up from -7 per cent reported in the previous survey.
Business News Wales
4 days ago
- Business
- Business News Wales
Wales Construction Workloads Rise for Fifth Consecutive Quarter
Construction workloads in Wales continued to rise through the second quarter of the year according to the latest Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Construction Monitor, underpinned by activity in both public and private housing. A net balance of 22% of surveyor respondents in Wales reported a rise in overall construction activity, which is the highest this balance has been since early 2022. This includes increases in both public and private sector housebuilding activity, with a net balance of 38% of respondents noting a rise in public housing workloads and a net balance of 24% reporting there was an increase in the private sector. Looking at the other subsectors, 'other public works' (a net balance of 13%), private commercial (a net balance of 29%) and infrastructure (a net balance of 11%) workloads saw increases in activity, whilst the private industrial sector was the only one to see a decline, with a net balance of -25% of Welsh respondents reporting a fall. Surveyors in Wales remain optimistic about future workloads, according to the survey, but less so than seen previously. A net balance of 14% of respondents expect an increase over the next year, which is down from the 20% that was reported in the first quarter of the year. When it comes to profit margins, surveyors in Wales expect that these to be fall flat over the next 12-months. Whilst this figure is subdued, it is up from the net balance of -7% that was reported in the survey previous. Welsh surveyors continue to report shortages in skilled workers. 58% report a shortage in quantity surveyors, 46% note a shortfall in other construction professionals and 47% report a deficit in bricklayers, all of which were similar figures reported in the first survey of the year. Despite the continuing growth in workloads in the sector, survey respondent Richard Blakemore of FR Consultants Ltd in Barmouth noted that there are Building Safety Regulator decision delays. Robert Davies of Penfro Consultancy Limited also said: 'A lack of clear visibility of local government expenditure and the protracted planning process are impacting release of projects to the construction delivery phase.' Sam Rees, interim head of public affairs UK&I at RICS, added: 'It's encouraging to see construction activity picking up in Wales and housing being the main driver. This was also evidenced in NHBC's most recent quarterly report which also shows a rise in the number of new homes registered in Wales. However, it is important to note that even with an uplift in activity, there is still much progress to be made in building enough homes to meet housing need. The Welsh Government has an ambitious target of creating 20,000 homes by next year, and it's hoped this momentum can continue, particularly in regard to social and affordable housing.' Commenting on the UK picture, RICS Chief Economist, Simon Rubinsohn, said: 'The underlying tone in the construction sector remains subdued according to the latest feedback from RICS members. There is a little more positivity looking forward but the indicators, at this point, are consistent with a modest rather than material uplift in development. 'Given that planning continues to be viewed as the major factor hindering the industry from upscaling its building programme, it is quite conceivable that the passing of the Planning and Infrastructure Bill will in due course see industry expectations move onto a firmer footing. That said, the need to ensure the building safety regime works more smoothly is also highlighted quite widely in the survey as a factor that would likely impact the pace of development. 'The other big challenge remains around skills. While typically much of the conversation is focused of shortages of trades such as bricklayers and plumbers, the RICS survey highlights recruitment issues amongst professionals involved in the construction industry with building control surveyors and quantity surveyors in short supply.'
Belfast Telegraph
29-07-2025
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Firm at forefront of residential property risk and surveying services
Young Property Professional of the Year For over 35 years, has stood at the forefront of residential property risk and surveying services across the UK. Since its founding in 1989, the company has grown into a trusted partner for homebuyers, homeowners, and mortgage lenders, delivering expert insight and dependable service at every stage of the property journey. As a proud sponsor of Young Property Professional of the Year at the Belfast Telegraph Property Awards, continues to demonstrate its commitment to nurturing the next generation of property professionals. This sponsorship reflects the company's belief in recognising emerging talent and supporting the future leaders of the industry. reach is both broad and deep. With 100% coverage across Northern Ireland and 95% across all other UK postcodes — the company offers a truly nationwide service. Its team includes over 600 RICS-registered surveyors, and it has helped launch the careers of more than 400 graduates. With a valuation completed every 25 seconds, scale is matched only by its dedication to quality. Innovation is central to approach, they remain at the forefront of consistently developing new and exciting products for the industry. The company's flagship HomePlus Digital Home Survey is a prime example — offering a RICS Level 2 equivalent service in a fully digital format. Designed with the customer in mind, the report provides clear, accessible guidance on property condition, repairs, and maintenance, helping clients make informed decisions with confidence. Beyond surveys, also delivers independent property valuations for a wide range of purposes. These valuations are carried out by experienced professionals who understand the importance of accuracy and timeliness in financial decision-making. At the heart of success is a deep-rooted commitment to customer satisfaction. Every service is treated as a personal promise — delivered with care, professionalism, and attention to detail. The company's surveyors are not only highly qualified but also passionate about delivering a positive experience for every client. This customer-first ethos extends to relationships with partners and stakeholders. By fostering long-term collaborations built on trust and shared values, the company ensures its services remain relevant, responsive, and forward-thinking. Its investment in talent and technology ensures that clients benefit from efficient, cost-effective solutions that meet the evolving demands of the market. The Young Property Professional of the Year award celebrates individuals aged 35 and under who demonstrate exceptional contribution, leadership potential, and a commitment to sustainability. sponsorship of this award aligns with its own 12 Green Commitments, which guide the company's efforts to reduce emissions, promote sustainable practices, and support the journey to net zero. As the property landscape continues to evolve, remains steadfast in its mission: to lead with integrity, innovate with purpose, and support the professionals shaping the future of the industry. With a proven track record, a comprehensive service offering, and a clear vision for what lies ahead, is proud to be the trusted partner for all property needs—today and tomorrow.
News18
17-07-2025
- Business
- News18
Trump Vs. BRICS: The State Of The China- And Russia-backed Bloc In The Trump Era News18
RICS, the coalition of emerging economies that now represents more than half of the world's population, was in U.S. President Donald Trump's crosshairs last week. Among other threats, he warned of an additional 10 percent tariff on any country 'aligning [itself] with the Anti-American policies of BRICS.'BRICS, which held its annual leaders' summit on July 6-7, has become a bugbear of Trump as the group has rapidly expanded from its original conception as Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. Although Brazil, the summit's host, attempted to focus on less contentious issues, such as climate and development, the convening still managed to draw Washington's ire. News18 Mobile App -
Yahoo
12-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
3 FTSE 250 shares to consider for a Stocks & Shares ISA!
Looking for top stocks to add to a Stocks and Shares ISA? Here are three FTSE 250 shares for savvy long-term investors to consider. Rental growth at residential property companies like The PRS REIT (LSE:PRSR) have slowed in recent times. For this real estate investment trust (REIT), average like-for-like rental growth fell to 10.8% in the six months to December. This was strong, but down from 11.7% in the prior six months. Yet, it's believed the market may have reached an inflection point, as the number of buy-to-let investors declines and supply levels drop. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) reported a score of -21 for June for the number of new properties available for rent. This marks a steady monthly decline dating back to summer 2022. Property shortages are especially chronic in the family homes sector in which PRS REIT operates. Though risks remain from interest rates, the possibility of receding inflation and those rising rents makes the company worth a serious look. Please note that tax treatment depends on the individual circumstances of each client and may be subject to change in future. The content in this article is provided for information purposes only. It is not intended to be, neither does it constitute, any form of tax advice. The near-term outlook for ITV (LSE:ITV) isn't nearly as encouraging today. WPP's shock profit warning this week underlines weakness in the advertising industry, a key source of revenues for commercial broadcasters. The Institute of Practitioners in Advertising's (IPA) latest Bellwether Report similarly casts a downbeat picture. This showed UK companies as a whole cut their marketing spending in quarter one, the first such drop since 2021. However, I think the threat of prolonged weakness may be baked into the cheapness of ITV shares. They change hands on a forward-looking price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 8.3 times. I see strong long-term potential for the broadcaster as the streaming revolution continues. Revenues at its hit factory ITV Studios are rising strongly as streaming companies like Disney, Netflix, and Amazon compete for new content. And viewing and user numbers for its own ITVX streaming platform continue to grow at an impressive pace. The broader defence sector has continued performing strongly in 2025. But QinetiQ (LSE:QQ.) shares have been more volatile than anything else following a profit warning in March. It explained that tough conditions in the US would see it take a £140m restructuring charge. The contract delays it's recently experienced are an ever-present threat for businesses like this. Yet, on balance, the outlook over a longer time horizon remains highly encouraging, at least for this stock, as the world rapidly rearms to counter perceived threats from Russia and China. The picture is especially bright in the UK, where QinetiQ sources almost 70% of total revenues. The company sees a £6bn market opportunity in its home territory alone. The FTSE 250 firm has its fingers in many pies. It builds drones, provides cybersecurity solutions, makes surveillance sensors, and trains personnel for military scenarios. This expertise provides it with multiple growth opportunities as its global customers ramp up spending. The post 3 FTSE 250 shares to consider for a Stocks & Shares ISA! appeared first on The Motley Fool UK. More reading 5 Stocks For Trying To Build Wealth After 50 One Top Growth Stock from the Motley Fool John Mackey, former CEO of Whole Foods Market, an Amazon subsidiary, is a member of The Motley Fool's board of directors. Royston Wild has no position in any of the shares mentioned. The Motley Fool UK has recommended Amazon, ITV, and QinetiQ Group Plc. Views expressed on the companies mentioned in this article are those of the writer and therefore may differ from the official recommendations we make in our subscription services such as Share Advisor, Hidden Winners and Pro. Here at The Motley Fool we believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. Motley Fool UK 2025 Sign in to access your portfolio
