Figures released by Barratt, Bovis, Taylor Wimpey and Galliford Try have revealed an upward trend in project completions and a rise in sales during the first half of 2014, with the average increase ranging from between nine and 15%, compared to 2013 figures.

The figures have been analysed by the Build Show, which says the stats are further indications of economic recovery, but warns that more needs to be done to tackle challenges to growth.

Commercial growth appears to be positive, with Galliford Try reporting several multi-million pound project deals across education and infrastructure sectors.

Paul Godwin, Managing Director of the Build Show, commented: "It's encouraging to see that the positive frame of mind taking hold in the industry is being borne out in companies' trading figures – although it's interesting that the availability of materials and legislative constrains remain an issue.

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"We recently conducted a significant piece of research amongst construction professionals and it was skills shortages, not a lack of materials, that was highlighted as the biggest obstacle in the way of industry growth. While we're certainly very pleased to see that the housebuilding and commercial sectors are growing, we need to make sure that the right training and development support is in place to provide a skilled workforce capable of driving the continued expansion forward.

"These are certainly some of the topics that we'll be tackling within our seminar programme, which is being guided by our partners including the Construction Industry Training Board, National Federation of Builders, Federation of Master Builders and the Construction Products Association.

"Taking place at the Birmingham NEC from Tuesday 28th to Thursday 30th April 2015, the Build Show is the most comprehensive contractor-based exhibition in a decade, bringing together contractors, specifiers, builders, suppliers, housebuilders, architectural technologists and clients, all under one roof."

(IT/JP)