Figures for the amount of tender lists created on the prequalification service by buying organisations revealed a 68% increase from January to March this year compared to the same period in 2009.

Constructionline also confirmed that over 2,400 new suppliers had registered on its system over the first quarter of this year bringing the total to more than 19,000.

The rate at which clients – such as local authorities, housing associations and major contractors – adopted the service also increased with over 2,200 organisations now registered.

Recent additions to Constructionline’s roster of buyers include the London School of Economics, Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council and Geomatt Building Group.

Philip Prince, Constructionline’s sales and marketing director, said: “While the industry is still some way from a full recovery there are pockets of significant growth, especially in areas like refurbishment and maintenance work where our presence is strong.

“We’re also seeing a growth in the number of larger contractors that are now pre-qualifying their supply chains through us, particularly as their public sector clients demand greater visibility over who they work with.”