The survey conducted by the Enquirer and the Build Show revealed that only 2% of nearly 2,000 contractors, architects, housebuilders, developers, suppliers and plant hirers who took part felt that business is likely to worsen during this time period.

A further 16% expect conditions to remain the same with the availability of skilled workers identified as the biggest threat to future prospects by 44% of respondents.

Just over 47% of the people surveyed thought that clearer routes into the construction industry were needed to tackle this challenge, with a greater emphasis on formal training and qualifications.

A further 28% pointed to the need for increased financial support for businesses in order to provide apprenticeships, while 24% of respondents suggested that a greater focus on hands-on training and work experience was needed.

Other threats identified over the coming months were concerns about the current upturn in the industry levelling off, with 39% of respondents citing this as a worry, while 11% of respondents pointed to the rising cost of construction materials as a problem.

Only four per cent of respondents claimed that shortages of construction materials posed a significant challenge; with nearly 60% of respondents stating their business had not been affected by shortages.

Paul Godwin, Managing Director of the Build Show said: “This is a really interesting set of results as they show that the positive outlook for the industry is certainly gaining hold but there are still some serious challenges that need to be addressed in order to continue this momentum.

“The supply chain appears to be ramping up to meet demand, but with skills shortages weighing heavily on contractors’ minds, its clear that there is still some work to be done in developing a well-trained workforce to deliver increased construction levels.

“Training is very much at the heart of the Build Show’s seminar programme and we will be providing a great deal of information, advice and networking opportunities to help connect businesses with the right labour and training support to keep them moving forwards.

For more information on the Build Show click here

Readers who took part in the survey had a chance to win two tickets and overnight accommodation to the Open golf next week. The lucky winner was Chris Webb of Bouygues UK.