And two-thirds of UK companies expect their company to grow between one and 25 percent this year.

The bullish outlook is contained in KPMG’s Global Construction Survey 2013: Ready for the Next Big Wave.

Richard Threlfall, UK Head of Infrastructure, Building and Construction at KPMG said: “There has been a growing sense in the last couple of months that the worst is over and the results of our survey provide further evidence that construction activity is finally picking up.

“Construction companies now need to invest in growth. What is holding back the industry now is not lack of demand, but the ability of businesses to resource for it and recruit sufficient experienced staff.

“The next round in this highly competitive market will be won by those who have the resources to compete.

“Companies need to act now, because the industry’s resurgence is already underway.”

Every UK company quizzed said it was looking to expand into the power and energy sector followed by rail (83%),industrial (33%) and water-related (17%).

Alistair Buchanan, Chairman KPMG Power & Utilities said: “Transmission network and gas distribution companies are expected to attract inward investment totalling £40 billion.

“The sector has already signalled around 5000 jobs to be created, and the new GB pricing model awards, for the first time in twenty years, monies for research and development called innovation funding.

“This is just the start; with another £30 billion on electricity distribution in 2015, the roll out of round 2 offshore just starting, and the massive £110billion needed in generation.”