Merseyside builders defy downturn

A construction firm based on Merseyside is bucking the economic trend by managing to secure new contracts worth £1.9 million, it has been reported.

Dave Noar, the Mayfield Construction's managing director, said the company's commercial diversity and versatility were the reasons behind its healthy order book.

He told the Liverpool Daily post: "We provide our clients with a diverse range of services and it's very satisfying to see new business continuing to come in across all areas, particularly in the current climate."

New contracts secured by the company include a basement works scheme in Glasgow worth £900,000 and a £890,000 flood prevention project.

Among the casualties of the downturn in the construction industry have been brick manufacturers.

The Times recently reported that around 1.2 billion bricks have had to be stockpiled because of the drop in activity.

In 2007, 2.4 million bricks were produced. However, only 50,000 homes are expected to be started next year.