Architects and engineers monitor: second quarter of 2007

Turnover in the architects and engineers branch increased again in the second quarter of 2007. The sentiment among firms in this branch remains extremely positive, and expectations for the third quarter of 2007 are very optimistic.

Turnover up again

The turnover of architects and engineering firms was more than 8 percent higher in the second quarter of 2007 than in the same period last year. The growth is slightly lower than the previous quarter. Nevertheless the growth rate remains high at almost 9 percent during the first six months of the year. On average the increase is slightly lower than in business services as a whole, which is dominated by computer services and temp agencies.

Year-on-year turnover changes

Positive frame of mind

Results from the Business Sentiment Survey of July 2007 show that firms in this branch are very positive. They received more orders in the second quarter of 2007 than in the first quarter. Personnel numbers increased further. The opinions on the current business climate also remained very positive. The sentiment has improved strongly since 2005.

Opinions on orders received and economic climate

Orders expected to increase

Architects and engineering firms are also very optimistic in their expectations for the third quarter of 2007. They foresee a further increase in orders received, as well as an increase in selling prices, and therefore also a further increase in turnover. The firms also expect to hire more personnel. They are slightly more optimistic than companies in the business services sector as a whole.

Expectations for the second quarter of 2007