Architects and engineers monitor: third quarter 2007

Turnover in the architects and engineers branch increased again in the third quarter of 2007. However the growth is lower than in previous quarters. The sentiment among the companies is still very positive. The expectations for the fourth quarter of 2007 are very optimistic. The companies in this branch are even more optimistic than the business service sector as a whole.

Turnover growth less high

In the third quarter of 2007 the architects and engineering firms have realized a growth in turnover of 4.5 percent. The strong growth of the previous three quarters is not continuing. In the first nine months of 2007 the growth rate was 7 percent. On average the increase is 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 October 2007 show that companies in this branch are still very positive. Companies reported receiving more orders in the third quarter of 2007 than in the preceding quarter. Their opinions on orders received are positive despite a slight decline in number compared to the previous quarter. The opinion on the current economic climate is also positive. The number of staff has increased further. 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 fourth 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 considerably more staff. They are slightly more optimistic than companies in the business service sector as a whole.

Expectations for the fourth quarter of 2007