For the many construction workers, building and quantity surveyors in the UK concerned about the plight of the industry, there were some words of comfort from the new chairman of the Construction Products Association. Bill Bolsover reminded an audience of more than 450 senior industry leaders and government officials at the association?s annual lunch, that many of the country?s great buildings were conceived during a period of recession.

Bolsover was also keen to emphasise the importance the construction industry in helping the UK on the road to economic recovery. He said: ?Many of the things we marvel at today were conceived in a time of recession, when construction was seen as the one industry that could stimulate the economy, create employment and provide a valuable legacy for future generations.?

Whilst we cannot sit back and expect history to repeat itself there is an air of optimism that private sector growth can give the construction industry much needed impetus. This could in turn provide a growth in the numbers of jobs for builders, engineers, building and quantity surveyors amongst others.

Certainly the new government will need to encourage investment from the private sector, given the likelihood of large scale cuts in public sector spending over the next few years. However, the need for new housing and improvements in the transport infrastructure are just two good reasons for large scale investment.

Perhaps we can see a light at the end of the tunnel for the construction industry, although there is a long way to go yet before we see a full recovery. The future of Britain?s builders and quantity surveyors amongst others should look a lot brighter in 2010 and beyond.