Despite concerns about a slowdown, the three key structural elements of construction -piling, concrete frames and structural steelwork - remain in great demand. Piling contractors experienced an increased turnover throughout 2007, with targets being met and often exceeded. The concrete market has remained steady over the past 12 months: order books were full in 2007 and 2008 is looking buoyant, with contractors reporting 40-60% secured workload already. Meanwhile, the price of fabricated structural steel rose by 8% in 2006 and 7.2% in 2007, and is forecast to continue to rise in 2008. As the 2012 Olympics approach, steel costs are forecast to rise 5.9% in 2008 and 6% in 2009.
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