Welsh construction to grow faster than rest of UK

Construction in Wales is set to grow faster than anywhere else in the UK, according to new research.

Research by the Construction Industry Training Board estimates an annual average growth rate of 4.6%.

That's more than triple the growth of the national UK average of 1.3%.

Continuing developments in infrastructure is thought be the main driver behind the growth. This includes large projects in the pipeline including Wylfa Newydd, the M4 relief road and the South Wales Metro.

12,250 new jobs are also expected to be created over the next five years with experts predicting a strong demand for civil engineers, surveyors, bricklayers and carpenters.

Despite the growth this year's predicted growth figures have taken a slight dip from last year's forecast of 6.2%. This is due in part to changes in the timings of projects and the electrification of the Cardiff to Swansea rail line no longer taking place.