UK construction companies indicated that challenging business conditions persisted during October, with business activity falling for the second month running amid a lack of new work to replace completed projects. Fragile client confidence and elevated borrowing costs were often cited as reasons for weaker sales. Improving supply conditions and falling demand contributed to a renewed decline in purchasing prices. Moreover, the latest decline in input costs was the steepest since August 2009. Reduced workloads also led to a decline in subcontractor charges for the first time in over three years. At 45.6 in October, ... (full story)