Figures from the Office of National Statistics showing that construction output in March fell by 3.6% month-on-month prompted a rash of gloomy headlines in national newspapers.

But the numbers were questioned by expert construction forecasters.

Now Henry Boot has added to the debate in its latest trading update to the City.

The firm said: “Our Construction business has made a strong start to the year and expects to achieve targeted activity in 2016 and are already building the 2017 order book.

“Encouragingly, and contrary to certain press comment regarding parts of the UK construction market, we are seeing improvements in both construction activity and the size of opportunities coming to the market.

“As a consequence, we anticipate a small improvement in pricing levels associated with the growing workload in all our operating sectors.”