The latest sector review from the European Federation of Engineering Consultancy Associations (EFCA) shows that the previously observed strengthening of European markets for consulting engineering has come to a halt.

 

The number of countries which declared weak markets has doubled compared to the previous survey. Despite this negative trend, some countries in eastern Europe and Spain appear to have improved their conditions. Turkey struggles with very weak indicators across the scale.

 

The negative trend has not yet reached out to the level of employment. Most countries have declared an increase in staff employment during the last six months but remain ambiguous when determining the development of the coming 6 months.

 

Order stock has reached a peak of 9.7 months. Most countries have neither seen nor are expecting a significant change in order stock for the coming six months.

Also, turnover has been on the rise in most countries observed. But the responses indicate that a cooling off phase is coming closer, since fewer countries expect the increase to continue over the coming six months. The negative trend has already impacted the profit ratio.

The main challenges faced by the industry remain low fees, staff shortage and digital transformation. Bureaucracy and salary costs have gained in importance.

The Autumn Barometer 2019 is here.

The EFCA Press release is here.