Figures released this month from the Office of National Statistics indicate there could be better times ahead.

The figures are for new orders in construction. They show that the estimated total volume of all new construction orders in the fourth quarter of 2012 was 11.2% higher (£1.1billion) than in the fourth quarter of 2011. Compared with the third quarter of 2012, the final quarter showed growth of 3.4% (£370million).

The increase in new construction orders in the fourth quarter was not attributable to any single sector – five of the six sectors showed an increase.

The private sector delivered the largest increases, with private commercial new work increasing 9.7% and private new housing increasing 10.3%. In fact, the only sector that showed a fall in new orders was infrastructure, which is largely central and local government spending – down 15.4% on the previous quarter.

The figures should not be considered a direct indication of future output as not all the work will necessarily reach completion. Nevertheless, they do provide grounds for optimism for the future.