Earlier this year, the National Association of Estate Agents concluded that there was a significant shortage of brick supply in the UK, with two-thirds of construction SMEs having to wait two months for new brick orders.

A recent survey by the Construction Product Association (CPA) has now found that despite many construction firms reporting a rise in activity during the third quarter of 2016, future growth could be severely hindered by the rising cost of importing raw materials.

Rebecca Larkin, senior economist at the CPA, said: “Following the EU referendum, the entire construction supply chain reported favourable conditions and growth in activity in Q3.

“[However, a] factor that stood out as a downside risk to activity in the near-term is the sharp rise in the cost of imported raw materials due to the recent depreciation in sterling, which is providing a dual hit to construction costs alongside existing wage inflation pressures.”

The CPA revealed that 66% of main contractors had reported an increase in raw materials costs during Q3.

Furthermore, 59% of civil engineering firms also reported a rise in overall costs between the second and third quarters.

However, it was not just costs that had affected construction firms, with 54% of main contractors reporting difficulties in recruiting bricklayers during the third quarter.

Meanwhile, 47% and 43% admitted difficulties in recruiting carpenters and plasterers respectively.

Last month, one construction training firm told Development Finance Today that this skills shortage could be reduced by giving special dispensation to skilled migrant workers.