“The economic situation in the building trades in Morbihan shows, for the third quarter of 2024, a further deterioration of its main indicators, notes the Capeb (Confederation of crafts and small construction companies) Morbihan, reflection of a more difficult national economic dynamic. » Craftsmen are facing economic challenges, with pressure on cash flow and a drop in orders, particularly in the new construction sector.
The overall activity of the craft building sector in Brittany has seen a decline of 4% compared to the previous quarter, over the last three months. And it affects both new construction and maintenance and improvement.
In this context, Morbihan companies are doing well: if the market for new individual housing is stagnating, the construction of collective housing and maintenance and improvement work is marking a rebound. But the judgment on the economic situation has changed little, with 31% of companies believing that the economic situation is little or even very unfavorable (37% in Brittany).
The drop in the level of activity is reflected in a continuous reduction in the use of production capacities since the summer of 2022. The number of companies overworked is lower in Morbihan (18% of companies compared to 23% in Brittany). Resources are more underutilized there: 23% of companies are underworked (18% in Brittany).
Deterioration of cash flow
The cash flow of one in three companies deteriorated during this third quarter. “Today, 16% of companies say they are facing cash flow difficulties, a proportion up slightly compared to the previous quarter (15%)”analyzes Capeb 56. They attribute this situation to the drop in their activity and the extension of payment deadlines for their customers. In Morbihan, the cash flow situation is deteriorating (-3 points compared to 2e quarter 2024) and the margin level declines by 2 points.
While companies face recruitment difficulties for qualified positions, with many unfilled needs (11% of positions in Morbihan) in professions in tension, recruitment prospects are limited. The trend is downward in the department with 7% of companies having increased their workforce, compared to 9% reporting a decrease. A clear testimony to an uncertain economic situation, the number of employees should remain relatively stable over the next three months.
Finally, political uncertainty weighed more heavily on the investment decisions of Morbihan companies: 23% have made investments (25% in Brittany) but investment forecasts for the next three months are slightly higher there (34 % versus 26%).
