Nine out of the 10 most searched-for companies in 2013 operate in the construction industry, according to new analysis published by Creditsafe.

Topping the list was Farnrise Construction, a growing construction firm headquartered in Gatwick, closely followed by Daniel Contractors and Mansell Construction Services.

A further sign the construction industry is picking up is that none of the most searched construction industry firms in 2013 had entered administration in the previous 12 months. In 2012, 57% of the most searched construction companies had been declared insolvent.

Top 10 most searched-for companies in 2013:

  1. Farnrise Construction
  2. Daniel Contractors
  3. Mansell Construction
  4. Jewson
  5. Morgan Sindall
  6. Travis Perkins
  7. Tesco
  8. Edmondson Electrical
  9. Kier MG
  10. Grafton Merchanting

“While the construction industry in the UK appears to be undergoing a minor revival, across Europe construction output remains well off its 2007 peak and concerns about the viability of operators remains,” said Chris Robertson, managing director at Creditsafe UK. “That the overwhelming majority of the most searched companies operate in the construction industry reinforces the nervousness many firms have about the long-term financial health of the sector. With major infrastructure projects in the UK including HS2 and an expansion of runway capacity yet to come to fruition, growth will have to be driven by investment from the private sector.”

Mr Robertson continued: “Utilising company credit reports is an effective mechanism to identify the financial health of any firm prior to trading with them. Business intelligence solutions can provide an accurate picture of a firm’s payment behaviours and the likelihood of that company becoming insolvent, enabling those using these services to make informed decisions.”