WHILE business confidence in the West wanes due to recruitment problems, a Swindon company has signalled increased optimism in the town's construction industry.

Heathco Ltd, which is based in Shrivenham Road, thinks the market is starting to pick up again after the slowdown that followed large property rises between 2000 and 2002.

Managing director Anthony Byrne said: "Over the past nine months there has been a period of nervousness and a definite slowdown. We believe the market has adjusted after its rapid advances and we're now seeing increasing confidence in the return of a more sustainable steady growth over the coming years.

"After recent caution the feeling in commercial construction has been increasingly positive. Developers are becoming more active again and we're seeing signs of a slow but steady increase in confidence as they again prepare to discuss investing considerable funds in the right construction projects."

There is already a well-documented skills shortage within Swindon and Wiltshire and throughout large swathes of the South West with some employers having considered relocating because of recruit- ment difficulties.

But over the past 10 years Heathco has been responsible for the conversion of dilapidated shops in the town centre and the construction of the town's newest nightspot The Apartment a bar, restaurant and club in Havelock Square.

"It's amazing how many old and dilapidated buildings there are in the town centres, which aren't achieving a realistic market rent for their owners," added Mr Byrne. "With investment and imagination such buildings can easily be turned into desirable commercial and residential properties."

WHILE business confidence in the West wanes due to recruitment problems, a Swindon company has signalled increased optimism in the town's construction industry.

Heathco Ltd, which is based in Shrivenham Road, thinks the market is starting to pick up again after the slowdown that followed large property rises between 2000 and 2002.

Managing director Anthony Byrne said: "Over the past nine months there has been a period of nervousness and a definite slowdown. We believe the market has adjusted after its rapid advances and we're now seeing increasing confidence in the return of a more sustainable steady growth over the coming years.

"After recent caution the feeling in commercial construction has been increasingly positive. Developers are becoming more active again and we're seeing signs of a slow but steady increase in confidence as they again prepare to discuss investing considerable funds in the right construction projects."

There is already a well-documented skills shortage within Swindon and Wiltshire and throughout large swathes of the South West with some employers having considered relocating because of recruit- ment difficulties.

But over the past 10 years Heathco has been responsible for the conversion of dilapidated shops in the town centre and the construction of the town's newest nightspot The Apartment a bar, restaurant and club in Havelock Square.

"It's amazing how many old and dilapidated buildings there are in the town centres, which aren't achieving a realistic market rent for their owners," added Mr Byrne. "With investment and imagination such buildings can easily be turned into desirable commercial and residential properties."