Clearview South Feb 2013 - Issue 135 | Page 9

DOORS&WINDOWS MIXED MESSAGES FOR UK CONSTRUCTION Once again, we are getting mixed messages about the outlook for the UK construction industry. According to the latest Construction Skills Network (CSN) report, the industry faces another decade of pain and a nine percent fall in output. The report says that nearly every sector of the industry will continue to struggle with only the private housing, repair & maintenance and industrial sectors predicted to achieve any consistent growth. A recent meeting at 11 Downing Street, CSN presented Ministers with a 10 point plan for working with Government to secure growth and support the industry. Judy Lowe, Deputy Chairman of CITB-ConstructionSkills, said: “Construction found itself at the heart of a ‘perfect storm’ in 2012 – hit hard by a combination of public sector spending cuts and a lack of investment in the private sector. Client and consumer confidence is low and it is keeping growth levels down. “Worryingly, the outlook doesn’t look much better – by 2017, construction output will still be 12% down on its 2007 peak, and employment 17% down on its peak in 2008. Indeed, we don’t anticipate the industry returning to its former levels until at least 2022…“What’s bad for construction is bad for the economy, so doing nothing is not an option. There is too much at stake. ..The actions we are proposing are straightforward, easy to implement and will deliver the results that re-establish construction as an essential element of economic growth.” RICS PREDICTS BETTER NEWS…. But the RICS Construction Market Survey Q4 2012 reports that UK construction will “turn a corner” in 2013 – albeit only “in first gear”. Simon Rubinsohn, RICS Chief Economist said: “After a truly dreadful year, if one believes the official data, there are signs that 2013 will bring some better news for the construction sector. Most notably, the numerous measures that the Government has introduced with a focus on infrastructure appear to be bearing some fruit. “Critically, competitive pressures in the sector remain intense which is continuing to erode profit margins. And for the time being financing constraints are still an issue although the Funding for Lending Scheme should gradually help to ease this challenge.” Are pleased to announce the launch of the: The Guardian Roof is a complete conservatory replacement roof for your conservatory and the only replacement roof available that has Building Control Certification. Here are just a few of the features: Before After 1. The only patented replacement for conservatory roofs on the market. 2. Structurally sound carrying full engineers report. 3. Visually spectacular with sleek trims and cappings. 4. Contributes to improved BER rating. 5. 3 contoured roof tile colours available. 6. Roof windows available in range of sizes. 7. Edwardian, Victorian, P-Shape and Lean-to models available. 8. Perfect for new-build or replacement roofs. 9. Roof Pitches as low as 15 degrees. 10. The only solid replacement roof solution in the Uk achieving an incredible 0.16 U Value. If you are looking for something to differentiate you from everybody else, the Guardian Roof is the solution E: [email protected] Tel: 01373 473 900 Fax: 01373 474 500 The Workshop, Manor Road, Frome To read more, visit www.clearview-uk.com FEB 2013 9