2 | NOVEMBER 2018
News
Read online at www.proinstaller.co.uk
CONSTRUCTION
GROWTH SLOWS
Story continued from the front page
Growth among construction SMEs slowed in most
parts of the UK in the third quarter of this year,
according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
Key results from the FMB’s latest
State of Trade Survey, which is the only
quarterly assessment of the UK-wide SME
construction sector, include:
• Construction SME workloads remained
positive in Q3 2018 but grew at a
slower rate than they did in the second
quarter of 2018;
• 86% of builders reported increasing
material prices in Q3 2018, up from
76% in Q2 2018;
• More than two-thirds (68%) of con-
struction SMEs are struggling to hire
bricklayers and 59% are struggling to
hire carpenters and joiners;
• More than half (58%) of construction
SMEs expect salaries and wages to
increase over the next six months.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB,
said: “Growth among the UK’s construction
SMEs slowed in the third quarter of this
year. A range of factors are at work here,
Once trained and ap-
proved, installers will quali-
fy for lead referrals, market-
ing support and additional
technical advice.
Commenting on the Eu-
rocell Select scheme, Chris
Coxon, Head of Marketing
at Eurocell, said: “We’re
thrilled to be launching the
Eurocell Select Approved
Installer scheme, which will
not only help recognise and
reward quality installers,
but also provide evidence of
quality control so that home
owners can be reassured
that installers are properly
trained and care about do-
ing a great job.
“The scheme is backed
by independent certifi-
cation bodies CERTASS
and FENSA which gives
it extra credibility within
the industry. We’re excited
to get started, see the first
batch of recruits join the
scheme, and perhaps most
importantly - help installers
on the scheme to win new
business!”
Chris Beedel, Director
of Membership at FENSA
not least ever-increasing material prices.
Anecdotally, we are hearing worrying
reports of banks withholding previously
agreed funding for projects which is de-
laying start dates and dampening growth.
This may or may not be related to Brex-
it-nerves. The construction skills shortage
is also taking its toll. More than two-thirds
of construction SMEs are struggling to hire
bricklayers – brickies are easily the most
sought-after tradespeople in the building
industry currently. These latest figures
match the highest we’ve noted since
records began a decade ago. These skills
shortages are also leading to projects being
stalled because there physically aren’t
enough people to build them. Worse still,
the scarcity of trades means that when con-
struction employers can find people, they
are paying huge salaries which is putting
further pressure on margins.”
www.fmb.org.uk
welcomed the introduction
of the Eurocell Select Ap-
proved Installer Scheme. He
said: “Industry led initiatives
which complement the FEN-
SA self-certification scheme
and champion continuous
improvement in knowledge
and understanding within
the fenestration industry
are always welcome. This
in turn helps installers to
develop their business and
build industry confidence
among homeowners.”
eurocell.co.uk/select
Issue 68 | November 2018
www.proinstaller.co.uk
If you would like to find out more about the Pro Installer:
Write to: Unit 2-3 Burleigh Court, Burleigh Street, Barnsley, S70 1XY
Tel: 01226 321 450 Fax: 01226 730 825 Email: [email protected]
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced
or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronically or
mechanically without the consent of Clearview Group Ltd and any
of its subsidiaries. Whilst every effort is made to ensure accuracy,
this publication does not accept liability for errors, printing or
otherwise appearing in this publication. The views expressed by
contributors are not necessarily those of the editor or publisher.