8 • INDUSTRYNEWS
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BWF Budget Review
Iain McIlwee, Chief Executive, British Woodworking
Federation discusses his views on the Budget
delivers by Mr George Osbourne.
»»“JOINERY IS THE THIRD
largest sector of employment
in the construction industry,
so tax breaks are welcome
news for the sector.
“Driving down corporation
tax is a simple way to support
UK manufacturers striving to
remain competitive in a global
market. It will help take the
sting out of wage inflation and
other inflationary pressures
announced, such as IPT
increases.
“The jury is out on Business
Rates though. Nothing has
been done to limit the impact
on investment – the changes
presented are more retail-
focussed than helping those
with manufacturing premises.
Linking future movement to
RPI is good, but waiting until
2020 is just jam tomorrow.
“With pressing skills
shortages we need to stop
dithering on apprentices. The
lack of any further clarifications
on how the Levy will work is a
disappointment. More maths
in schools can only be a good
thing, but how about some
structured careers support?
The aspirational three million
apprentice starts need to
be targeted and nurtured
effectively to add up to three
million productive workers.
“We are also sceptical
about the Government’s
commitment to deliver
400,000 affordable housing
starts. It sounds positive,
but in reality it is less of a
commitment than a vague
hope. We need a steady flow
of affordable housing onto the
market and realistically this
needs to be driven by direct
government investment. Had
this programme commenced
at the start of the recession,
asset ownership could be
flattering the national balance
sheet right now; instead
incentivising housing demand
continues to be a burden.
“A final concern is not just
the absence but the derision
with which the Chancellor
is treating environmental
issues. This fundamentally
undermines his assertion this
is a Budget that puts the next
generation first. This may yet
be the legacy for which he is
really remembered.”
www.bwf.org.uk
Beating the burglar and
sometimes a Locksmith too
Carl Jacque, owner of Pick & Fix Locksmiths in Caister is an expert at removing
locks, however when he was called on to remove a brass padlock by its owner who
had lost their keys, he soon found out his 24” bolt cutters were not sufficient for
the task. Carl was unaware that the padlock in question was an ABUS 65/50.
»»THE PADLOCK HAS SOLD MILLIONS
of times worldwide for good reason. It
is not just a brass padlock, but a piece
of balanced engineering and security
with a paracentric five pin cylinder that
makes it a very difficult pick even for
a professional, and it’s 8mm hardened
steel shackle will prove more than a
match for any cutting attack.
So, unfortunately for Carl and his 24”
bolt cutters what should have been a
quick and easy call, turned out to be a very
timely visit.
Carl now stocks ABUS and has plenty
of 65/50s. He now knows first-hand that
selling them provides consumers with
genuine ‘security proven a million times’
against burglary.
The quality and design of all ABUS
security products gives you and your
customers’ value and peace of mind.
‘genuine ‘security
proven a million times’
against burglary’
For more information on the ABUS
rang