AUDIO NEWS: Building firms face drop in workloads, but bathroom work is booming!
Posted: Tuesday, November 12th, 2024
Small building firms are reporting reduced workloads, material price increases and a shortage of available workers — that’s according to research from the Federation of Master Builders. Nearly a third of federation members reported falling workloads between July and the end of September. New business enquiries were also down. A third of builders also said they were struggling to recruit brickies and carpenters. Brian Berry, chief executive of the FMB said: “The last time such a negative trend was reported was in the years following the financial crisis of 2008.” --- Despite the tough economic environment, clients are still investing in bathrooms. Two reports — one from Wickes and the other from software vendor Houzz — suggest it’s been a bumper year for bathroom fitters. Wickes claims its seen customer spending on bathrooms increase by 80% in the last three years. And Houzz estimates average spending on bathroom projects has leapt by a third in the last year alone. Nearly nine out of 10 homeowners said they’d hired a tradesperson to complete the work. --- Electrical trade body, NICEIC was out trying to recruit youngsters last week during Green Careers Week. Sparks have a key role to play in the UK’s transition towards Net Zero, helping to install solar PV, batteries and vehicle charging points. Paul Collins, NICEIC technical director said: “The growth of the renewable energy sector presents exciting opportunities.” --- To listen to the construction news please click below.
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