VAT’S THE WAY TO DO IT
Builders need 0% VAT and pipeline of work to help homes save energy, says FMB
“A plan to make our existing 29 million homes greener and more energy efficient would help slash energy bills and create a pipeline of work for local builders,” explains Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). “In the immediate term, removing VAT on repair, maintenance and improvement work would help builders pass on savings to customers.”
At the same time the trade body is championing the nation’s small, local house builders. Berry continued: “A simpler and faster planning system, and local authorities with the capacity to engage with small, local developers will enable them to build high-quality homes, while boosting local economies and opening up job opportunities through much needed vocational routes.”
TEXT APPEAL
New text service is part of a campaign to get tradespeople to open up about their mental health
The new service, launched by national charity Band of Builders, coincides with the return of the Big Brew. Launched last year, the initiative aims to encourage more contractors to come together over a cuppa as the first step in seeking help with mental health issues. More than 250 Big Brew events are expected to take place in builders’ merchants and on construction sites. Tradespeople and their families struggling to open up in person can text BOB to 85258 at any time.
STOP THIEF!
Construction plant theft continues to be a problem
With demand currently at a high – and construction and earth moving machinery sales rising by 75 per cent in 2021 compared to the previous year – the current trend of equipment theft shows no sign of abating. Criminals will continue to exploit both high prices and long lead times for their own gain. Being familiar with their tactics and using a combination of security measures is the best way to deter thieves looking to profit from plant, and AMI Group is urging companies to protect their assets with proven solutions.
GAS SAFE
Installers are the first line of defence in keeping the nation gas safe, argues Alpha
The industry has a collective duty of care to ensure homeowners are armed with the facts, according to Jonathan Kidner, Product Engineer at Alpha. Alongside gas service engineers, installers are uniquely placed to educate consumers. Worryingly, research conducted by the manufacturer at the end of last year found that 63% do not check and replace batteries in their home CO detector and more than 40% are failing to have their annual boiler service.
REFORM AGENDA
Construction industry calls on PM to cut taxes and reform planning
The National Federation of Builders (NFB) is urging Liz Truss to cut construction business taxes, reform planning and back green retrofits of the country’s housing stock. The trade body would also like the government to roll back recent tax burdens, such as reinstating the ‘red diesel’ tax discount and cut national insurance contributions. At the same time brokers, Hank Zarihs Associates said development finance lenders wanted to see a more efficient and faster planning process to help smaller builders compete.
WELCOME TO THE REVOLUTION!
Plan for a retrofit revolution, declares IPPR
Retrofitting England’s homes with good insulation and new heat pumps is a ‘no-brainer’ to create jobs, boost growth, reduce energy bills, level-up and also meet our net-zero target, according to a new report by think tank IPPR. The report lays out a 28-year plan to retrofit every household in England, which at its core would create 1.2 million direct jobs and 1.5 million indirect jobs and provide a cornerstone for the levelling-up agenda, as well as reducing households’ bills by an average of £430 a year.
KICK THE CARBON
Grant UK kick carbon into touch with Bath Rugby
Grant UK and Bath Rugby have unveiled a ‘Kick the Carbon’ campaign which aims to highlight the different ways we can all make changes in our day to day lives to help reduce carbon emissions. The fun filled videos feature local school children and some of the Bath Rugby players taking on challenges and illustrating how everyone can take steps to reduce their carbon footprint.
To watch the videos visit www.grantuk.com/kickthecarbon
HEALTH CHECK
Healthscreen UK calls for the industry to address working at height issues
In their latest Workplace Fatal Injuries report, the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) revealed that falling from height still remains the predominant cause of fatal injuries and accidents. 29 fatal injuries were caused by falls from height, accounting for 24% of deaths in the workplace over the year. Moreover, the Building Safety Group (BSG) recently reported an 84% increase in the number of working at height breaches occurring on construction sites. The findings also see falling from height account for over 60% of fatal injuries. The main cause of falls from height is ladders, averaging around 515 injuries per year.
EFFICIENCY DRIVE
BMA “cautiously welcomes” mandatory water efficiency labelling consultation
“Water labelling can help consumers make informed and more sustainable choices when purchasing a new bathroom,” explains Bathroom Manufacturers Association Chief Executive, Tom Reynolds. “Water-efficient purchases, along with behaviour change, are needed if the government is to achieve its target to reduce water use from an average of 145 litres a day to 110 litres by 2050.”
SUPPLY AND DEMAND
Product availability improving according to Construction Leadership Council
Some issues remain, with extended lead times continuing for aircrete blocks, bricks, gas boilers and various items containing semi-conductors and other electronics. Price inflation remains the biggest issue for the entire industry and further significant increases in inflation are anticipated due to energy, raw material and labour cost rises.
SITUATIONS VACANT
1 in 4 construction businesses are facing skilled worker shortages
The analysis of government data by digital marketing agency Koozai uses figures from the Office of National Statistics. It found that 25.2% of businesses in construction services are having issues with recruiting enough skilled staff – making it one of the industries most significantly impacted by worker shortages. 14.1% of UK businesses overall are experiencing worker shortages, meaning that the skills shortages in construction are more significant than the UK average.
To find out more about Koozai, visit https://www.koozai.com/blog/news/revealed-the-uk-industries-and-regions-with-the-largest-skills-gaps/
POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT
Study finds mid-sized property developers are optimistic about market growth
New research with mid-sized UK residential property developers, who collectively build new homes worth around £1 billion a year, reveals they are optimistic about their businesses growing over the next three years. The study, commissioned by investment manager, Downing LLP, reveals that 78% of residential property developers expect their businesses to grow over the next three years – with 12% anticipating strong growth.
https://www.downing.co.uk/strategies/property-finance
LIKE FATHER LIKE SON
Jürgen Klopp is fischer’s new Brand Ambassador – returning to his home
The long-term collaboration between the successful coach and fischer will commence on 1 January 2023. One of the most recognisable faces of the world of football is thereby returning to his roots, as Jürgen Klopp grew up near fischer’s headquarters. His father, Norbert Klopp, worked for the family business from Waldachtal in the Northern Black Forest for almost 35 years. The new partnership brings the story to a full circle.
PLANNING OMNISHAMBLES
Planning reform urgently required
The UK planning system is an “omnishambles”, according to Dorian Payne, director of property developers, Castell Group. “Obtaining planning permission is more of a ‘submit and cross your fingers’ approach. It’s playing a huge part in the current housing deficit, with applications being delayed or declined for mere differences in opinion rather than policy compliance. We need more houses but the planning system is part of the problem not, as it should be, the solution.”
PAIN RELIEF
www.rdr.linkHSE inspectors will be carrying out inspections in November checking how workers are moving heavy or bulky materials. The law requires employers to prevent the ill health of their workers, which includes injuries to muscles, bones, joints and nerves that can develop over time, known as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). However, recent figures show around 40,000 people in the construction industry suffer an MSD each year, which can cause years of agonising aches and pains.
A QUESTION OF TRUST
TrustMark launches new scheme to enable more energy efficiency installations in UK homes
The Licence Plus Scheme is designed to enable more quality retrofit energy efficiency improvement installations to be made to the millions of homes across the UK in need of upgrading. Businesses who are interested in applying to the Scheme should talk to an appropriate TrustMark Licensed Scheme Provider.
SECURE YOUR VAN
Record-high tool theft from vans, warns Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles
Tool theft has soared in the last 12 months with more than a third of van drivers falling victim – up from a quarter the year before, according to a study by Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles. The average value of equipment stored per van stands at £2,500, which means UK tradespeople are footing a £4.4 billion bill for replacement tools every year. In additon, the study found that when tools are stolen, it stops work for six days on average, causing UK businesses to lose a staggering £5.2 billion annually. Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles offers a range of solutions to ensure vans remain protected.
GOING STRONG
Sika Everbuild’s EB25 goes from strength to strength
Sika Everbuild is teaming up with the former World’s Strongest Man, Eddie Hall, to promote its super strong EB25 ultimate sealant and adhesive as part of its new ‘EB25 Beast Lift’ challenge. The campaign will travel up and down the country, visiting 43 different merchant branches and giving customers the chance to test EB25’s strength as well as their own muscle power. There’s an exclusive prize up for grabs as well as special on-the-day offers.
CHRISTMAS CARD APPEAL
Make a difference this Christmas
Construction charity, CRASH is calling on businesses to support its vital work with the launch of its annual Christmas Card fundraising appeal. CRASH helps people who are homeless and sleeping rough – and adults and children who need end of life care in a hospice – by constructing or rebuilding the hospices, shelters and homes.
Donate to the Christmas Card Appeal at https://www.crash.org.uk/christmas/
DOWN TO EARTH
Ibstock and Earth Friendly Concrete form partnership
Earth Friendly Concrete’s (EFC’s) ultra-low carbon, zero cement technology will be integrated into Ibstock’s portfolio of building products, including its range for the UK housing market. The technology has performance advantages over Ordinary Portland Cement-based solutions including improved durability, lower shrinkage, higher flexural tensile strength and increased fire resistance and is the only zero-cement concrete technology that has been proven at scale.
