Market data Archives - Page 3 of 19

Labour availability to constrain output next year

by Clair Mooney | 21 Feb, 2025 | Market data

Workloads reported by FIS members in the FIS State of Trade Survey for the final quarter of 2024 were mixed with just over a quarter of respondents (26%) reporting no changes and 23% seeing an increase of over 5%.

Reports of sales volumes showed that 30% of respondents saw an increase of over 5% quarter-on-quarter and looking to the next quarter (Q1 2025) the expectation for most is very positive with 60% anticipating a growth of over 5%.

Labour availability is the second highest reported factor most likely to constrain output next year (23%) with demand as the highest reported by 45%.

FIS members can access the full findings here.

Inheritance Tax Changes

by Oscar Venus | 14 Feb, 2025 | Contractual and Legal, Employment, Market data

Through construction umbrella body Build UK, FIS, is supporting thecampaign by Family Business UK which is calling on the Chancellor to reconsider the changes to inheritance tax announced in the Autumn Budget, and we would encourage affected members to complete a short survey to help demonstrate the significant impact of the changes on businesses and the wider economy.

With an estimated 4.8 million family‐owned businesses in the UK, the changes to Business Property Relief and Agricultural Property Relief will affect businesses across the country and starve the economy of investment. 81% of construction SMEs are family‐run and by working with Family Business UK we can demonstrate the significant economic contributions that these businesses make and how the changes will not provide the expected tax revenue. The survey should take no longer than 10 minutes to complete, and the deadline for responses is 2 March.

CPA Briefing Paper: UK Procurement Act

by Oscar Venus | 13 Feb, 2025 | Market data

This briefing paper, created by the CPA’s Technical Team, outlines The Procurement Act 2023 and the accompanying Procurement Regulations 2024, which will take effect on 24th February 2025. Together, the Act, the Procurement Regulations 2024, and the National Procurement Policy Statement establish a new framework for awarding public contracts in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, eliminating the UK’s obligation to adhere to EU Procurement Directives.

Are you an FIS member?

Members can access the Briefing Paper via the button below.

Get the paper

Public Sector Procurement Webinar

A free online webinar will take place on Monday 24 February 11-11.45am to launch CLC’s Public Procurement Guidance – Potential Solutions to Common Evaluation issues faced by Clients in the Built Environment Sector.

Join us to explore the publication with a number of its contributors and to discuss the potential solutions, including:

Isabel Coman – Director of Engineering and Asset Strategy, Transport for London
John Doyle – Director, Business 2 Business Partnering Performance Management Ltd
Fergus Harradence – Deputy Director, Infrastructure & Construction, Department for Business and Trade
Rebecca Rees – Head of Public Procurement, Trowers & Hamlins
Alasdair Reisner – Chief Executive, Civil Engineering Contractors Association
John Simons – Managing Director, SCAPE

Webinar registration is available here.

Clarifying ‘Bespoke’ Construction Products: FIS’s Response to OPSS Consultation

by Oscar Venus | 31 Jan, 2025 | Market data, Membership, Technical

FIS responded recently on behalf of it’s members to a consultation run by OPSS regarding “bespoke” construction products falling under Article 5 of the Construction Products Regulation. The aim of the consultation is to understand if the use of the term bespoke as it pertains to construction products that either cannot be described or are assumed to be exempt from designated standards is clear and appropriate.

We were able to point out a number of areas from our experience with members in areas such as suspended ceilings and heritage plastering where this definition lacks clarity.

Please contact jamesparlour@thefis.org if you have any questions or would like to know more about our response.

CPA highlights what to expect from construction in 2025 and 2026

by Oscar Venus | 27 Jan, 2025 | Market data

Looking to the future, construction is set to bounce back from the obstacles of 2023 and 2024. While recovery is in sight, it’s crucial to grasp the dynamics influencing its speed and shape.

Forecasts suggest a slow but steady rise in construction output, particularly in private housing and repair and maintenance initiatives. Yet, this recovery will be a marathon, not a sprint, due to slower economic growth and less frequent interest rate reductions following the last Autumn Budget. Thus, while the future looks brighter, patience is key.

Notably, the construction sector stands to gain from an influx of infrastructure projects and public non-housing developments. These sectors are set to fuel industry growth in the coming years. A healthy mix of private housing initiatives and public investment will be the engine driving construction forward.

Despite these positive signals, potential risks that could shake these forecasts should not be overlooked. If things go well, sustained wage growth and consumer spending could potentially spur private housing activity. Meanwhile, the Autumn Budget’s government funding could boost affordable housing, educational facilities, and healthcare infrastructure projects.

Nevertheless, caution is advised. The main threats to this optimistic view come from worries about government debt. Any cuts in public sector spending could stunt construction activity. Persistent inflation and high interest rates might also stick around longer than anticipated, dampening the growth outlook.

In summary, although an upswing for the construction industry in 2025 and 2026 is on the cards, the road to recovery is complex. It’s essential for stakeholders to stay alert and flexible, closely monitoring economic indicators and government policy shifts. Armed with a clear understanding of the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead, we can better navigate the changing terrain of the construction sector.

Want to see the full the forecast?

FIS members can access the CPA Construction Forecast – 2025/2026 by signing in using the link below.

Click Here

Welsh Government’s proposed changes to Building Regulations: a closer look

by Oscar Venus | 16 Jan, 2025 | Market data

As of January 9, 2024, the Welsh Government is taking concrete steps to boost building safety with a focus on the use of combustible materials. This is part of an ongoing commitment to uphold the strictest safety standards in construction and maintenance.

Key Initiatives:

Strengthening the Combustible Materials Ban

An important change is in the works to reinforce the current ban on combustible materials in and on the external walls of buildings, with the aim of reducing fire risks.

Height-Based Restrictions

There are plans to introduce restrictions on the use of combustible materials for buildings taller than 11 meters to ensure superior safety standards.

Introduction of an Evacuation Alert System

A new Evacuation Alert System is under consideration, which will act as a vital tool for guiding occupants during emergencies.

Installation of Secure Information Boxes

To enhance safety in high-rise living spaces, the introduction of Secure Information Boxes is being proposed. These boxes will hold crucial information for emergency services, boosting response times.

Implementing Floor Identification and Signage

The government plans to introduce floor identification and flat wayfinding signage to aid navigation and safety during emergencies.

Regulation Reference Amendments

There are plans to update references to BS EN 13501 and BS 476 in the building regulations to ensure that safety classifications remain current.

Call for Evidence on Staircases

The government is calling for evidence on the number of stairs in buildings, with the potential to remove all references to the BS 476 classification from Approved Document B (AD B), which governs building fire safety.

The Welsh Government’s proposed changes demonstrate a proactive stance towards improving building safety and ensuring that regulations stay aligned with evolving safety standards. The initiatives focusing on combustible materials, emergency systems, and clear identification measures aim to safeguard residents and enhance overall safety in Welsh buildings. It’s essential for all stakeholders to partake in the dialogue and contribute to the creation of safer living environments.

See full document here