by Clair Mooney | 28 Jun, 2024 | Main News Feed
The Construction Leadership Council has today published a letter of advice for the next Government, detailing a series of policies that would help the construction industry create economic growth, build much-needed new housing and deliver the UK’s infrastructure pipeline.
The letter, signed by 16 members of the Construction Leadership Council, has been sent to the leadership of both the Conservative and Labour parties, and is intended to offer non-partisan guidance on closing the industry’s productivity gap and maximising its contribution to the UK economy. Specific measures include a presumption in favour of development on small sites, to support smaller housebuilders and improve housing supply, committing to publish an updated five-year National Infrastructure and Construction Pipeline shortly after any budget or fiscal event, and setting out a 10-year policy and regulatory roadmap for the retrofit sector.
The CLC argues that the policies would each help to unlock productivity in the construction industry, encouraging investment in new capabilities, skills and technology; closing the gap between the sector and the wider economy – in turn helping to create £45bn of additional added value annually for the UK; the equivalent to 2% of GDP.
The policies are grouped under five ‘Ps’ – pipeline, procurement, places to live, performance and people – and represent the collective priorities of the CLC members across all parts of the construction industry, from SME housebuilders and materials suppliers to the largest contractors and clients, as well as the CLC’s 2023 report into construction productivity.
The CLC is a non-political body and works in partnership between industry and Government. As such, the letter is addressed to any future government, and has been written to be agnostic to the outcome of the 2024 General Election.
Mark Reynolds, Co-Chair of the CLC and Chairman and Chief Executive of Mace, said:
“Whatever the result of the election in July, the fact remains that the construction industry offers any incoming government the biggest opportunity to create sustainable economic growth and unlock the potential of peoples, places and projects all over the country.
“The CLC is asking politicians of all parties to take this opportunity seriously, review our recommendations and ensure that businesses all over the UK are given the certainty and confidence they need to invest in a brighter future for the sector.”
by Oscar Venus | 28 Jun, 2024 | Main News Feed
Statement from John Newcomb, CEO of the Builders Merchants Federation and Peter Caplehorn, CEO of the Construction Products Association, co-chairs of the Construction Leadership Council’s Material Supply Chain Group
The latest report from the Construction Leadership Council’s Material Supply Chain Group (formerly Product Availability Group) continues to show good levels of product availability across the board.
There are, however, isolated reports of minor availability issues for certain profiles of concrete roof tiles, aircrete blocks, doors and some timber products, but these are limited to particular regions or manufacturers and evidence suggests they are likely to be temporary.
Prices are relatively stable with the level of any increase mostly low and manageable. The main exceptions, as mentioned last month, are PIR insulation which has experienced a more significant price increase, and timber, where prices for some products continue to fluctuate.
Regarding shipping, the Group continue to monitor the impact of hostilities in the Middle East on supply lines between Asia and the UK via the Red Sea, but any impact on costs and delivery times are said to be modest and manageable.
Inclement weather and stubbornly high interest and mortgage rates in the first half of the year slowed activity and demand, but there are now signs that RMI work is picking up and Group members expressed cautious optimism going into the second half of the year, and particularly when looking ahead to 2025. Many are looking to the new government to help drive the recovery by acting quickly to support UK construction with measures to promote housebuilding, infrastructure, energy efficiency retrofit and planning reform. Such clarity, together with anticipated rate cuts from the Bank of England would help to stimulate key sectors of the industry.
In anticipation of an uptick in demand, manufacturers have highlighted the need for accurate forward forecasts to ensure capacity is set at the correct level to match demand.
The CLC’s continuing advice to everyone involved, particularly housebuilders and SME contractors, is to plan in advance, work closely with your supply chain and communicate your requirements early with suppliers, distributors and builders’ merchants. As we learned during the pandemic, collaborative, ongoing communication throughout the whole supply chain is mutually beneficial and essential to a healthy, productive UK construction industry.
by Oscar Venus | 28 Jun, 2024 | Main News Feed
As the number of organisations adopting the Common Assessment Standard rises, supply chain members now only need to acquire certification once from any Recognised Assessment Body. There are two certification levels available – desktop and site-based. Companies should select the appropriate level based on their industry, size, and client requirements. Once certified, companies can share their essential PQ data with other Recognised Assessment Bodies to enhance their visibility among a wider range of Contractors and Clients.
For supply chain companies seeking to streamline pre-qualification processes, it is advisable to review their existing certifications to ensure they possess the Common Assessment Standard from a single Recognised Assessment Body if necessary. Contractors or Clients not yet incorporating the Common Assessment Standard in their supply chain can reach out to Build UK for more information on how to proceed.
by Oscar Venus | 27 Jun, 2024 | Main News Feed
FIS recently conducted interviews for an office-based marketing apprenticeship role in our Solihull office, and we were delighted to meet a group of highly talented individuals. The selection process was tough due to the impressive skills and potential we witnessed in those we interviewed.
In fact, we were so impressed that we would like to recommend two standout candidates to our FIS members who may be seeking enthusiastic individuals to join their teams. These candidates, both Midlands-based, are eager to kickstart their careers in a business environment.
If you are on the lookout for a dedicated individual to enhance your office team, email info@thefis.org and we can facilitate introductions and connect you with these promising individuals. Let’s support the next generation of talent together!
by Oscar Venus | 20 Jun, 2024 | Main News Feed
FIS partner and finance experts BABR have a dedicated free helpline exclusively for FIS members. This helpline is designed to provide members with expert advice and guidance across various areas including credit control, debt recovery, and commercial finance. Rest assured that all calls are handled with the utmost confidentiality.
If you are looking to gain insights and support in managing your finances effectively, reach out to BABR. They can be contacted on 03332 419 014. Alternatively, click here to explore the wide range of support services available to you.
Take advantage of this valuable resource and empower yourself with the knowledge needed to make informed financial decisions. Your success is our priority, and we are here to support you every step of the way.
by Oscar Venus | 13 Jun, 2024 | Main News Feed
In the construction industry, the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) stands as a beacon of integrity and excellence. Its primary objective is to elevate the standards of construction product information, guiding the sector towards a future where information is transparent, precise, readily available, current, and free from ambiguity.
The foundation of CCPI rests on five fundamental ‘acid tests’ that define the criteria for product information:
- Clarity: Information provided should be easy to understand and interpret.
- Accuracy: Details must be correct and verifiable.
- Up-to-date: Product information should be current and reflective of the latest developments.
- Accessibility: Information needs to be easily accessible to all stakeholders.
- Unambiguous: There should be no room for confusion or uncertainty in the information presented.
Of particular importance within the CCPI framework are sustainability claims. Such claims must not fall prey to being vague, misleading, or lacking a factual basis. It is imperative that any assertions regarding sustainability are well-founded, transparent, and backed by evidence.
By adhering to the principles outlined by CCPI, the construction industry can ensure that product information is not only reliable but also contributes to a more informed and responsible built environment.
