Friday, August 29, 2025
15.8 C
London

The Voice of Scaffolding Since 2008ย  |ย  U.K. Edition

Builders report busy summer of home upgrades, says FMB

- Advertisement -

Strong levels of demand for repair and maintenance works saw builders report a busy summer, according to a new survey released todayย by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).

Key findings from the FMB State of Trade Survey, the only survey of its kind to track the experience of small to medium-sized (SME) firms in the building industry, include:

  • 1 in 2 builders (47%) reported increased workloads in the summer months;
  • More than 2 in 5 (42%) predict higher workloads in the autumn;
  • More than three quarters (78%) of builders said they expect material costs to increase over the next two months;
  • Almost 1 in 5 (17%) SMEs is planning to increase the number of general labourers on-site in the months ahead; and
  • Almost 1 in 5 (16%) SMEs is planning to increase the number of specialist tradespeople on site.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: โ€œBuildersโ€™ workloads bounced back in the summer, as pent up demand for home upgrades and more domestic space fuelled activity. However, builders in other sectors are struggling, especially those working on social new build housing and on public buildings.ย To sustain recovery in the private repair, maintenance and improvement sector a national energy efficiency retrofit strategy is needed that will not only generate thousands of new jobs across the country but also help the Governmentโ€™s commitment to create a greener economy.โ€

Berry continued: โ€œWith a healthy proportion of builders forecasting higher workloads in the autumn months, and almost 1 in 5 looking to recruit, there is clearly a demand for new jobs in the industry. Young people taking their next steps after school should consider an apprenticeship in construction, and those seeking a career change will also find new opportunities.”

Berry concluded: โ€œExpected increases in material prices are a concern as builders have been reporting skyrocketing prices for years now. As we lead up to Brexit, we need to ensure that the supply chain is in step and that builders can access the materials they need.โ€

A full copy of the report is available here:ย https://www.fmb.org.uk/media/57602/fmb_state_of_trade_q2_2020.pdf

- Advertisement -

Popular Categories

Most Read >

Game changing UK-First in Scaffolding Innovation under the Forth Road Bridgeย 

Layher pioneers its advanced cantilever technique with Hardrock Scaffolding...

SMART Scaffolder to unveil new mobile app at ScaffEx25

SMART Scaffolder will launch its latest mobile app, SMART...

Scaffolding design platform ScaffPlan to feature at Trimble event

ScaffPlan, the scaffolding design and management platform, is set...

Scaffolders Could Down Tools in Heatwave Under New HSE Proposals

Scaffolders could be given the right to stop work...

NASC and SAIA Join Forces to Elevate Global Scaffold Standards

The National Access & Scaffolding Confederation (NASC) and the...
- Advertisements -

Related Articles >

Fall in Construction Enquiries, Warns FMB

Small building companies in the UK are facing a significant downturn in workloads, enquiries, and employment, with 40% of members of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) reporting a decrease in the number...

Latest Topics

Shaun Ryder tipped as VIP guest at ScaffEx25 awards

Musician Shaun Ryder is rumoured to be among the...

Leachโ€™s secures exclusive deal to supply Staht Digital Pull Testers to Scaffolders

Leachโ€™s has signed an exclusive agreement to supply Stahtโ€™s...

Game changing UK-First in Scaffolding Innovation under the Forth Road Bridgeย 

Layher pioneers its advanced cantilever technique with Hardrock Scaffolding...

Scaffolders take on 50-mile run to help colleagueโ€™s baby daughter

Two scaffolders from Northamptonshire are preparing to run an...
- Advertisement -