In the light of the current European conflict, an Immingham based supplier of scaffolding materials has cancelled all orders placed for delivery to Russia.
Scaffolding Supplies Ltd has made the decision faced with its latest order due to go to Sakhalin Island. They’ve also called on a complete boycott of sales to both engineering and scaffolding companies across Russia.
Contractors across the construction sector had recently been warned to act immediately to avoid a disruption in the supply chain because of the invasion of Ukraine.
With the inevitable price rises taking hold of deliveries and materials, experts across the whole construction industry had warned some projects could come to a standstill.
Scaffmag has learned the Russian invasion could drive up inflation in the cost of products utilised on construction sites here at home. This also follows on from the fact oil prices have reached a 14-year high.
“tube is set to be in short supply with prices rising to £ 1.50/ft in the next few weeks – it’s going to affect everyone.”
A spokesperson from Scaffolding Supplies Ltd told us: “You will find the material prices are on the rise again with boards alone going up £ 2.00 each. The way things are developing it won’t be long before we see £20 per board.
“What’s more, tube is set to be in short supply with prices rising to £ 1.50/ft in the next few weeks – it’s going to affect everyone.
“Given what President Putin has done we feel it important to stand shoulder to shoulder with Ukraine at this critical time.
“Let’s be honest, all sectors of life here in the UK will see more price rises as the conflict continues. But we feel it’s right to take a stand and are quite prepared to see any downturns through. Freedom and the people of Ukraine are at the front of our minds.”
Only yesterday President Biden reminded the world America will do all it can to punish Russia for the conflict, but freedom sometimes comes at a price.
Brian Berry, chief executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), said Russia’s invasion of Ukraine was creating “dire economic and humanitarian consequences throughout the world.
“As a result of Russia’s actions, supply chain disruption and the reallocation of certain types of materials will intensify the situation, with oil, steel, aluminium, timber and copper all set to be some of the worst affected. At a time when costs are surging, it puts builders in the unenviable position of having to raise costs for a customer base that are tightening their belts.”
In terms of the UK, it seems the Immingham company could be the first to take such action putting people before profit.