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What does the construction industry want from the next government?

Journalist: Jon King, Daily Express Online

ended 28. June 2024

The Daily Express is looking for strong views from construction business owners about the state of the industry and what they want from the next government?

Figures show the UK has a shortage of bricklayers and skills shortage. Some people are saying planning rules are too strict and need to be relaxed to give the sector a boost.

Have you experienced difficulty recruiting? Has red tape got in the way of doing business? What are the obstacle you face and what should be done about it?

 

1 responses from the Newspage community

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Dorian Payne
Managing Director at Castell Group
Many construction companies have experienced a death spiral from which they are yet to recover.

As a partnership housebuilding company, we have first-hand experience with the myriad issues plaguing the construction industry. In a short period, we have faced the negative impacts of COVID-19, a persistent skills shortage, supply chain disruptions, and high inflation. Contractors dealing with high inflation under fixed-price sales contracts, like us, have been fortunate to survive, though many have not.

We have seen insurers withdraw from the market for performance bonds due to the soaring insolvency risk and securing funding has been a significant challenge. Many funders class the sector as 'High Risk.' The government could provide incentives to increase funding and support.

The planning system's inefficiency is a critical issue. We are building new developments and homes faster than we can obtain the necessary legal permissions. The system needs a reform and urgently!