FMB NEWS
FEDERATION OF MASTER BUILDERS REGIONAL DIRECTOR GAVIN MCGUIRE REFLECTS ON THE LATEST STATE OF TRADE SURVEY FOR CONSTRUCTION IN NORTHERN IRELAND… Construction recovery picks up with workloads, enquiries and employment all rising
Observing the construction industry in Northern Ireland for over 30 years has always inspired me, with the resilience of its people to keep building despite many social and economic challenges. It’s an industry which sits right at the heart of local communities, delivering jobs, economic growth and fantastic projects which enhance our society. According to the latest State of Trade Survey, carried out by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) and the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), green shoots of optimism are there. Northern Ireland’s construction sector is showing strong signs of recovery in the first half of 2025, with workloads, enquiries and employment all rising: • Workloads grew by a net balance of +36% in the first half of 2025, with private house building, along with repair, maintenance and improvement (+55%) leading the way. • Enquiries surged even further, with a net balance of +64%, showing strong demand for new work. • Employment followed suit, with 64% of firms increasing their workforce. Despite these strong positive signs, the familiar challenges around skills shortages and rising costs are threatening to slow progress. A SHORTAGE OF SKILLS IS HOLDING PROJECTS BACK • 77% of builders said a lack of skilled tradespeople affected their work, leading to delays (50%) and cancellations (39%). COSTS ARE CLIMBING - AND SET TO RISE FURTHER • 66% of firms have increased the prices they charge, while 64% report rising wages and 61% face higher material costs.
“In Northern Ireland, workloads have risen and enquiries are up, which are some of the strongest figures we’ve seen in years.”
ongoing water connection issues with NI Water and a planning system which is the slowest in the UK. • Nearly half of firms reported project delays due to changing project parameters and regulations (46%), with additional hold-ups from materials shortages (41%) and planning issues (39%). OUTLOOK POSITIVE, BUT FRAGILE Despite these challenges, 73% of Northern Irish firms are positive about the next two quarters, the most upbeat of any UK region. It’s always encouraging to hear positive feedback from the industry, and the latest State of Trade Survey gives us reason
to be optimistic. In Northern Ireland, workloads have risen and enquiries are up, which are some of the strongest figures we’ve seen in years. These are signs of recovery, particularly in the repair and maintenance market, and we’ll be watching closely to see if this momentum continues through the rest of 2025. Challenges remain in recruiting the right skilled people and in improving a crumbling water infrastructure system - issues that FMB will continue to champion and work on. Overall, our optimism is not diminished and is always buoyed by the resilience of our industry, and the FMB members who provide outstanding examples of quality work and service.
DELAYS AND DISRUPTION Concerns continue to be expressed over the
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