NEWS
The latest market report from international property and construction consultancy Gleeds reveals that rising labour and materials prices continue to threaten growth in the sector. Over three-quarters of contractors said they had seen further increases in labour rates in the preceding quarter, and nearly 70% reported continuing volatility in materials prices. The ongoing escalation of costs was cited as the biggest threat to the industry, and 77% of contractors believe that growth is suffering as a result, while around a third warn that recession will do further damage in 2023. Sixty per cent of contractor respondents have issues with the availability of labour. However, almost half were optimistic that the availability of materials was beginning to settle. Gleeds CEO Graham Harle commented, “Our report reveals that spiralling costs of materials and labour show no signs of abating, although there is hope that availability of both is stabilising. The prospect of a recession may lead to a decrease in tender opportunities in Q4. However, productivity remains high and over 80% of those surveyed experience greater collaboration on schemes.” GLEEDS’ INDUSTRY SNAPSHOT SHOWS A STARK BUT IMPROVING PICTURE
Lifetime Achievement Award winner Diana Fitzsimons (centre), pictured at the RICS UK Awards Grand Final.
NI SURVEYOR HONOURED WITH A LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Belfast-based chartered surveyor Diana Fitzsimons has been awarded the inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award at the RICS UK Awards Grand Final in London. Diana, who has served as RICS NI Chair, Chair of the global Planning and Development Faculty Board of RICS and member of RICS World Governing Council, as well as Deputy Chair of RICS Lionheart, has had a distinguished career across the public, private and voluntary sectors. She was presented with the accolade at
a gala in the Londoner Hotel on Leicester Square. The RICS Awards are a highly prestigious event and presents accolades to the most impressive building projects and teams in the UK. This is the first year that a lifetime achievement award has been presented. Diana commented, “I was extremely honoured to be presented with an award effectively presented by my peers. For the judges to feel that I was worthy of the award is very humbling.”
Gleeds CEO Graham Harle.
Leading paving and walling manufacturer Tobermore has donated Secura Grand retaining wall blocks for DIY SOS: The Big Build for Children in Need. The Big Build for Children in Need saw a new home for the Getaway Girls charity built from the ground up in just 13 days. Nick Knowles and his gang transformed a derelict site into a new Getaway Girls HQ, which provides a much-needed safe space for vulnerable girls and young women. The new building features a fully fitted kitchen, a creche, activity spaces, a music and media studio, counselling rooms and a garden. The project was ambitious, the timescale was tight, and it required a huge number of volunteers. Tobermore’s Secura Grand was the perfect retaining wall solution for this project as it is mortar-free, fast to build and aesthetically pleasing. David Henderson, MD and Owner of Tobermore, commented, “Tobermore is committed to being a force for good in society. We are so proud to have played a part in donating the retaining walling to this scheme. We wish the Getaway Girls the best of luck in their new home.” TOBERMORE DONATE RETAINING WALL FOR CHILDREN IN NEED BUILD
Thomas Greening, House Builder Manager at Tobermore (centre), pictured with Nick Knowles (right) and his DIY SOS Team.
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