CIOB NEWS
CIOB VICE-CHAIR, JONATHAN PAYNE, EXAMINES THE KEY CHALLENGES FACING CONTRACTORS IN 2022… Challengeswill offer opportunities to the prepared construction PROFESSIONAL
A s we start the New Year, there is no doubt that this will again be a year of many challenges. Material shortages have been an issue, although signs are that this is stabilising and can be addressed relatively easily with forward planning and, where required, early engagement with the design team to assist in specifying alternative materials. A much greater issue is the highly volatile price fluctuations. The biggest problem with this situation is the unknown, as it is impossible to predict the market, making the tender process fraught with risk that is difficult to price into tenders with any degree of confidence. On private contracts, price increases can often be avoided or minimised by the early appointment of the Contractor, who can then appoint the supply chain in an expedient manner to ensure prices are locked in. There is also the option, with some creative collaboration, to look at alternative ways to protect against these inflationary pressures, such as agreeing advance payments to help fund the supply chain or agreeing contractual mechanisms that will assist towards funding possible price fluctuations. The skills shortage is a significant challenge that we must address, otherwise growth and innovation will stagnate. This is a challenge that must be addressed face-on through enhancing the reputation of construction to encourage the youth of
today to join. The forthcoming Building Safety Bill will result in significant legislative changes, with a strong emphasis on fire safety and quality. I strongly believe that this should not be seen as a challenge, but as an opportunity for the Construction Industry to showcase the significant
Jonathan Payne, Vice-Chair of the CIOB Belfast Hub committee.
In conclusion, I have no doubt that we have another challenging year ahead, but challenge also brings opportunity for those that are prepared, who have strong commercial awareness, can price risk effectively, and I believe most importantly, can be agile by responding to change quickly. I am looking forward to the year ahead, because life is about accepting the challenges along the way and choosing to keep moving forward. Jonathan Payne is the Managing Director of Mascott Construction (Europe) Ltd and is also the Vice-Chair of the CIOB Belfast Hub committee. He can be contacted at jonathanpayne@mascott.co.uk
high standards, professionalism, and integrity that most of us adhere to, and eradicate those within our industry that do not want to embrace these core pillars of excellence. This is where a certification such as the CIOB Chartered Building Company accreditation will come into its own. Mental health awareness is improving; however, we all need to take the necessary steps to eradicate the stigma associated with mental health. We must all address this issue through greater awareness and understanding and ensure that all companies have the training in place to provide support.
“I am looking forward to the year ahead, because life is about accepting the challenges along theway and choosing to keepmoving forward.”
Julie Fizsimmons, CIOB Member Services and Events Coordinator T: +44 (0)1344 630729 – M: +44 (0)7760 164101 – E: jfitzsimmons@ciob.org.uk www.ciob.org
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