FMB NEWS
INFRASTRUCTURE INVESTMENT IS NEEDED FOR COMMUNITIES TO PROSPER AND CONTRACTORS TO DELIVER NEEDED HOMES AND FACILITIES, SAYS FMB NI DIRECTOR GAVIN MCGUIRE… Get the basics right and the construction industry will deliver
A s the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Director in NI, I’ve the utmost admiration for those who work within the industry and problem solve every day. The pressures to deal with fluctuating costs, client expectations and a challenging labour market are by no means easy. Liaising daily with the hundreds of firms within NI which meet the Federation of Master Builders accreditation is inspiring. Their desire is to continue to deliver top quality projects and service against a backdrop of economic uncertainty and the lack of a functioning Executive at Stormont. What are the Federation of
Master Builders members finding about the state of our industry? The recent state of trade survey carried out by the FMB indicated there has been a decline in workloads, enquiries and employment among small building companies with 40% of FMB builders reporting a decrease in the number of work enquiries. The reflections of contractors are that the economic climate affects clients’ confidence to proceed with work, due to the increased interest rates. The more encouraging news is that the repair, maintenance and improvement (RMI) sector has been stronger, with most FMB members reporting increased workloads. When we consider new homebuilding results for NI, these continue to struggle with more members reporting less workload. This seems to be reinforced by well documented figures for the planning offices of district councils, reporting a significant drop in the last quarter in applications, which is a concern in terms of the pipeline of new homes. Restrictions on public sector spending, particularly for needed infrastructure projects and social
“It can be easy at times to see the grey clouds and miss the amazing people and projects that are part of a fantastic construction industry here in NI.”
housing, do leave wider society and the industry looking for solutions without needed resources. How is our infrastructure holding up? Connections to the electricity and water networks continue to be major issues facing contractors. For several years, contractors have been voicing their concern over connections to the existing water and drainage systems through the FMB. If we don’t put a value on adequate maintenance and replacement programmes around the basics of infrastructure, we will continue to struggle. Recent flooding incidents in NI have highlighted again how fragile our communities are. A couple of days of heavy rain and storms caused massive upheaval to a drainage system which needs urgent upgrading. It always reminds me of one civil engineer who used the
phrase “No cranes without drains”. These basics for society need immediate investment and are central to how communities can prosper and how contractors can deliver the needed homes and facilities. Contractors can play a central role in ensuring these projects are planned well, get off the ground and deliver for clients both in the public and
private sector. Is it all gloom?
It can be easy at times to see the grey clouds and miss the amazing people and projects that are part of a fantastic construction industry here in NI. Get the basics right, provide the needed leadership and investment and there is no doubt FMB members and the wider industry can continue to deliver. For more information, visit www.fmb.org.uk
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