For more information on the Construction Employers Federation, T: (028) 9087 7143 - E: mail@cefni.co.uk visit: www.cefni.co.uk
declining further in activity. • Four main challenges, in order, into 2023: increased cost of materials; inflation; access to skilled labour and political uncertainty/non- functioning NI Executive. Mark Spence, Managing Director of the Construction Employers Federation, said of the findings, “The results of our Construction Survey detail the resilience of Northern Ireland’s contractors and homebuilders in the face of the never- ending pressures of the last number of years. Current workloads remain strong, and many have grown their businesses by diversifying into other markets and sectors – showcasing the innovation and talent of the firms, their employees and supply chains across the UK, Ireland and beyond. “In tune, however, with other recent surveys such as the Ulster Bank PMI, this positive picture is weighed down by the relentless impact of materials cost inflation over that period which is making sustainable profitability
in the sector nearly impossible to achieve. This shows no signs of improving into 2023 and, when you factor in the significant pessimism within our membership as to new opportunities going forward, we know that a difficult 12–24-month period lies ahead. “Now, more than ever, we need our political institutions restored to engender much-needed confidence within the industry. While a Northern Ireland Executive can in no way be a panacea for many of the challenges that we face, this survey reinforces the benefit of collaborative working between public and private sectors. “Over an 18-month period – since the introduction of the PAN 01/21 Material Cost Assistance measure that CEF negotiated with the Department of Finance to mitigate against the difficulties of material shortages and cost increases – our members have reported an at least £21.5 million benefit to the public sector projects they
have been working on. This has ensured project and contractor viability across huge swathes of government activity, and has only been achieved where our members and their clients have worked together in the spirit of openness and transparency. “This type of dialogue must be the model going forward and is, as the evidence has very clearly proven, the only way in which we can jointly meet the challenges we are faced with over the coming years.” Richard Ramsey, Ulster Bank Chief Economist, Northern Ireland, commented, “Planning, procuring and pricing work over this period has been extremely difficult. Fortunately, cost pressures and building material shortages have begun to ease from their extreme levels. How this evolves in 2023 will be influenced by two key factors – the war between Ukraine and Russia, and China’s economic recovery.”
Date for your diary F ollowing the success of the CEF President’s Annual Dinner in 2022, this prestigious event returns to the Culloden Estate & Spa on 30th March 2023. This year will again be hosted by Pamela Ballentine, with keynote address by David McWilliams, the 10th most influential economist in the world, and entertainment from comedian and TV personality, Patrick Kielty. The occasion is a top-quality opportunity to entertain staff, clients and guests and to catch up with friends during what promises to be a memorable evening.
PRESIDENT’S ANNUAL DINNER
HOST: PAMELA BALLENTINE
SPEAKER: DAVID MCWILLIAMS
ENTERTAINMENT: PATRICK KIELTY
THURS 30 MARCH 2023 CULLODEN ESTATE & SPA Book your table
To book your table, visit: www.cefni.co.uk/ downloads/2023_Dinner_Booking_Form.pdf
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