What were the biggest challenges your business faced in 2024?
In the 2023 survey, respondents predicted inflation as the top challenge they’d face in 2024 and they were right. Survey participants were asked to select all challenges that applied to them, and more than half cited inflation as their biggest challenge over the past year. The cost of everything — from equipment to fuel, materials to wages — crept higher and higher, eating into profit margins. Recruiting and retaining staff was the second highest rated challenge, with some respondents suggesting the cost of living is driving qualified people (staff and clients) away. Hiring staff beyond the summer season and replacing experienced workers who were retiring was also a challenge for many. Cancelled or reduced project scopes and low sales, possibly due to lower priced competitors, rounded out some core concerns for many. And yet, there were a lucky few who did not experience any challenges. For the coming year, most respondents anticipate the challenges of 2024 to continue. High inflation remains a constant worry, as does losing sales to lowballing competitors. Many feel enough work is available, but clients may need more education to understand the value of higher prices for quality work. The challenge of finding tradespeople to provide that quality work will certainly continue.
CLIENTS CANCELLING PROJECTS OR REDUCING SCOPE 36.3 %
SOURCING MATERIALS OR EQUIPMENT 9.5 %
LOWER PRICED COMPETITORS 35.0 %
LEGISLATIVE/ REGULATORY BURDEN 11.3 %
VEHICLE AND/OR EQUIPMENT THEFT 5.0 %
OTHER 5.0 %
What do you expect to be your biggest challenges in 2025?
INFLATION - HIGHER MATERIALS/FUEL EQUIP./LABOUR 50.3 %
INFLATION - HIGHER STAFF WAGES 47.6 %
RECRUITING/ RETAINING STAFF 45.8 %
LOWER PRICED COMPETITORS 40.8 %
SOURCING MATERIALS OR EQUIPMENT 11.1 %
FORESEE NO MAJOR CHALLENGES 7.6 %
OTHER 1.8 %
Lower pricing usually comes with less quality, knowledge and service! "
32 | LANDSCAPE TRADES
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