A mixed positive and negative sign in the industry; the number of visits which the HSE has had to inspect over the past year has markedly dropped. Whilst, on the one hand these figures do suggest recognition that construction activities are more regularly incorporating effective health and safety measures (thus
With the present skill shortages oft reported across the construction (and related services) industry, apprenticeships are commonly seen as a way forward for organisations to bring in new blood and train them up to a standard suitable, firstly for their own operations, and secondly for the wider sector where they
It has been reported in a survey by Direct Line for Business that the UK’s yearly property service charge (on average) presently sits at a notable £1,863, with this number rising another 96% specifically for new-build properties, totalling in at £2,777 per year. Additionally it has also been revealed that
Leeds is seemingly becoming an increased hotbed of commercial activity, with notable demand for office space in the city, both as consequence and result. As such, this demand has led to a considerable spike in those rents associated with quality refurbished space, where Savills has reported these values hitting circa
A mixture of good and bad can be perceived in the professional trades industry. On the one hand, it has been noted that there has been a great surge in tradespeople confidence, hitting the highest figures it has reached in the past 3 years; certainly a good sign of success
It has just been announced that Visqueen Building Products, one of the building products sector’s more prominent and reputable suppliers of structural waterproofing products and gas protection systems, has promoted an existing member of the team to be its brand new National Key Account Manager, Laura Guy. Announced by the
A mixed positive and negative sign in the industry; the number of visits which the HSE has had to inspect over the past year has markedly dropped. Whilst, on the one hand these figures do suggest recognition that construction activities are more regularly incorporating effective health and safety measures (thus not needing as regular monitoring), concerns have also been raised as to the reduced “fear factor” that employers will experience – effectively, pushing them to ensure complete site safety in case of a random, spot inspection. In total, it was reported that the total inspections taken out over the course of 2014/2015 was 9,656, an 8.7% drop from the visits undertaken across 2012/2013. Though this figure might not seem like a drastic drop at first glance, it is also key to factor in the present, and former economic state in which construction companies have been operating. With companies increasingly benefiting from the recently improved economic climate, there has been a markedly improved rate of enquiries and associated projects which should, in theory have suggested an increase in the number of visits undertaken – as opposed to the drop which has been reported. The most significant drop in site visits has been perceived in Scotland, with a 55.7% drop in the number of inspections. This, most aptly can be attributed to the reduced incident rate for non-fatal injuries in Scotland, therefore requiring less site visits to double check on those already performing well. However, the HSE has yet highlighted the fact that, with risks remaining the same across Scotland and England, the same levels of support is available to Scottish construction companies, with the same level of commitment provided across the board. Yet, the big question is how construction companies will take this news and how it will change the safety landscape. On the one hand, should construction companies take the reduced visits as a pat on the back, it is possible that the recognition could drive a continued focus on safety as a key area of best practice, yet, at the same time the scales could fall on the other side, with slackness and an uneasy lack of importance placed upon safety as a result of the reduced visits – only time will tell, of course, but we surely hope for the former.
With the present skill shortages oft reported across the construction (and related services) industry, apprenticeships are commonly seen as a way forward for organisations to bring in new blood and train them up to a standard suitable, firstly for their own operations, and secondly for the wider sector where they may eventually venture out into. In support of this, a new apprenticeships resource pack has been announced to pre-empt celebrations of the benefits which both individuals and employers receive from on-the-job training. Assembled for the build-up to National Apprenticeship Week, the pack, available directly from the Skills Funding Agency, is poised to support organisations in communicating their activities over the course of National Apprenticeship Week – a clear nod to the importance of spreading understanding and awareness as a driver for the sector. In total, the event is expected to see hundreds of different events across England, between the 14th and 18th of March to celebrate apprenticeships and raise awareness, hopefully increasing further the level of interest on both sides of the fence; employer and apprentice. For the 20-14-2015 academic year is has been reported that some 871,000 people undertook funded apprenticeships over the period, sporting the highest values yet reported in the history of the study. This, highlights a keen (and important) interest in the pursuit of apprenticeships both from a career perspective and from the perspective of employers bringing in new blood to solve the skill shortages they are presently facing. With increased workloads also being reported across the industry, it’s certainly a good sign to see, with employers in dire need of addressing the shortage so as best to support the delivery of their service to an ever-expanding client base. Additionally, an additional area of focus is set to be traineeships, which is intended to be a stepping stone up to apprenticeships, encouraging people to get involved in this line of progression yet further. The main aim of such traineeships is, as to be expected, to give individuals the opportunity to undertake work experience and training in advance of an apprenticeship so that they can come better prepared, more confident and more capable to suit the requirements of their future employer.
It has been reported in a survey by Direct Line for Business that the UK’s yearly property service charge (on average) presently sits at a notable £1,863, with this number rising another 96% specifically for new-build properties, totalling in at £2,777 per year. Additionally it has also been revealed that approximately one third of property managers have inflated their service charge rates over the last 48 months, with rates presently varying between £1.55-£7 per sq ft of space. The most shocking of the results of the survey, however, is the highlighting of the fact that the average service rates which leaseholders need to pay for their share of building maintenance actually sits at a value which is greater than two months of the average landlord’s monthly rents (£906). Further to this, additional charges exist, including tax and mortgage payments, agency and management fees, and ground rent fees (on average between £327 and £371 depending on when the property was built). Additionally, it isn’t simply a case of the wide charge differentiation between newer and older properties, but even quite vastly between the nature of specific developments. This can see homeowners paying circa £1.55 per sq ft for a new-build in Croydon this year, yet £7 per sq ft for one in Lambeth next year – a shocking increase in charges. Part of the price differentiation, however, can be attributed to the very nature of what a traditional new-build may incorporate. With new-builds increasingly coming integrated with additional facilities not present in older buildings, there is at least some explanation for the vast property difference. Such additions may include things such as gyms, cinemas, libraries and more which is used to add value to the property for potentially interested investors. Increasingly, service charges are something which landlords are urged to take note of and factor into the longevity of their investment plans. With differentiation in, firstly the different areas which may be incorporated into the charges (such as shared services) as well as the potential for such charges to change rapidly in given cases, monitoring these costs is becoming increasingly integral.
Leeds is seemingly becoming an increased hotbed of commercial activity, with notable demand for office space in the city, both as consequence and result. As such, this demand has led to a considerable spike in those rents associated with quality refurbished space, where Savills has reported these values hitting circa £26 per square foot of office space; a figure which remains £1 shy of new-build, Grade A offices (£27 per square foot). The major factor to which this situation can be attributed seems to be the enhanced levels of demand seen from organisations which are aiming to “set up shop” and benefit from the comparatively low living and property costs in the city. This, in effect, has led to such increases in demand volume and associated developments that Leeds now stands as the city with the second largest volume of development starts, as reported by Savills. Yet, whilst the situation is naturally prey to the whims of the uneven scales of supply and demand, the increased number of new developments is expected to tip the scales slightly more favourably for those looking for office space over the course of the year. As such, the available stock of suitable office spaces is expected to re-open the difference between new-build and refurbished office spaces as, one might argue, it should be. Looking at the levels of investment, it has also been reported by Savills that, over the course of the previous year, prime equivalent yields with regard to regional offices has moved in by 50 bps, hitting 4.75%. Additionally, the volume of investment into the market for office space outside of the capital city has risen notable during the past 2 years. Savills’ Associate Director of Office Agency, Paddy Carter commented: “Leeds will see a step change in the quality and variety of space available to occupiers this year.” To pre-empt this, of course, there has already been a surge of interest from occupiers of all shapes and sizes.
A mixture of good and bad can be perceived in the professional trades industry. On the one hand, it has been noted that there has been a great surge in tradespeople confidence, hitting the highest figures it has reached in the past 3 years; certainly a good sign of success in the industry itself. Yet, on the flip-side, it has been reported that, despite this level of confidence (and perhaps as consequence of), it is also the case that some 58% of tradespeople are actually needing to turn down work (published in ECIS’s latest industry survey). With a positive 48% of tradespeople who partook in the survey commenting that they remain confident about their success over the coming year, it could be theorised that the sector is performing fairly well. Yet, with 41% also saying that they feel considerable pressures on the fulfilment of contracts, there are also concerns that the profession is simply under too much pressure to pursue an “all work and no play” philosophy to life. With a questionable balance in fray on the division which tradespeople will be able to maintain between work and general day-to-day life, some 60% of respondents noted to the pressures they feel from work and 25% commenting that they also need to work evenings and weekends on a regular basis. This poses a concerning question as, while the industry does seem to be performing well in terms of confidence and levels of work available, it is mixed with those concerns as to the profitability of working in the sector when bearing in mind the sheer workloads and stresses associated with it. As a result, 22% of those surveyed have denied that they would look to encourage new blood to pursue a career in the industry, which is also effectively where the future of the industry itself will lie. Phil Scarrett, ECIS’s Sales and Marketing Director commented: “There is no shortage of work to go around, but serving that demand is evidently a source of significant pressure for tradespeople.”
It has just been announced that Visqueen Building Products, one of the building products sector’s more prominent and reputable suppliers of structural waterproofing products and gas protection systems, has promoted an existing member of the team to be its brand new National Key Account Manager, Laura Guy. Announced by the company’s Commercial Director himself, Phil Bull, it has been argued that the promotion is due to her performance in her previous role as Business Development Manager. With Laura’s responsibilities and reach to be adapted in line with her new position, Laura is expected to take an increasingly prominent role in the company’s day-to-day operations, playing a role in ensuring the continued commercial performance of the company. Most specifically, Laura will be seen to work alongside many of Visqueen Building Products’ larger, key clients, working to build the relationship and supportive role for such clients. Phil Bull went on to comment that: “Her industry expertise coupled with her strong business acumen will prove to be great assets to the role and we look forward to supporting her in her latest venture at Visqueen.” Having joined the organisation back in 2009, Laura has worked her way up the ranks, all the way from being a customer-focused team leader, with steady, regular promotions through the ranks. Of course, the steady speed at which she has risen through the company’s ranks only goes to highlight her capabilities and her understanding of the sector itself. Of her accomplishments at the company thus far, one of the most prominent has been the launch of the Visqueen Damp Protection Centre, which brought together eighteen different merchants to serve as an approved supply chain for Visqueen’s damp protection product range. This, then, has proven successful through the provision of national distribution through a trusted centre network. For those seeking out any of the branches, a publicly accessible directory of all such centres is available for easy location.
