Construction SMEs are Vital to Growth and Jobs says FMB Wales

TUESDAY 29th MAY 2012 – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

If the Welsh Government’s plan to focus on growth and jobs, as set out in its Wales Infrastructure Investment Plan, is to succeed it must ensure Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) are included in the plan says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) Wales.

Richard Jenkins, FMB Wales Director, said:
“It is good to see the Welsh Assembly Government taking a joined up approach to construction and setting out its plan for the current spending period and the decade beyond. However the Welsh Assembly Government needs to ensure SMEs have access to this work as they are best placed to create long term jobs and revive the economy. Small builders are also the most prolific in Wales, with 94% of firms employing no more than 14 people.”

Jenkins continued:
“The Green Deal is another area that the Welsh Assembly Government needs to focus on to ensure SMEs get an opportunity to be involved and access new work streams. Therefore, it’s particularly pleasing that the Welsh Assembly Government recognizes the importance and value to be gained from refurbishing our existing housing stock and bringing empty properties back into use.”

Jenkins concluded:
“We support the Welsh Assembly Government desire to increase growth and jobs but we would remind them that SMEs are vital in bringing about local, long term growth and Jobs.”