Today’s ONS construction output data showing the increase in private repair and maintenance work by 35.6% in the three months to August has been a welcome boost for British builders but uncertainty remains for the wider construction industry, says the Federation of Master Builders (FMB).
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “A busy summer of home upgrades has been a welcome boost for the building industry but growing concerns about the strength of the economy might affect consumer confidence. The latest State of Trade data from the FMB shows that 4 in 5 builders are predicting material costs to increase in the months ahead. Given growing Brexit concerns it will be important that the Government works with the industry to ensure that supply chains aren’t disrupted. Any future delays and increase in costs would impact on the scope for the industry to ‘build, build, build’ our way to recovery.”
Notes to editors
The Federation of Master Builders (FMB) is the largest trade association in the UK construction industry representing thousands of firms in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Established in 1941 to protect the interests of small and medium-sized (SME) construction firms, the FMB is independent and non-profit making, lobbying for members’ interests at both the national and local level.
The FMB is a source of knowledge, professional advice and support for its members, providing a range of modern and relevant business building services to help them succeed. The FMB is committed to raising quality in the construction industry and offers a free Find a Builder service to consumers.
