We are only a third of the way through 2023 and many members are seeing a massive influx in enquiries which they are struggling to keep up with. Some report to me that although new build enquiries seem to have slowed down slightly, there has been an increase in enquiries for extensions and renovations.
What is driving increased demand in Scotland?
With the rise in mortgage interest rates clients seem to be making improvements to their existing properties rather than looking to buy or build a new home. FMB members are finding that more and more clients are also coming to them as the rise in ‘cowboy’ builders has seen a lot of projects either unfinished or botched which then leads to our members having to swoop in and save the day!
The shortage of skilled tradespeople remains a huge issue, but FMB staff lobby policy makers and work collaboratively with local colleges and other trade bodies to help increase the supply of young people entering the construction industry. In Scotland, my colleague Gordon Nelson leads on this, so please get in touch with Gordon to find out more.
FMB Scotland Board meeting
Gordon and I held the most recent meeting of the FMB Scotland Board at our Master Builder Awards entertainment sponsor Western Commercial (Mercedes-Benz)’s showroom in Broxburn, Edinburgh. Not only were the facilities fantastic but our members also got to hear about how Mercedes-Benz is the number one choice when considering commercial vans.
We got to have a tour of the showroom and heard about some of their fantastic new electric commercial vehicles.
Upcoming events
FMB Scotland have a jam-packed and exciting schedule ahead with several events coming up in May/June:
- Home Building & Renovating Show, SEC Glasgow coming up 20 – 21 May.
- Scotland's 30th AGM, Salisbury Room in Radisson Blu Hotel, 9 June.
- Scotland Master Builder Awards ceremony, Radisson Blu Hotel, 9 June.
Find out more
If you are interested in attending any of the upcoming Scotland events or becoming more involved with Scotland Board, please contact Simone on either 07710 395 478 or [email protected].
Authors
Simone McAllister
Simone has over 10 years’ experience of working within the construction industry in Northern Ireland and joined the FMB in 2019. Prior to joining the FMB she worked with builders and merchants within the industry in marketing, sales, and customer support roles. Amongst her responsibilities in her role as Membership Engagement Executive for both Northern Ireland and Scotland are supporting the regional directors for both areas.
