Rising non-residential building and repair, maintenance and improvement activity is boosting the fortunes of members of the Federation of Master Builders.
The latest state-of-the-trade survey from the organisation, which represents 14,500 firms, showed a 26% increase in workloads in the first quarter of 2001. A further 37% increase is forecast for the second quarter.
According to FMB director-general Ian Davis, RMI in the private housing sector has shown ‘positive growth’. But the ‘real impetus’ has come from the non-residential and public buildings sector, plus orders for new industrial and commercial buildings.
‘The positive workloads and high levels of enquiries for future work undermine speculation that Britain could be entering a recession ,’ said Mr Davis.
On a less postive note, the FMB also reveals a shortage of skilled craftspeople in building, including carpenters, plus an increase in cowboy builders.
