Credit squeeze is hitting building work warns FMB
Number of client enquiries for all types of building work has fallen to its lowest level since 2005, with 40% of builders reporting a drop in enquiries.
Warning comes from the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in its latest State of Trade Survey for the last quarter of 2007.
Brain Berry, Director of External Affairs said, "Our latest survey of work activity within the building sector is further evidence of a slowdown in the economy and a signal that people are beginning to feel the pinch as mortgage and energy bills increase".
"What is concerning is that with the exception of Scotland the drop off in enquiries is consistent right across the UK and for all types of building work including housing and non-residential buildings as well as for both private and public sector clients".
The FMB also reveals that allied to the fall off in client enquiries is the fall in the proportion of builders reporting difficulty recruiting employees or hiring sub-contractors.
However, certain trades are still in short supply in particular plumbers, carpenters and joiners.
Berry continued, "There is some good news for both builders and clients in these uncertain economic times".
"FMB members are reporting far fewer delays in the supply of building materials and products, which should help speed up the building process.".
Not what you're looking for? Search the site.
Articles by product category
-
Building Industry News (5,815)
- Building Industry News (56)
- Building Trade Associations and Institutes (2,258)
- Building Industry Events and Training (659)
- Building Energy Efficiency and Sustainability (882)
- Building Industry Health and Safety (340)
- Building Industry QA and Benchmarks (238)
- Building Regulations and Accreditation (301)
- Building Industry Research and Materials Testing (351)
- Building Industry Finance, Law and Insurance (306)
- Design and Build (8)
- Building Industry Contract Opportunities (46)
- Building Industry Recruitment (279)
- Building Industry Publications (88)
-
Information Technology (2,312)
- Information Technology (1)
- Infrastructure and CAD Software (1,167)
- Hardware (455)
- Business Software (266)
- Estimating Software (141)
- Building and Site Management (118)
- Remote Data Collection and Data Storage (33)
- Thermal Imaging, Aerial Surveys and Mapping (128)
-
Building Structures and Products (10,353)
- Building Structures and Products (30)
- Walls (531)
- Floors (1,099)
- Ceilings (272)
- Roofing and Roofllights (1,280)
- Lifts, Stairlifts and Escalators (281)
- Stairs, Loft Ladders and Escalators (21)
- Window Systems (1,091)
- Cladding, Facades and Mouldings (517)
- Insulation (613)
- Builders Merchants and Construction Materials (768)
- Architectural Ironmongery (313)
- Paints, Coatings and Finishes (473)
- Bricks, Blocks and Lintels (679)
- Balconies, Canopies and Railings (40)
- Partitions (107)
- Doors, Shutters, Air Curtains and Screens (398)
- Soffits, Fascias and Gutterings (154)
- Movable walls (37)
- Structural Fixings and Fasteners (255)
- Waterproofing, Sealants and Adhesives (461)
- Windows - uPVC (407)
- Windows - Aluminium and Steel (96)
- Windows - Timber (111)
- Glass (314)
-
Building Services (7,664)
- Building Services (8)
- Electrical Services (1,325)
- Plumbing Services (348)
- Lighting Services (674)
- Heating Systems, Controls and Management (1,512)
- Gas Services (138)
- Ventilation Services (232)
- Air Conditioning Services (151)
- Waste Services and Water Storage (120)
- Drainage Services (255)
- Construction Companies and Consultants (975)
- Refurbishment and Shopfitting (211)
- Facility Management and Building Services (253)
- Housing, Regeneration and Developments (213)
- Acoustics, Noise and Vibration Control (324)
- Architectural Services (279)
- Design and Build Services (334)
- Solar Energy Services (90)
- Building Automation and Control (155)
- Underfloor Heating (63)
- Utilities (4)
- Building Systems (894)
- Security and Fire Protection (1,952)
-
Site Preparation (1,404)
- Concrete, Cement, Admixtures (304)
- Drainage, Footings and Piling (111)
- Pipes (330)
- Surveying (57)
- Materials Handling (362)
- Utilities - Gas, Electric, Water, Telephone (165)
- Demolition, Waste Managment and Recycling (73)
- Landscaping (391)
-
Plant, Equipment and Hire (1,287)
- Plant, Equipment and Hire (40)
- Cranes, Hoists (82)
- Hand Tools (141)
- Power Tools (455)
- Trucks, Trailers, Dredgers and Excavators (83)
- Pumps and Compressors (206)
- Drilling and Cutting Equipment (88)
- Access Systems - Ladders, Trestles and Scaffolding (192)
-
Civil Engineering (1,117)
- Ground Engineering (229)
- Roads, Bridges and Tunnels (64)
- Water Treatment (55)
- Technical Equipment (97)
- Flood Defences (24)
- Surveyors and Consultants (342)
- Materials (303)
-
Interiors (815)
- Lighting (59)
- Kitchens (153)
- Bathrooms and Washrooms (189)
- Contract Furniture (47)
- Floor Coverings (68)
- Interior Design and Construction (35)
- Desking and Seating (6)
- Interior Doors and Windows (83)
- Gardens and Patios (8)
- Renovation and Restoration (4)
- Staircases (18)
- Storage Services (2)
- Wall Coverings and Tiles (87)
- Conservatories (56)
