Leicestershire BUILDER Magazine • MARCH 2019 • Tel: 01530 244069 • EMAIL: INFO@BUILDERMAGAZINES.CO.UK
National Federation of Self Employed & Small Businesses Limited (FSB)
Construction growth hits 10-month low as small firms near Spring flashpoint THE CONSTRUCTION Purchasing Managers’ Index has fallen to its lowest point in ten months, hitting 50.6 in January. Employment growth within the sector has dropped to a two-and-a-half year low. The announcement follows the launch of the latest Impact of Government Policy Index (IGPI), which shows small construction firms shouldering a 28% increase in policy-linked costs since 2011, a greater rise than any other sector. On average, small VAT-registered firms across the UK have each suffered a 15% – equivalent to £60,000 – increase in costs stemming from government interventions since 2011. FSB National Chairman Mike Cherry said: “Spiralling employment costs, skills shortages and a weak pound have made it increasingly tough for small construction firms to grow in recent years. “The PMI brings into sharp relief the impact that political uncertainty is having on one of our most important sectors. “Small business confidence is at a seven-year low. Two-thirds of firms are not planning to increase investment and, with inward migration from the EU down, more than a third say lack of the right staff is holding them back. A lot of small construction firms rely heavily on mid-skilled employees from Europe. “To be less than 60 days out from Brexit day and still have no idea what business environment we’ll be operating in on 30 March is completely debilitating. Politicians from all sides of the house must work together to end the impasse. “Come the beginning of April, small construction firms will not only have Brexit to think about but also Making Tax Digital, rising pressure on wages, higher auto-enrolment contributions and further business rates hikes. It’s a flashpoint that could threaten the futures of many.”
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Residential development site for 7 dwellings in Hinckley
GR DEVELOPMENT are offering for sale a residential development site with planning permission for 7 dwellings. The site – at land off Wykin Road, Hinckley, Leicestershire – is situated to the rear of a 3-bed detached bungalow in excellent condition. It is close to good schools, bus stop, and shop and is 15 mins walk from town. The approved plans include a good mix of houses and include a detached bungalow. Offers are invited for the land only, or to include the existing bungalow. For more information, visit www.grdevelopment.info. Alternatively, you can call 07795 264116 or email: grant-reason@hotmail.com
New secondary school to be built on former bus depot site in Leicester A NEW secondary school is planned for Leicester. Opening in August 2021 the Leicester Metropolitan Academy will be for 11 to 16 year olds with a different and unique offer that is not available in any other secondary school in Leicester currently. Students will experience hands on practical learning which prepares them for the world of work in careers ranging from construction to health and social care. Located on the former bus depot site on Abbey Park Road the school will be ideally placed offering easy access from across the city. Learning without Limits Academy Trust, which is led by Babington Academy, has been awarded the right to set up the school for 1200 pupils.
My Grandad was a dyslexic baker in the army. He used to go in all buns glazing.