Current obstacles are not insurmountable - Comment on the CIPS PMI construction data from Fraser Johns at Beard Construction

08 June 2022

Following the release of the latest CIPS PMI construction data, which showed that the weakest rise in residential work for two years held back the construction sector during May, we have a comment from Beard Construction:

Fraser Johns, Beard finance director, said: “We always knew that the road to sector recovery was not going to be a straightforward one and we will continue to refine and adapt our business practices to deal with the obstacles in our path. These obstacles are certainly not insurmountable, and the pent up demand from the previous year is evident in our healthy order book. However, the inflationary challenges are considerable with continued rises in the price of materials like steel, concrete, timber and glass. Nevertheless, that challenge can be met by openness in our the tendering process and by being fair to suppliers and subcontractors, engaging with them early in the tender process and paying them promptly.

“Recruitment of staff is a challenge for all industries. We are working hard to attract a diverse and inclusive workforce by offering opportunities for development at all levels, from apprenticeships to senior managers.”