PHAM NEWS SEPT18:Layout 1 30/08/2018 17:20 Page 1
Volume 56 | Issue 8 | September 2018
Trade surveys suggest a rise in business optimism Despite market uncertainty about Brexit and fears of rising material costs, a number of industry surveys have suggested that businesses are doing well and are optimistic about the prospects for future growth. Over three in four engineering services organisations (77%) have reported that they have increased turnover or that business has remained steady in Q2 2018, despite concerns about rising material and labour costs. These are the findings of the latest quarterly sector-wide Building Engineering Business Survey, sponsored by Scolmore and carried out on behalf of industry trade bodies BESA, ECA, SELECT and SNIPEF. Compared to Q1 2018, almost two thirds (62%) of respondents reported an increase in material costs, and nearly half (45%) reported an increase in labour costs in Q2. Retentions were held against 61% of businesses, and late payment remains an issue for over half of respondents in commercial and public sector work. The report concludes that the overall outlook for Q3 appears positive and optimistic, with nearly nine out of 10 (88%) of respondents predicting that their turnover will grow or remain steady for the next quarter.
Commenting on the survey, Alexi Ozioro, Public Affairs and Policy Manager for BESA, says: “It is encouraging to see growth among members and a more optimistic outlook for the sector. For a long time, however, members have been concerned about rising material costs. The announcements of government’s preparations for a no-deal Brexit do not address these concerns, instead introducing further uncertainty into the market. “We will be closely monitoring the situation to see if enough has been done to minimise disruption and ensure a smooth
and orderly exit in all scenarios.” SNIPEF Chief Executive Fiona Hodgson adds: “After a challenging start to the year for many of our members, it is heartening to see signs of steady growth in the industry. The industry continues to show resilience. However, there are ongoing challenges that must be addressed to provide certainty for businesses.” The positive outlook is backed up by the most recent Trade Pulse survey, independently undertaken on behalf of Screwfix (see page 6 in this month’s issue), and the latest Builders Merchants Building Index (BMBI) that has reported a 7.2% growth in sales compared to Q2 2017. Plumbing, heating and electrical products have been responsible for the biggest leap in sales in Q2, up 13.3% on last year. It is thought that this has probably been driven by people looking to upgrade old or failing equipment after the winter freeze. In total, builders merchant sales have increased by 4% in the first six months of 2018.
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London plumber murdered by customer A pensioner has appeared in court over the murder of a plumber who was stabbed 30 times while working at his home in south London. Gary Amer, 63, was found dead with knife wounds in the chest next to a boiler and his tool kit in Walworth, south-east London. Officers found the victim, from Holborn, and he was pronounced dead at the scene on 17th August. Police charged William Treadwell, 67, with Mr Amer’s murder two days later. Appearing in Camberwell Green Magistrates’ Court on 20th August, Mr Treadwell entered no plea to a charge of murder. He spoke only to confirm his name, address, date of birth
and nationality. The defendant is reported to have blown kisses and waved to the public gallery as he was remanded into custody. According to The Sun newspaper, Janet Jarrett, a neighbour, claimed the two men had argued in Treadwell’s flat after Mr Amer took a long lunch break and said he would be back on Friday. She told The Sun that Treadwell had been without hot water for days. Ms Jarrett said: “He came to fix the hot water on Thursday but he apparently went off for a three-hour lunch break, then said he was coming back on Friday. Apparently he needed to pick up extra parts.” The Old Bailey heard Mr Amer had been
working at the property since 13th August when he was stabbed multiple times on 17th August. Treadwell allegedly set upon the 63-year-old “out of the blue”. It is claimed he bludgeoned Mr Amer from behind as he was busy making repairs. He allegedly went on to inflict 30 stab wounds, including seven to the heart, as Mr Amer was on the ground, leaving two kitchen knives lodged in his body. Treadwell appeared in court via video link from Thameside prison. Judge Sarah Munro QC set a provisional seven-day trial for February 2019 and a plea hearing on 7th November.
Following a two-year sponsorship deal with West Bromwich Albion, Ideal Boilers has introduced its ‘Boiler Man’ mascot to Baggies fans. Workers at the UK boiler manufacturer’s Hull production facility may perhaps question the company’s support for Hull City’s Championship rivals, but by all accounts the boiler costumed hero has gone down very well at The Hawthorns. Fans can keep up to date with the adventures of Boiler Man by following his official account on twitter @idealboilerman, or searching on Instagram for ‘idealboilerman’ and on Facebook for ‘Boiler Man’ #BoilerMan.
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