Clearview National April 2017 - Issue 185 | Page 28

INDUSTRYNEWS
STEP IN THE RIGHT DIRECTION
» » BEN BROCKLESBY, DIRECTOR AT
Origin, responds to the government housing
whitepaper…
“There’s no doubt that the whitepaper
marks a step in the right direction for the
future of the UK’s housing industry. It is
hugely positive to see the government lending
support to local authorities and developers to
resolve Britain’s housing crisis.
BRITISH MANUFACTURING
While the whitepaper promises to support
housebuilders, and resolve the issue of skills
shortages in the construction industry,
supporting British manufacturers is not
mentioned within the government’s plan.
Whether suppling bricks or bi-fold doors,
manufacturers need to be geared up to support
the new demand for building products. In
addition, greater emphasis should be put on
the importance of specifying products ‘made
in Britain’, with a focus on the quality of new
homes, not just quantity.
CONSTRUCTION SKILLS SHORTAGE
We’ve spoken at length about the trend in
recent years for homeowners to improve their
homes rather than move. It isn’t uncommon
for homeowners to have to wait months
until these improvements can be made, as
good tradesmen are in strong demand. I’d be
interested to see whether a focus on building
new homes affects the availability of skilled
workers for home improvements. Will this just
mean the skills shortage moves away from new
build, towards renovation projects instead?”
ENDURANCE BOLSTERED BY
RECORD TRADE ENQUIRIES
» » ENDURANCE® DOORS RAPID
growth over the last few years is set to
continue, as the solid and secure composite
door manufacturer has received a record
number of trade enquiries over the last five
months.
In these last five months, Endurance® has
enjoyed an influx of over 200 firm trade
enquiries, from companies looking for a better
performing en