Pro Installer February 2017 - Issue 47 | Page 41

PRO INSTALLER FEBRUARY 2017
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PRO BUSINESS

CE marking regime , as are many manufacturers . Carolyn Fairbairn added : “ While each sector has issues specific to it , there are many crossovers and common principles that unite them , for example the need to avoid cliff edge changes that cause disruption to supply chains and trade . “ Where companies differ is how they prioritise these issues and the contrasting emphasis they place on trade , migration and regulation . To make a success of Brexit for the whole economy , government needs to work through all these issues , as well as seize the opportunities afforded by a new focus on the UK ’ s global economic relationships .” The report identifies that many legal requirements have cross-sector implications – for example , energy and environmental regulations have an impact on construction , housing , manufacturing , and water companies .
a generally positive year for the industry . In particular , demand for private refurbishment work was robust throughout 2016 and in terms of private and social house building , builders expect workloads to grow in the first three months of 2017 . However , if the government wants the objectives of its Housing White Paper to be realised , it will need to ensure the construction sector has the skilled workers it needs to build these new homes .”
WHOLE ECONOMY APPROACH The UK ’ s new relationship with the European Union ( EU ) must meet the needs of every sector of the economy to be a success , as the consequences of leaving
any behind could have knock-on effects for others , says the Confederation of British Industry ( CBI ). This follows its largest consultation of members since before the EU referendum . The CBI has held thousands of conversations across the country with trade associations and firms of all sizes since the summer and taken an in-depth look at the opportunities , concerns and questions that 18 sectors of the UK economy face ahead of EU negotiations in 2017 - on the ease of doing business , regulation , and access to talent . In ‘ Making a Success of Brexit ,’ the CBI calls on the government to consider the complexity of the modern economy where no
business operates in isolation . Products come with complementary services , supply chains overlap across borders , and many companies do not fit neatly into a single sector . Carolyn Fairbairn , CBI director-general , said : “ Businesses in every corner of the UK are rolling up their sleeves as they prepare for life outside the EU and are committed to making it a success . “ Leaving the EU will be a highly complex process , and all sectors of the economy are making their priorities clear in order to get it right . “ The government will need to take a ‘ whole economy ’ approach to avoid leaving sectors behind .”
‘ Businesses in every corner of the UK are rolling up their sleeves as they prepare for life outside the EU and are committed to making it a success ’
The CBI ’ s consultation reveals that many questions are shared by businesses across sectors . These include : The chemicals and plastics sector – which exports towards £ 30bn worth of products each year – is asking whether it will still be able to access the skilled employees it needs at its plants . This is also an issue for logistics firms who already face a shortfall of nearly 35,000 HGV drivers Construction companies – which will build the UK ’ s new homes , roads and rail in a sector worth over £ 100bn to the UK economy - are asking about the potential costs of importing materials and the future of the
BUSINESS STAYS POSITIVE It is to their credit that other business organisations remain largely positive and patient about the Brexit machinations . The Forum of Private Business welcomed the plans set out by the Prime Minister in her Brexit speech as ‘ the best business could hope for at this stage ’. It said : “ Having juggled , over the last few months , with the uncertainty of not knowing whether the UK would be following a Norway model , a Sweden model , a soft exit or a hard exit , businesses are now able to plan based on knowing what the intent of the government is , even if there is no certainty it will be able to deliver .” Forum of Private Business chief executive , Ian Cass , commented : “ Businesses are facing challenging times at the moment with fuel prices rising , inflation showing an increasing trend and the exchange rate volatile , all as a result of Brexit uncertainty . The Prime Minister has now at least sought to introduce some optimism for businesses by setting out the government ’ s plans for the next two years . Whether those plans will come into fruition is another matter , but at least we now have an indication of their intent which is welcome .”
Sources : www . fmb . org . uk www . cbi . org . uk /