As I write this month’s comment, the country is waiting for the Chancellor to step up and deliver the Budget. By the time you read this the dust will have settled, but right now the industry is holding its breath to see what changes will be introduced.
Construction relies on a sense of stability. When people feel confident they invest in their homes, commit to extensions, and upgrading bathrooms and kitchens. Likewise, when developers feel supported they break ground on new sites, and the wider supply chain gains momentum. The country needs more homes, and a clear commitment to unlocking development and boosting consumer confidence would send a strong message that growth is a priority – far more useful than the government’s headline pledge of 1.5 million new homes. When new housing moves, so many other parts of the built environment follow. Interiors, landscaping, retail fit outs, building services, safety systems, flooring, kitchens and bathrooms all gain pace as demand rises. The benefits reach far beyond individual projects.
The sector is often described as the ‘engine of the economy’, and that description still feels accurate. Every project, from a small refurbishment to a major commercial scheme, supports a wide network of trades, services and suppliers. This activity stimulates growth in a way few other industries can match, and it’s why the Budget matters so much. Supportive policies give clients the confidence to proceed, while mixed signals cause hesitation and slow everything down.
This month’s features explore the many ways our sector continues to adapt and deliver, even in the face of uncertain conditions. Hopefully, by the time this magazine reaches your desk, the current pre-Budget stagnation will have settled and we can begin to plan ahead with certainty. What the industry needs now is confidence. When people feel able to spend and invest, construction moves, and the wider economy begins to lift with it.
Beko is the UK’s number one large home appliance brand, comprising four leading brands – Whirlpool, Hotpoint, Beko and Indesit. Beko integrates cutting-edge technologies into its appliances, delivering added convenience, efficiency and peace of mind to consumers without sacrificing performance or durability. See page 12 for more information.