OPEN DOORS Construction output forecast to grow but….. The importance of construction to the UK economy cannot be overestimated as it represents 7% of the UK GPD and employs nearly 2.7m people. So it is encouraging that the Construction Products Association (CPA) are forecasting construction output to rise by 2.5% in 2025 with an 8% increase in private housing and an increase of 3% in private housing repair, maintenance and improvement. This is good news, but we must ensure that the supply chain can meet the extra demand and in particular that the construction companies have enough skilled workers. In this connection there have been a couple of recent reports that are concerning. Firstly, CITB has estimated that another 251,000 new jobs will be required by 2028 to fulfil industry requirements. It is hard to balance this against the fact that the construction industry is currently experiencing a significant number of skilled workers leaving the industry. Secondly, Considerate Contractors Scheme (CCS) has reported that the target of building 1.5 million homes could only be achieved by hiring illegal workers, many of which will not have been properly trained. Both reports are concerning but the latter is particularly disturbing. Over the last few years many trade associations, including dhf and ADSA (Automatic Doors Suppliers Association), have been working hard with their members to raise the bar regarding having a properly trained, competent workforce. Apart from training we have spent much time promoting NVQ’s and the greater use of CSCS cards. More recently both dhf and ADSA, in conjunction with BWF (British Woodworking Association), have been tasked by The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) as part of the recognised Super Sector, to develop competence frameworks for the envelope of a building which covers key products such as industrial doors, timber and metal doors as well as powered pedestrian doors. This is the challenge facing the construction industry….yes of course we want growth but it must be accompanied by the use of a skilled, properly trained competent workforce. The industry needs to raise the bar not lower it! A regular comment column, brought to you by Bob Perry, CEO, Door and Hardware Federation For more information, please visit www.dhfonline.org.uk THE door industry journal winter 2024 Also online at: www.dijonline.co.uk Bob Perry, dhf CEO Dean Powell Joins MACO Door & Window Hardware (UK) Ltd as South Regional Sales Manager We are pleased to announce that Dean Powell has joined MACO Door & Window Hardware (UK) Ltd as their new Southern Regional Sales Manager. Dean brings a wealth of knowledge from his extensive career in both the Timber and PVC side of the industry, having previously represented several key brands. We asked Dean to share why he chose MACO as the next step in his career, and here’s what he had to say: “I’m thrilled to join MACO UK as the Southern Regional Sales Manager. Having long admired this company, I’m excited to contribute to their ambitious expansion strategy and look forward to leveraging my experience in the door and window industry to launch their innovative new products that are due to be released over the coming weeks, reinforcing MACO’s position as a market leader.” Dean joining MACO further strengthens the team of Stephen Langton, National Sales Manager, who adds: “Dean’s extensive knowledge of the fenestration industry, and his manufacturing background will certainly make him a good addition to the MACO UK sales Team. He is joining MACO at a very exciting time, with the new products and services that we launched recently and those that are yet to come!” www.maco.eu/en-GB/Home Dean Powell and Steve Langton
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