It’s 'Business as usual' for most SME builders, says FMB
13th September 2016

More than two thirds of SME housebuilders are yet to see any significant changes to their project pipelines in the wake of the Brexit vote, according to new research from the Federation of Master Builders. It also showed that most of those reporting a downturn put6 it down to postponed decisions rather than cancellations.

The survey, said to be the first to be conducted among SME housebuilders since the EU referendum, also found that more than half believe the removal of unnecessary red tape should be the most important consideration for the new Government in tackling the housing crisis.

Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “Despite some fears that the referendum result might put new projects on hold, the overwhelming majority of SME house builders are reporting that no decisions have yet been influenced by the referendum result. This matches the view expressed by many small construction firms that so far, the market appears to suggest that it's ‘business as usual’. Only one quarter of small house builders have seen any negative effect on their projects from the Brexit decision, and most of these are the result of delayed decisions rather than actual project cancellations.

But he continued: “Brexit aside, we should not paint an overly rosy picture of the situation facing SME house builders. The barriers to building that existed prior to the referendum are still hindering delivery, and as the housing crisis continues to be a pressing concern, the need to empower smaller developers must be a priority for May's Government.”
Berry concluded: “More than one fifth of SME house builders are demanding that the Government finds a way of ensuring a sufficient number of skilled tradespeople from the EU are still able to enter the UK. The Prime Minister insists that freedom of movement is now over and if this is not likely to be replaced by a points-based system - as reported this week - crucial sectors like the construction industry must be reassured that whatever system does replace it, it is flexible enough to respond to our needs. Otherwise, the construction skills shortage will be exacerbated and ultimately, it will become a major barrier to delivering the housing and infrastructure projects we so desperately need."