Grey economy

It has long been quipped that ski stands for “spending the kids’ inheritance” as more and more pensioners realise they are not too old to fritter away a few quid on life’s pleasures. And we have already reported a couple of times recently how the phenomenon of equity release – raising cash on the back of a mortgage-free house – is giving a growing number of them even more money to spend in their own lifetime. Now, this week, we hear not only that equity release is at a record high but also that the biggest slice of a potential £3billion a year cake – perhaps as much as 64%, some say – is destined for home improvements. Read Story

Elsewhere, as the ripples from the Carillion disaster continue to spread, the GGF’s Phil Pluck is warning that it may not be the last major player to hit the rocks. However, the Federation of Master Builders is seeing a silver lining for the many employees fearing for their jobs in the fact that their skills may be much in demand elsewhere. Read Letter

Also, for anyone envious of Deceuninck’s very colourful sales figures, MD Rob McGlennon shares his thoughts on the haves and have-nots and how its colour offering plays a part in seeking the aspirational customer. Read Letter

However colourful you see your future, we hope you enjoy this week’s issue.

Chris Church Editor

Please send all your news stories to news@the-glazine.com

This Week's News

GGF warns government
to learn from Carillion collapse

The GGF has criticised the Government for its ‘knee-jerk compromise’ of rescue packages to selected companies in the wake of the Carillion collapse, saying it offers no assurance to its member companies and does not allow them to plan for long-term stability.

The full text of his letter can be seen here.

Equity release hits
record high

More households than ever are taking out equity release loans – over 10,000 in the last quarter alone – pushing the 2017 total sum borrowed past £3billion for the first time ever.

Read More Here...

Record high skills shortages, says FMB

A hint of possible good news for anyone losing their job through the Carillion collapse came today (Tuesday Jan 23) from the Federation of Master Builders which says a ‘record high’ of skills shortages means they may not be too long finding new jobs.

Read More Here...

We Have Email

From: Phil Pluck,
Chief Executive, GGF Group

As the assessment of the true damage continues following the collapse of Carillion, it does raise some fundamental issues in terms of protecting both smaller companies caught up in the collapsing supply chains and the jobs that may be lost as a result.

Read More

From: Rob McGlennon,
Managing Director, Deceuninck UK

As we get back into the new business year, it’s time to get out our crystal balls. Economists have already made their predictions which have come with a handful of health warnings.

Read More

From: David Thornton, Chairman,
The Window Company (Contracts)

Since the demise of Carillion, I’ve had several phone calls from colleagues in the industry asking if The Window Company (Contracts), as a specialist commercial installer, was exposed to any losses.

Read More