Clive was joined by James Butcher from the National Federation of Builders (NFB) for a progress report and Ryan from RWC Plastering.

Butcher said: “It’s been a bad year so far and I think listeners will agree with me that it’s been a bad year for them too. The housing sector has taken an absolute battering and unfortunately RMI has too and it all relates back to the cost-of-living, inflation and interest rates.

That said, I would like to point out that there doesn't seem to be too much positive coming out for the remainder of this year probably next year to be honest. Now, it won’t be a good year next year, but it will be better. The housing market is expected to decline by about 15% this year and because this is quite a big decline, we expect it to be better next year by about 5- to 6%. Of course this won’t take us back to where we were at the start of 2023 but it will be growth and RMI which most of your listeners are involved in is going to climb about 6- to 7% this year and next year we will have a flat line but at least we will have a bit of certainty.”

A caller Mark Birch, said: “I've actually done ok so far but it's worryingly quiet for many chaps that I know. Good luck everyone.”

Another caller from DD Builders, added: “It’s been tricky but we're OK in terms of work Clive. Profits are going to take a big hit though.”

And another Dennis Hughes, noted that: “Two good companies in my area have both folded this month. They supplied me with a good 25% of my annual work. The future isn't as bright as it is.”

Ryan added that: “I think actually 2023 has exceeded expectations. I didn’t come into the new year with massive expectations because of the things you have pointed out like the cost-of-living, inflation and all these sort of things that have affected all of us, but to be honest, it’s been great thus far. I am going to keep my fingers crossed and hope for more of the same going forward and into the new year.

“As it stands at the moment, I am booked until sort of end of November. As far as working for December, it’s usually a grey area especially working domestically as they are not a lot of customers that want you around their house and that’s understandably given the time of the year. So, it’s going well at the moment until about end of November when I’m guessing there will be a quite period.”