Small builders in Scotland enjoy a strong start to the year, NASC urges scaffolders to check vehicle loads, and a reclamation yard finds a 19th century P45
Small builders in Scotland have enjoyed a strong first six months of the year — that’s according to the FMB’s State of the Trade Survey.
Net workload balance was up +31% in Scotland, compared with a -4% drop across the rest of the UK.
Wales also registered a strong opening to the year, with a net workload balance of +14%.
Scotland was the only home nation that saw an increase in new business enquiries
Despite the positive start, the boom is threatened by rising costs and a lack of tradespeople.
Nearly half of respondents complained they’d been forced to delay jobs because of the absence of skilled trades.
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The NASC is urging scaffolders to review load security, carry out vehicle checks and be aware of driver fatigue.
The trade body warned that road risks can often be overlooked when tight deadlines and transport demands take priority.
It recommended that firms look up the Truck Driver Toolkit from the National Highways for more advice.
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A reclamation yard has discovered a 200-year-old Staffordshire Blue clay roof tile with a message inscribed on the back.
The message — I do hereby discharge you, John Lewis, from employment, Thomas Austin — has been described as a 19th century P45.
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