Weekly News Bulletin – 4th January

We’re only a few days into 2019 and it’s already been a busy news week, with FX Street reporting that UK manufacturing has hit a six-month high. This is good news for the industry as it continues to gain momentum, with the PMI reaching highs of 54.2 in December. We hope this positive streak continues into 2019.

We’re excited to see what 2019 has in store for construction. There’s no denying that there is uncertainty surrounding Brexit and its effects on the industry, but with the UK looking to tackle the skills gap and new legislation set to be introduced, this year is certain to be a busy one for the sector and Building has provided a commentary in the link below of what we can expect.

Brexit has been in the headlines again this week, as The Guardian has reported that UK manufacturers are facing the largest worker shortage since 1989, with the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) reporting that more than four-fifths of manufacturers had difficulty in finding appropriate staff towards the end of last year. We agree that the skills gap needs to be bridged and we will monitor this closely throughout 2019.

On a more positive note, Express and Star shared news that companies within the Black Country region are more upbeat about the year ahead, claiming that investment in skills and a rise in overseas trading opportunities will help businesses expand in 2019. Find out more below.

Finally, Property Week discussed the latest innovations we can expect in construction for the year ahead, including developing offsite construction and the adoption of digital and manufacturing techniques. Our Metframe range offers a high-quality, efficient framing solution with a quick speed of build. Find out more about its benefits here.

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UK manufacturing PMI hits 6-month highs at 54.2 in Dec, a positive surprise

The manufacturing sector activity in the UK economy extended its upbeat momentum in the month of December, the latest data from Markit showed on Wednesday.

https://www.fxstreet.com/news/uk-manufacturing-pmi-hits-6-month-highs-at-542-in-dec-a-positive-surprise-201901020932

2019: The year ahead in construction

Sheena Sood previews what 2019 will hold for the construction industry from a legal point of view

https://www.building.co.uk/communities/2019-the-year-ahead-in-construction/5097156.article

UK manufacturers facing biggest worker shortage in 30 years

Brexit blamed as 81% of manufacturers and 70% of service sector firms report difficulties finding skilled staff

https://www.theguardian.com/business/2019/jan/03/uk-manufacturers-face-biggest-worker-shortage-in-30-years-brexit

Businesses ready for new year challenge despite Brexit clouding future

Companies will be able to grow and thrive this year despite the uncertainty caused by Brexit, vow the region’s business chiefs.

https://www.expressandstar.com/news/business/2019/01/01/support-in-place-for-businesses-to-grow-in-2019/

2019: the pipeline to a modern construction industry

At the end of last year, the government set out plans for investment of £600bn in infrastructure over the next 10 years, which will be spread across multiple sectors, including transport, energy, utilities and social infrastructure.

https://www.propertyweek.com/legal-and-professional/2019-the-pipeline-to-a-modern-construction-industry/5100560.article