Mum the builder: Women twice as likely to take charge of building


projects, says FMB When it comes to making vital decisions regarding building work, women are twice as likely to have the final say on the style and scope of the project, according to new research by the Federation of Master Builders (FMB). The FMB also asked female home owners if they have ever carried out a range


of basic DIY tasks around the home and the results were as follows: • Almost 80 percent have painted a room; • 65 percent have put together flat-pack furniture; • 58 percent have unblocked a sink; • Over 50 percent have changed a fuse; • 44 percent have unblocked a toilet; • Over a quarter have cleared the guttering. Jenny Carter, mum of one from North West London, said: “I’m


happy to hire a builder for the big jobs but it would cost me a fortune if I had to pay a tradesperson every time I needed to change a fuse. If I’m a bit unsure, I


tend to search online for “how-to” videos to help guide me through the process – these videos give people like me a bit more confidence to tackle the smaller jobs. Every family is different but in our house, when it comes to these sorts of tasks, I’m easily as handy as my other half.”


Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders, said: “This


research shows that any lingering gender stereotypes regarding domestic life are totally outdated. Not only do women lead on decisions regarding the style and scope of building projects, they also get stuck-in themselves when hiring a builder isn’t necessary. In 21st century Britain, you’re just as likely to find a woman up a ladder clearing out the guttering or battling with flat-pack furniture, as you might be likely to find her performing some of the more traditional domestic chores.” Berry concluded: “On a more serious note, the construction industry is facing a


massive skills shortage and we’re crying out for more female builders. At present, only 2% of construction workers onsite are female and until we start to appeal to 50% of the population, we won’t be able to plug the skills gap. It is my hope that these hands-on women, many of whom will be mums, are inspiring their daughters to think differently about what is an acceptable career path for girls. There is no reason why young women can’t become the next generation of brickies and sparks and it’s our job to remind them of that.”


Strong finish to 2016 cements year


of growth for Builders Merchants Another strong set of results for the final quarter of 2016 completes a further year of growth in sales of building materials through UK builders merchants. The latest figures from the BMF’s Builders Merchants Building Index (BMBI) https://www.bmbi.co.uk/the-index-quarterly/ Q4 report show that generalist merchants generated annual revenues in excess of £5.44bn with sales value growth of 5.2% on 2015. Total merchant sales in the BMBI report for Q4 2016 were up 5.5% on the


same period in 2015. A warmer, drier autumn extended the season for external works. Landscaping (up 10.3%) and Heavy Building Materials (up 7.1%) were the two best performing categories in Q4, the latter driven by several key sub- categories including roofing products, lintels and plasterboards. Two further categories outperformed the total market in Q4. Sales of Kitchens


and Bathrooms increased by 5.9% year on year and Ironmongery rose by 5.6%. The Q4 period had five fewer trading days than Q3 2016, so in most cases


quarter on quarter sales were lower. However, Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (up 8%) was one of two categories to record an increase. Sales of Workwear and Safetywear also rose by 6.1%. GfK’s Builders’ Merchant Point of Sale Tracking Data, which represents over


80% of the value of the builders’ merchant market, is used to create the Builders Merchant Building Index of actual sales to builders. GfK Channel Account Manager, Ricky Coombes believes that consumer


confidence levels provide a good indicator of potential future spend on areas such as property and home improvements, which directly impact builders’ merchants’ sales. He said:


“GfK’s Consumer Confidence Barometer


at the end of 2016 was at the same level as post-recession 2014. Confidence is being propped up by consumers’ positive outlook on their own personal financial situation. Even though they expect price increases in 2017, these are yet to be felt. We should keep a close eye on this barometer as the year continues and inflation increases.”


telephone 01444 440188 “I couldn’t have got a better


machine…” So says James Issac, proprietor of Hillside Building Services Ltd based at Landkey near Barnstaple as he takes delivery of his first Volvo mini excavator in the guise of a zero-swing two-and-a-half tonne ECR25D. The machine has been supplied by Volvo’s utility dealer for the south west of England - Plant & Engineering Services. The new 2.5 tonne ECR25D was chosen primarily for its optimum size for the


typical work Mr Isaac’s building firm undertakes. “I took the ECR25D on demonstration to evaluate its performance from Plant and Engineering Services, and it ticked all the boxes. It’s a very well balanced machine, has plenty of reach and dig depth, and it’s the right size for our plant trailers.” And so far the machine has continued to impress James Issac as he deploys it


on typical work such as the laying of sewer pipes, installing utilities, digging footings and foundation work to the final landscaping once the buildings are up. “I’ve found the zero swing feature on the machine to be highly beneficial particularly when working on very confined building plots,” says James. “Not only that, I have established a good relationship with Plant & Engineering Services who have given me a high degree of confidence in any potential support I might need regarding parts and service availability as well as providing advice on selecting this latest model.” Plant and Engineering Services Ltd based at Beare near Exeter, is Volvo


Construction Equipment’s utility dealer covering the south west of England, Dorset, Wiltshire and Hampshire. For further information visit www.volvoce.co.uk


Wiha two-time award winner: iF DESIGN AWARD 2017 & Plus X


Award 2017 Wiha has won the ‘iF DESIGN AWARD 2017’ and the ‘Plus X Award 2017’ for


two of its product innovations. The LiftUp 26one® magazine bit holder and the TorqueVario® torque tool impressed the external jury of experts thanks to their innovative product features and special function design. 2017 coincides with the 20th edition of the iF Design Awards. Launched in


2016, the LiftUp 26one® magazine bit holder can now join the ranks as an anniversary award winner for the Wiha range. Able to hold a total of 13 double bits in its handle and bit holder to provide 25 fastening types, the hand tool solution impressed in the Industry/Skilled Trade category. The iF Design Award is presented once a year by Germany’s oldest independent design institution, the iF International Forum Design GmbH in Hanover. 2017 is the first time that Wiha has received a Plus X Award in its award-


winning history, with the accolade going to its TorqueVario® torque screwdriver. The independent, international expert jury at the world’s largest innovation competition for technology, sport and lifestyle honoured the hand tool in several categories: High Quality, Design, User Convenience and Functionality. The variably- and continuously-adjustable torque tool can be used for a wide variety of applications, provides controlled fastening, and is one of the hand tools recommended by the German Assocation for Healthier Backs as a solution which is kind to muscles thanks to its ergonomic handle.


ToolBUSINESS+HIRE 27


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