VIEWPOINT BUILDING A
THE UK CONSTRUCTION industry is experiencing a well- documented challenge when it comes to skills and workforce availability. According to the Office for National Statistics, around 16% of UK construction firms report labour shortages, a figure that has grown since Brexit and the pandemic. Forecasts from the Construction Skills Network suggest that more than 250,000 additional workers may be needed by 2027 to support the sector’s ambitions. Builders’ merchants, too, are feeling the pressure – particularly when recruiting for specialist roles where product knowledge and customer service skills go hand in hand.
Rising to the challenge Over the past decade, as awareness of the skills challenge has grown, our industry has taken significant steps to highlight the many rewarding and diverse careers it can offer. Much of the challenge in recruiting new talent lies in how our sector is perceived by the general public. Outdated stereotypes still linger, portraying construction and merchanting as inaccessible or lacking progression – especially for underrepresented groups. The reality, however, is far more positive. Businesses across the sector have worked hard to improve diversity, inclusion, and career development
options, and widespread efforts to showcase this to the next generation continues. Apprenticeships remain a powerful route into the industry, bolstered by government support and offering structured pathways for both school leavers and career changers. And, while more work is needed to shift perceptions and break down entry barriers, the industry is actively rising to this challenge.
That said, the current economic environment presents real difficulties. With rising costs and increases to National Insurance contributions, many businesses are understandably cautious about expanding their teams. Recruitment activity has slowed in some areas, not because the skills issue has eased, but because companies are navigating a period of unpredictability. The need for talent remains but, for many, the priority has to be balancing long- term workforce planning with the short-term financial reality. The key now is to stay
focused. By investing in training, nurturing emerging talent, and communicating clearly about the range of opportunities available, merchants and suppliers can ensure they are well-positioned for the upturn when it comes. This is a moment to reflect and inspire – and to build a skilled workforce that’s ready for the future.
“Forecasts from the Construction Skills Network suggest that more than 250,000 additional workers may be needed by 2027 to support the sector’s ambitions.”
June 2025
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
STRONGER FUTURE
Lucia Di Stazio, senior warden of the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants
It’s fantastic to see the work that is already being done by the Builders’ Merchants Federation through its Building Materials Careers campaign. Launched earlier this year, the campaign aims to help the next generation – and those looking for a career change – discover what our industry can offer. I would encourage anyone who hasn’t already explored the website
www.bmcareers.com to do so, and to see how your business can get involved.
Financial support for skills training The Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants is also determined to be part of the solution. As a Livery Company, its roots lie in tradition, but the outlook is firmly focused on the future. One of the Company’s key aims is to support education, training, and personal development across the building materials sector – especially for those looking to start their careers or move to the next level. Through its ‘Build Your Career’ grant programme the Livery offers financial support, typically up to £2,000 per individual. The funding could be for an apprenticeship, a professional qualification, or a short course to upskill. The grant supports school leavers, graduates, and those already working in the sector who want to grow. We can also help with travel costs, equipment, and learning resources, removing the financial barriers that might otherwise hold someone back. But that’s only part of the story. We’re developing a set of clear, engaging brochures that highlight the range of careers available in the builders’ merchant sector, and the financial support that is available from WCoBM. These will be available for builders’
merchants and building material suppliers across the industry to download and distribute to their own teams and will also be sent to community organisations like the YMCA and local job centres. The message will be simple but powerful: this is an industry where you can grow, thrive, and make a difference.
We want these materials to show that our sector is full of modern and rewarding roles – whether in technical, sustainability, branch management, logistics, digital or sales. Builders’ merchants are not only the link between manufacturers and sites – they are trusted advisors, relationship builders, and problem solvers. And the industry is changing fast, with new technologies, green building methods, and digital tools opening up fresh avenues for innovation. What’s more, we’re encouraging merchants, suppliers, and sector leaders to be vocal champions for change. Share your own success stories. Profile the rising stars in your business. Help us spread the word that this is an industry worth considering, not just for a job but for a lifelong career. And if anyone in your business wants to develop their skills and needs extra support to do so, consider applying for a WCoBM grant. Let’s make sure the next generation knows that builders’ merchanting and construction are industries with purpose, progression, and people at their heart. BMJ
• For more information about WCoBM’s grants, or to get involved in our outreach initiatives, visit www.wcobm.
co.uk/grants-and-funding.
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