“
Chris Morris, Chief Executive of Morris Site Machinery A robust economy is essential for all industry and it was interesting
to see the pound strengthen on news of an election, suggesting an expectation of stability - this encourages confidence for growth and investment. I believe the government’s priorities must include championing and supporting large infrastructure projects, particularly road and rail. I would also like to see this government flying the ‘Buy British’ flag more, encouraging UK
businesses to buy from UK suppliers – perhaps not quite Donald Trump style, but all the same re-invigorating national pride in our industrial capability. As a business with manufacturing plants and depots across the country, I would also like to see an emphasis on regional regeneration.
Gary McWilliam, MD of Hire Supply Co
“ You read so many articles
about new projects and the government’s commitment to its infrastructure promises and affordable housing, but no one knows how it will play out as we start the Article 50 process and our true Brexit. A key focus should be a commitment to the wider construction industry and to stand by pledges, irrespective of what happens further down the line. Over the next couple of years,
”
Barry Dean, MD of The Hire Network
“ Most hirers rely chiefly on the
construction industry, so we should consider candidates and parties who will support it. For private sector investment we need confidence and certainty. We should be looking for a government that wants a soft Brexit with a good deal that will leave our relationship with the EC as close as possible to where it is now. The government wants to build 1,000,000 homes by 2020 but that
looks unrealistic without a relaxation of planning regulations. Roads, schools and hospitals all need continual investment, so we require commitments there. We also need some honesty in politics. We cannot afford the NHS and a quality education system without greater funding. These need to come from increased taxation and we need politicians who address that. So, vote for the softest Brexit possible with an admission that taxes need to rise significantly - easy!
” ““
Paul Hay, MD of Trime UK Trime champions the use of environmentally sustainable equipment.
Therefore, my hope is that whoever triumphs will continue to support the excellent work carried out by the Environment Agency and bodies like the Carbon Trust. With government encouragement, the construction industry, along with its hire partners, has been leading the way in utilising energy-efficient machinery, reducing the environmental impact on construction sites and surrounding areas. The new government will have many pressing issues to deal with, particularly with Brexit negotiations about to begin, but my desire is that the great, green, strides we have made in recent years are continued well into the future.
the construction industry will need to recruit 36,400 people a year to keep up with growing levels of demand, according to a CITB report, so this has to be a priority. But as far as HSC is concerned, it’s business as normal. Yes, we need to be aware of what might, or might not, happen but it cannot overshadow the everyday decisions that need to be taken to continue moving businesses forward.
”
Craig Michel, Director, Paragon Protection Systems/Zappshelter
“ The outcome of an election
is inevitable for smaller businesses. Supporting SMEs is a popular theme for candidates, but, in cold, post-election reality, this hard-working, employment- creating and tax-paying mainstay of the economy is largely ignored. SMEs characteristically
display dogged determination, and successive governments know they will battle on, working hard, paying on time and providing employment. The next government must provide much-needed support - some real, tangible benefits. Rather than throwing money at ill-established ventures, they must use employment as the determining factor. If a business is recruiting, get behind it with generous employment grants, rates relief and tax breaks. I’m not a betting man, but I’d put money on nothing happening. That’s your challenge, Mrs May. Prove me wrong.
”
Tim Smith, MD of Brandon Hire One of the positives about Theresa May’s decision to call a snap election
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is that it will provide more stability. During recent years all companies have had to get used to be being buffeted by the changing winds of politics, with elections here and overseas, and a couple of referendums. This has been challenging. But having a general election now gets it out of the way and means that, at least for the next five years, we will be able to plan better and there will be less economic uncertainty, which will encourage investment. None of us can predict the outcome, but less austerity and restrictive policies - a more centrist prime minister than we’ve had before (which I think Theresa May would be) - should prolong consumption and growth, which will be good for business. And investment in infrastructure is always top of my wish list.
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