For more than 30 years, the FMB's State of Trade Survey has monitored key indicators and predicted future short-term developments in the UK construction industry. It is the only survey of its kind to focus exclusively on small and medium-sized (SME) firms throughout the construction sector. The survey is dispatched to the entire membership every quarter. The survey for Q1 2022 received 304 responses and they are weighted according to the number of employees.
Building regulations
- 52% of small, local builders in England are either not prepared for or not aware of building regulation changes that are coming into force in June, with the aim of improving the energy efficiency of buildings. They are interim measures ahead of the Future Homes and Building Standards set for 2025.
Workload
- 73% of small builders have delayed jobs because of a lack of materials.
- 55% of FMB members have delayed jobs due to a lack of skilled tradespeople.
- Industrial and commercial suffering with only a 4% reported increase in workload and members reporting no increase in enquiries.
Skills
- 45% of builders are struggling to hire carpenters/joiners, up 2% on last quarter.
- 40% of FMB members are finding it difficult to hire bricklayers, down 1% on last quarter.
Prices
- Nearly all FMB members (98%) reported an increase in material costs in Q1 2022.
- 95% of respondents expect material costs to increase in Q2 2022.
- 83% of builders have put up their prices for work, up from 74% in Q4 2021.
Download the latest State of Trade survey below. Previous reports are also available for download.
