UK tradespeople quoting for more work than 12 months ago
Nearly half (44%) of the UK’s plumbers, electricians, builders, carpenters and other trades say they are quoting for more work than 12 months ago, according to multi-channel retailer, Screwfix.
Of the 95% of tradespeople currently working, the majority (67%) say they have enough work to keep them busy and 16% claim to have more work than they can handle, with nearly half (48%) believing business will improve for them over the next year.
However, the latest Trade Pulse* report also revealed this optimism is tempered with a degree of concern around the general UK economy. Nearly one in three (32%) think it will worsen in the next 12 months, increasing from 20% who felt the same way 12 months ago.
Screwfix Trade Pulse is a monthly index which surveys more than 500 UK tradespeople to track work levels and optimism among the trade. The retailer undertakes the research to gain greater insight into the needs of its customers to ensure it provides the services and products required.
Andrew Livingston, CEO of Screwfix, comments: “The optimism seen among the UK’s tradespeople at the start of 2016 is continuing, however, there also seems to be more uncertainty on the nation’s economic outlook from the trade. Despite this, it is very encouraging to see that many continue to be in work, with more jobs to come, which is something we see reflected by our busy trade customers across our network of over 470 stores.
“We are focused on supporting tradespeople to maximise the business opportunities available to them and continue to open more stores, with 50 due to open this year. Currently, 90% of the UK population is within a 20 minute drive time of a Screwfix store, so we’re looking to bring Screwfix even closer to our customers.
“It’s greater convenience for busy tradespeople that has also led to certain services going from strength-to-strength, including our five minute Click & Collect service and Sunday delivery. As one of the key suppliers to the trade, we remain close to their needs to ensure we offer the services to support them the very best way we can.”
