You could be forgiven for thinking that the world as we know it is about to end, and the national press is doing a pretty good job of convincing everyone it's all gloom and doom.
But that's not what the evidence suggests. Take last month's CJ50 for instance contractors won £3.75bn of work in June 2008, worth almost £900m more than in June 2007. And it was pretty evenly spread across most sectors, including commercial and industrial.
The work looks set to continue, with this week's CJ carrying news of a new £5bn National Academies framework and Thames Water announcing £6.5bn of spending from 2010-2015.
Both of these should be some comfort to contractors feeling the pinch right now - but of course, it isn't quite as easy as that.
Being appointed to a framework will become increasingly competitive if other sources of work start to dry up. And given the size of the awards, they often go to larger contractors. It's good news, therefore, that Partnerships for Schools is considering simplifying applications - something other frameworks should consider.
For contractors, being prepared to subcontract to large firms on frameworks might also be worth thinking about. Yes, it requires a change of mindset, and yes, you are beholden to the main contractor, but if it helps ensure continuity of work, it has to be worth a go.
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Comments (1)
SOME GOOD NEW'S AT LAST THAT'S WHAT I LIKE TO HEAR.
GERRY.
Posted by GERRY | September 24, 2008 11:30 AM
Posted on September 24, 2008 11:30