UK tradespeople are reporting high levels of work activity in the first half of 2018 with confidence higher than last year.
According to research undertaken independently on behalf of Screwfix, 85 per cent of the plumbers, electricians, builders, carpenters questioned in Screwfix’s Trade Pulse* index, said that as well as working on current projects they also have more lined up.
Amid uncertain wider political issues, this positive outlook is echoed when it comes to the trade’s confidence in the economy. In particular activity levels in May and June indicate a sustained mood of optimism, as the sector was busier than expected, which is excellent news for tradespeople.
Supporting the encouraging outlook, Trade Pulse highlights an increase in the number of UK tradespeople planning major purchases such as power tools, which reflects their confidence in their future business, even during harder economic conditions. Increasing from 25 per cent to 28 per cent, planned major purchases are at their highest level for two years, reflecting a mood of increasing optimism.
Graham Bell, CEO of Screwfix, comments: “We continue to invest to ensure that Screwfix is ready to meet our customers’ needs by providing the right range, at the right price and being conveniently accessible. With such a high percentage of tradespeople with work and new projects in the pipeline, we are ready to meet demand and help trade customers get the job done quickly, affordably and right first time.”
Many of the activities that are monitored by the Screwfix Trade Pulse concerning business activity, such as levels of quoting for new work, investment and financial health, are still at much higher levels than those reported in 2017. Quoting levels for new work have increased, reaching 27 per cent from 21 per cent reported in May 2017. In addition, when asked about workloads, 27 per cent of tradespeople say they are ‘busier than they expected to be’. This compares to 22 per cent a year ago.
In addition, both general economic and business confidence felt by UK tradespeople has been maintained, peaking in April with the highest levels seen for more than 12 months.
“More tradespeople undertaking more jobs, together with full work diaries, is excellent news as we continue to support our busy tradespeople through our compelling proposition of convenience and choice, via our extensive store network and wide product range.” added Graham Bell.
It is clear that the quantity of business opportunities for UK tradespeople continues to be resilient to current uncertainties. Consumers and businesses remain happy to undertake refurbishments, home improvements and new construction projects, a sentiment reflected in the positive activity figures presented by the Screwfix Trade Pulse.
*Screwfix Trade Pulse is an index which surveys more than 500 UK tradespeople to track work levels and optimism among the trade.
About Screwfix
Screwfix is part of Kingfisher plc, the international home improvement company, with nearly 1,200 stores in 10 countries in Europe, Russia and Turkey. For further information go to www.kingfisher.com.
Screwfix is convenient, straightforward and affordably-priced, helping its trade customers get the job done quickly, affordably and right first time. Tradespeople can shop 29,000 products over the phone, online, via their mobile or in-person from their local store.
- From power tools and work wear to cables and pipe fittings, Screwfix offers over 11,000 products available for pick up from over 550 stores nationwide. Our full range of over 29,000 products can be ordered over the phone, online or from a local store, with orders taken up until 8pm (weekdays) for next day delivery to home or site.
- Screwfix.com attracts 2.6 million unique visitors per week.
- The Screwfix Click & Collect service means customers can conveniently purchase supplies online or over the phone and then collect from the store in as little as one minute.
- Customers can call the UK-based Screwfix Contact Centre 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (including bank holidays) on 03330 112 112.
- UK stores are open 7 days a week, from 7am – 8pm Weekdays, 7am – 6pm Saturdays and 9am – 4pm Sundays. Excludes selected stores. See www.screwfix.com/stores for details.
- 9 out of 10 customers would recommend Screwfix to a friend.
- Screwfix was voted the 5th highest rated UK company for work-life balance by Glassdoor Employees' Choice Awards in 2016.
- Screwfix was awarded Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work in 2017 and 2018.
- Screwfix was awarded Retail Week’s Multichannel Retailer of the Year in 2017.
- In 2016, Screwfix sales surpassed £1bn for the first time.
- Screwfix was awarded 2nd place in Retail Week’s Best Employer Rankings in 2017.
- Screwfix was awarded South West Contact Centre Forum’s Large Contact Centre of the Year Award in 2017.
- For more information about Screwfix please visit our media centre: www.screwfixmedia.co.uk
Press information:
For more information, please contact:
Matthew Allen, McCann Public Relations, Tel: 0121 713 3579 / [email protected]
