Tradespeople still confident and busier than they expected

UK tradespeople have had a busy first half of 2018, and are more confident than they were last year, according to new research.

According to the Screwfix findings, 85 per cent of the plumbers, electricians, builders, carpenters questioned in Screwfix’s Trade Pulse* index said that they have future work lined up too.

Despite the uncertain political climate, the positive outlook is echoed when it comes to the trade’s confidence in the economy, buoyed by busier-than-expected months in May and June.

Trade Pulse also highlights an increase in the number of UK tradespeople planning major purchases such as power tools, reflecting their confidence in their future business even during harder economic conditions. Planned major purchases are at their highest level for two years, reflecting a mood of increasing optimism.

Screwfix CEO Graham Bell says: “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.”

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.

*Screwfix Trade Pulse is an index which surveys more than 500 UK tradespeople to track work levels and optimism among the trade.