It goes without saying that 2022 has been a challenging one for the industry. If anything, the hurdles tradespeople have faced over the past twelve months has tested its resilience. However, you’ve adapted and found solutions to make it through.
So, before we dive into our highlights of 2022, we want to thank you for supporting us and choosing Tradesman Saver to protect your business. Thank you!
Fingers crossed 2023 will see the light at the end of the tunnel and lead the country back towards some much-needed stability.
Charity work
Tradesman Saver has worked with some amazing charities and organisations over the past twelve months, and we hope to continue this trend across 2023.
In July, we nominated St Raphael’s as our charity of the year, and since then we have held events to raise funds for the hospice. Based in Sutton and Merton, St Raphael’s has been supporting the community for 35 years, and the work they do has had an amazing impact on people’s lives.
We also shared the amazing work Building Heroes are doing to aid military service leavers and veterans. Their charity provides training and employment support to those looking to start a career in the construction industry.
Mental health was also on the radar. Suicide rates in the industry remain higher than other sectors, and to raise awareness Tradesman Saver partnered with some key organisations.
This included the fantastic CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) who seek donations to help those who are dealing with poor mental health.
And the Mind Your Head Podcast (MYH) has seen Rob Muldoon sit down with tradespeople throughout the UK to share their struggles within the construction world. Rob works with a number of leading mental health awareness charities, including The Lighthouse Club.
Remember, if you’re not feeling yourself, or know someone who needs to reach out, don’t hesitate to find help.
Tradesman Saver offer all their policy holders access to the following, at no extra cost:
- For free confidential advice and support, call the Staff Counselling Helpline on
0333 000 2082 - For free help with legal and tax issues, call the Legal and Tax Helpline on
0344 571 7978 - Your Tradesman Saver policy also gives you access to free Business Support at
www.araglegal.co.uk.
Please don’t wait to speak to someone. Lives could be saved!
News
In news, we reported on the government’s decision to ban red diesel across the industry. This came at a time when fuel prices skyrocketed to almost £2 a litre. Before the ban, vehicles used for agriculture, on construction sites, and for maintenance, relied on low priced red diesel to keep their businesses running.
Since the ban, costs have increased in other areas, and over the year we have commented on the rise in materials costs.
Supply and demand was a huge issue in the first half of 2022, with chains suffering from material shortages. This pushed up material prices and labour costs across the sector. There has also been a shortage of skilled tradespeople, which has increased pay rates.
The later months of the year have seen material prices fall in some areas, however energy costs are impacting production costs to an all time high. In September, we looked at how steel manufacturing costs are 80% higher in the UK compared to France.
Back in June, we encouraged you to vote for Shed of the Year. Garden enthusiasts across the UK constructed a variety of hideaways, and saw a potting shed in Bury walk away with the prize. Entries for the 2023 competition are now open.
We also explored some amazing technology, that promises to make the construction industry safer and more efficient. This included exoskeleton wearables to protect those joints, and modular buildings constructed in warehouses before arriving on site.
Products
Tradesman Saver is always on the look out to collaborate with the best in the business, and 2022 did not disappoint.
Our latest product highlight saw Nigel from Sustainability Yard give an overview of his popular app. The platform gives tradespeople the opportunity to turn unused materials into cash, and find a bargain when budgets are tight.
Knauf demonstrated their latest range of plasterboard and airless plaster spray. And tool company Rothenberger showed off their latest power tools.
Back in May, Alex Lever introduced his innovative waste pipe design, PipeSnug, which secured investment from two dragons on Dragon’s Den.
Finally, our visit to London Build gave us the opportunity to talk to some amazing people including Hilti, Build a Career, and Marmox.
There you have it. An overview of what caught your attention in 2022. You’ll find more info about the fantastic people and organisations we didn’t have room to mention, at Tradesman Insights.
Tradesman Talk
How has this year been for you and your trade? And what has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced?
What are your construction industry predictions for 2023?
As always, leave your comments below and click the social links to share this article.
Until next time, make sure it’s Tradesman Saver.
