Projects cancelled or placed on hold, falling output in new orders, job losses, material cost increases, bankruptcies and a scarcity of financial stimuli has placed the entire industry under extreme pressure. Continuing uncertainty about the future of the euro zone and a lack of consumer confidence in the UK are also still holding back important investment decisions.
Many small and medium sized construction firms have found it increasingly difficult to win work in a market where average contract values have plummeted and the UK’s larger contractors chase smaller projects to maintain workloads. However one such company, Leeds-based Hewlett, is continuing to weather the recessional storm and this year celebrates its 25th anniversary.
Hewlett’s Managing Director, Alan Cooper explains why Hewlett is determined to celebrate its 25th year and says what he believes 2012 will bring for the company:-
“Over the years the business has grown steadily and is now one of the largest privately owned construction companies in Yorkshire. With a loyal team of staff, where the majority have served 10 or more years with the company, Hewlett continue to deliver on budget and on schedule on every project undertaken. Now that’s something to celebrate!
“Yes, the recession has hit Northern England hard and while we are prepared for the recovery to be long and slow Hewlett haven’t sat idly by and waited for the economy to right itself. We have taken a measured and considered approach and have restructured and diversified where possible. We are continuing to take action to keep the business on past and current clients' radars with the intention of being well placed to win new business.
“2012 is due to be another year where the construction forecast is not as good as expected. In fact I’d go as far to say it will be at least 2014 before the industry can expect to see any significant signs of recovery. However, two of the areas of relative recovery in output are rail and energy, both sectors in which we are well placed. There are also some signs of improvement in the housing market.
“Equally, we are trying hard to retain skilled workers and engage and invest in training to improve current skills. Equipping the UK with a well-trained, productive construction workforce has never been more important as the skills lost to the industry during this recession must be replaced. And this is why we are continuing to plan for the future and invest in our training centres at both Cross Green in Leeds and in South Staffordshire.”
In conclusion Alan says: “Now in our 25th year Hewlett is continuing to defy the recession. I’m very proud of what we’ve achieved in our first quarter century I can only conclude that we must be doing something right. We look forward to 2012 and another 25 years of success.”
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