Midland Pallet Trucks is urging construction businesses to look at how small changes could help them tackle the challenges of Brexit now in order to provide some security in the future. Recent figures show that despite an improvement in activity, many firms still have a gloomy outlook when it comes to the future.
The recently published May 2017 construction purchasing managers’ index (PMI) showed a slight improvement in activity. However, this was linked to better weather conditions allowing firms to clear a backlog of work rather than books boasting new work. As a result, the increased activity wasn’t reflected in confidence, with many businesses fearing uncertainty related to Brexit would further slow down the sector. Another key Brexit concern is accessibility to employees, with firms worrying there will be skills shortages without access to the EU labour market.
Phil Chesworth, Managing Director of Midland Pallet Trucks, said: “While at first glance, the construction PMI suggests an improvement for the sector, there’s actually a lot going on beneath the service. With Brexit doom and gloom clear to see, businesses really need to start taking steps to ensure they’re in a good position, whatever the outcome of the negotiations. From taking the time to put in place staff retention strategies to investing in solutions that mean general tasks can be completed quicker, there are plenty of options for firms.”
While business clamour to get ready for a post-Brexit economy, Midland Pallet Trucks is also reminding firms not to neglect equipment and health and safety commitments. The business, which sells a range of pallet trucks to meet differing company needs, explains that investment in the right equipment cannot only significantly cut the number of workplace injuries but save companies money too, both in terms of a reduction in lost days due to employee illness and due to a boost in productivity.
Chesworth added: “It’s important to consider how the right equipment can provide essential support for employees and help them to get the job done as efficiently as possible. Despite all the uncertainty politically and economically, businesses shouldn’t be deterred from planning for the future.”
