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Top 7 questions we get asked by brickwork companies looking for new suppliers
In this video we look at answering the top 7 questions that we get asked by brickwork companies looking for new suppliers.
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Delivery and collection – what we offer
When it comes to work, convenience is a huge aspect. There are naturally things you can’t control, but everyone tries to make what they can control convenient. That applies to ordering as well, as while that process can be as convenient as possible, how you receive it may not. That is why we have both delivery and collection options available, but which is best for you? And how quickly can we turn things around? In this article, we’ll seek to clear up everything you need to know about delivery or collection. What delivery options do I have available? Depending on where you’re located in the UK, our method of delivery varies, If you are inside our geographic area, then it will be our own vans that deliver your goods. We are very proud to offer a reliable delivery service, with 75% of deliveries arriving before midday. In addition, we also offer next-day delivery, to help you get what you need faster. You can see where we deliver to here, but please note that we are always looking at ways in which we can expand our geographic reach. As such, keep an eye on that link as we will put any changes there. Our drivers will give you a call when they are 10 minutes out and will also insist on a signature upon arrival to sign over the goods. They will also take a photo of the items when they have been successfully delivered, as proof of delivery. In addition, via our customer portal, you can live-track your delivery. This will give you a rough estimated time of arrival, so you can plan your day accordingly. If you are out of our own-van delivery area, then we will still ensure your goods are reliably delivered to you, as we have partnered with a pallet network. This will also be live-tracked and the pallet drivers do normally call in advance like our own drivers do, however this isn’t something we can guarantee. What happens if I want to collect my items? If you wish to collect your items, that is absolutely fine. In fact, if you are able to do so and you are based in London, this is possibly a more effective way of getting what you need, especially if you’re in a hurry. The address for our warehouse is Trinity House, 111 River Road, Barking, Essex, IG11 0EG. In order to do this though, it is best to get in touch with us over the phone, even if you order via the portal. On the portal, it’s possible to set your sender address as the Multifix warehouse, which immediately alerts our customer service team so they can make it a click and collect order. However, it’s best to still get in touch over the phone, so that we can best guide you. We don’t want you turning up and waiting for a while, because the wait is determined by what you’ve ordered. Generally speaking though, we can have most orders ready and processed for you an hour after you hang up the phone with us. Naturally, if it’s a large order, it may take a bit longer to collate. When you arrive at the warehouse, there is a signposted collection point for you to go to. This is located by the side shutter with the ramp. When you get there, someone will be on hand to take your query. Determining what’s best for you Ultimately, it’s about convenience for you. If you’re passing through or live nearby, it may be better to come and collect. However, you may not have time to do so, even if you do live nearby. In this instance, delivery will be your best bet. What’s important to us though is that you have the option to do either. If you would like to get in contact with us at Multifix to discuss either delivery or collection, you can do so by clicking this link.
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The differences between self-tapping, self-drilling and CSK screws
When it comes to screws, there’s a lot of choice. And with so many different and similar names, it can be confusing to work out which is which. This is especially the case with three types of screws in particular; self-tapping screws, self-drilling screws and countersunk screws, otherwise known as CSK screws. Self-tapping and self-drilling screws are both designed mainly for metal, whereas a CSK screw is designed for timber to steel or any other metal. As such, it’s important to be clear with what you’re using. In this article, we will explain what each of these three screws do, to clear up any confusion. We also have a video on the topic, which you can see below. Self-tapping screws Self-tapping screws are perhaps the most easy to mistake, as they look very similar to a wood screw given the thread goes all the way up. However, there are several key differences between the two. The centre shank of the screw is a lot stronger and heavier than a wood screw, which is the first giveaway, while the thread pitch is also a lot closer together. In addition, a self-tapping screw is very tough as it would’ve gone through a strengthening process before leaving the factory. As for what it does, a self-tapping screw makes its own threaded hole as it’s driven into a material. It doesn’t need a pre-drilled hole, which can make it very convenient. Self-drilling screw As the name suggests, self-drillers – or TEK screws, as they are referred to– are designed to drill their own hole and then tap their own threads as it’s driven into the material. They have a completely different front compared to self-tapping screws, with the front designed to act like a drill. A self-driller will then pre-drill through the material, before then bringing the thread in behind it. This is otherwise known as drilling and then tapping, so it’s easy to see why there could be some confusion with self-tapping screws. However, a self-drilling screw is a more technical screw and is made up of multiple different parts. This in itself should help differentiate it from a self-tapping screw. Countersunk screws The first thing that sets a CSK screw apart is that it is designed for a completely different material than both the self-tapping screw and the self-drilling screw. They have a countersinking head, but also have two small bumps on either side, which are located shortly above the drill point. These are sometimes referred to as wings. The purpose of these bits is to clear out the timber as the screw goes through the material, which prevents it damaging the thread. Once they reach the metal point, they snap off and then allow the screw to tap into the metal material, making it a very effective screw. Brilliant options for brilliant projects All three of these screws are highly beneficial when used properly, but using one in an instance where another should’ve been used can end badly. Hopefully we have helped clear up any confusion around the screws, whether it’s from this article or the video at the top of the page. If you would like to speak to someone at Multifix about any of these screws, we are happy to help. You can get in touch with us via this link.
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Just how much impact has Brexit had on UK construction?
It’s been nearly a decade since the British public made the decision to leave the European Union and we continue to feel the impact of that every day. In terms of industry though, the UK construction industry has certainly had some notable changes since the referendum, which have brought their own challenges. In this article, we will take a look at how things have changed since the vote in 2016 and how those changes impact the UK construction sector. Construction costs have shot up Things have gotten a lot more expensive for people in UK construction since the decision to leave the EU and at an alarming rate, too. As reported by The Guardian, data analysis from both the UK Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and Eurostat, the central EU database, showed that the cost of materials, including steel, cement and timber, rocketed up by 60% between 2015 and 2022. Rising costs affected everybody in Europe, be it from the Covid-19 pandemic or general supply chain problems, but the UK was stung the most. For context, in the same period, the average rise for EU countries was 35% The reason for the 25% increase compared to the average rise across EU countries comes down to things like added costs, admin or bureaucracy and it is smaller firms who will feel the pinch a lot more. Across the same time period and according to the same data analysis, the cost of labour also soared – in the UK, it rose by 30%. This is also significantly more than other EU countries. For comparison, Denmark and the Netherlands saw their cost of labour rise by 14%. There’s been a notable shortfall in the UK labour force It has been estimated by a thinktank that 330,000 people have left the UK labour force since Brexit, which includes the construction industry. As a result, the situation has gotten pretty dire – so much so, that in July 2023, the UK government relaxed visa rules for foreign builders to try and combat this. Jobs such as bricklaying, carpentry, roofing and plastering, amongst other construction jobs, were all added to the ‘shortage occupation list’, which offers a huge incentive to those from abroad. If you have a job role on the shortage occupation list, you are eligible for 80% pay in addition to a skilled worker visa and a lower application fee, assuming you have a sponsored job offer and can speak English. As per UK law, employers are allowed to offer 80% to EU migrants instead of the full 100% they’d have to pay domestic citizens, if they are filling a job listed on the shortage occupation list. Construction worker shortages have always been problematic, but not quite on the post-Brexit level. Since Brexit, EU workers need a visa to work in the UK, which became a major issue after Covid-19, when a lot of EU construction workers returned home. The change will no doubt help with the dwindling figures, which is great for the construction industry. Making the most out of challenging circumstances The construction industry, perhaps more so than any other industry in the UK, has always found a way to be resilient in the face of adversity. It is determined, dogged and strong. In a post-Brexit world, that is no different. The challenges are very much real and have a big impact, but those in UK construction still find a way to deal with it as best they can and bounce back. If you would like to read more articles on construction, you can find several – in addition to videos – on our Expert Hub. You can find that here.
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Should you use CSK screws on metal applications?
A question we are often asked relates to countersunk screws (CSK screws) and whether they should be used on metal applications. Unfortunately, the answer isn’t straightforward, as it’s both yes and no. However, we can explain and that’s what we’re going to try and do in this article. Here, we will discuss both sides of the coin and hopefully, that can help you. We also have a video for you, which explains the reasons for not using CSK screws on metal applications. You can watch that below. What are the reasons for not using CSK screws on metal applications? It is generally advised not to use CSK screws on steel-to-steel fixings. This is because whenever a CSK screw comes into contact with metal, all of the pressure is where the screw head comes into contact with the steel plate. This can cause the screw to malfunction, which is less than ideal. As such, hexhead screws are a much better bet as they stop the fixing from breaking, while also keeping the material flat. In addition, a CSK screw can actually distort the material it is being used on. Because of the nature of CSK screws, they can bend the material – especially if it’s thin metal – out of shape. This won’t happen with a hexhead screw, which will instead make sure that the material remains flat. As such, it’s advised not to use CSK screws with metal applications. And what are the reasons for using CSK screws on metal applications? However, that doesn’t mean you can’t full stop. There is a way around the above, which is actually a very simple solution. If you countersink the corresponding hole, which will allow it to accept the screw head instead, then you’ll be able to use CSK screws on metal applications. This is because by countersinking the corresponding hole, the load will be spread evenly across the CSK screws, instead of all the force being on one small CSK screw. If all the force is on one small CSk screw, a failure is almost certain. As such, use a hexhead screw or countersink the corresponding hole to use CSK screws. Finding a solution As we stated earlier in the article, it’s not just as simple as saying yes or no, but hopefully with the explanation above, you’ll have some clarity around the situation. If you would like to speak to Multifix about CSK screws, then please feel free to do so. You can get in touch with us by following this link.
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Two types of masking tapes Multifix stocks and how they fare against Frogtape
Masking tape is something of an essential for those in the trade, be it carpentry or refurbishment. Easy to use, flexible and generally pretty small, it’s a necessity for most toolboxes. But, does it matter how much you pay for your masking tape? Is there really much difference between the market leader and cheaper products? And if not, can a bargain be had? At Multifix, there are two types of masking tape in particular that we stock – unbranded masking tape and our Multifix blue masking tape. To find out, we did a test pitting them against Frogtape, the market leader, which you can see in the video below. We wanted to determine how the tape peels off and how it impacts any paint it is trying to separate, which brought interesting results. Unbranded tape For the test, a standard paint was used and the 25mm unbranded tape, the cheapest out of the three, fared pretty well all things considered. It peeled off very easily and left no marks at all on the rough surface it was placed upon, which was a very good start. The width of the unbranded tape was thinner than the blue Multifix tape and the Frogtape, but there were no real issues. There was enough from the test to show if you wanted to use the unbranded tape and wanted to put one strip partially over another to get a bigger width, you could do so without any problems. The only slight blemish was that when you peeled the tape away, the paint was maybe a little bobbly and could be picked at once it had fully dried. It wasn’t anything too detrimental, but compared to the others, this is where the cheaper price tag definitely came to fruition. Multifix blue masking tape Alongside the unbranded tape was the 50mm Multifix blue masking tape, which was much stickier than the unbranded tape, but came away just as easily. It is also double the size of the unbranded tape, which naturally means it can cover more space, but this doesn’t make any difference to how easily it peels away, also leaving no marks. The increase in price when it comes to how sharp the paint lines are is warranted compared to the unbranded masking tape too, as the Multifix blue masking tape leaves a much sharper finish. However, there is still a slight element of crumbly paint, which could be picked at once it had dried and would otherwise leave an imperfect finish. That being said, it’s a big upgrade on the unbranded and especially useful if you have to cover more ground, too. Frogtape The reputation Frogtape has earned as a market leader is thoroughly deserved and in this test, it came up trumps compared to the other two. In very much a vase of “you get what you pay for,” the lines left behind from the Frogtape were the sharpest out of all three, easily winning the best finish. It also peeled off very easily, but there is less of it in a full tape compared to the other two. Both the unbranded and Multifix blue masking tape are in rolls of 50m, while the Frogtape comes in rolls of 41m. In terms of width, it sits in-between both the unbranded and the Multifix blue with a width of 36mm, but peels off very easily and does its job brilliantly. Even though you get less per roll, it is the most expensive out of the three options, but the caveat to that is that you’re getting the best out the three by acquiring it. Tale of the tape To wrap things up, there is very good reason why we stock what we do. Both of them have strong positives and in relation to all three, some are better than others in certain areas. In regards to what is best for you, that would depend on your project. If you need to cover more width, then the Multifix blue masking tape won’t let you down. If you need something cheaper but reliable, then the unbranded tape will do a good job. However, if you want precision on the paint, then the Frogtape will be the best bet for you and you’ll get what you pay for. You can find Frogtape on many stocklists, including Amazon, Screwfix and Toolstation. To find out more about Multifix’s range of masking tape, you are more than welcome to get in touch with us. You can do so by following this link.
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What is an EPDM washer?
An essential for those in the trade, EPDM washers come in handy for a number of different scenarios and are a good friend to those who use them. But, what exactly are they? What is their main purpose? What makes them so useful? And what does EPDM even stand for? In this article, we will explain all of those questions in detail, but we have also put together a brief video for you on the matter. You can watch that below. Tell me then – what is EPDM and what does it stand for? EPDM stands for Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer, so it’s easy to see why it was abbreviated. In its simplest form, this is a type of synthetic rubber that goes around a screw. It can be removed from the screw if you so wish, but there are several benefits to keeping it on – especially if you’re working on something that will be exposed to the outdoors. Essentially, the rubber provides an airtight seal between the screw and the material it is being screwed into, with the seal also being watertight. You mentioned about the outdoors – what makes them stand out? EPDM washers are incredibly resistant to the weather, chemicals and temperature on either side of the scale, which makes them essential for outdoor projects. The washers generally have a temperature range of -40 to 120 degrees, while they can more than deal with ozone, UV exposure or general weathering. In addition, they are fine when it comes to acids and solvents, so if you are working in an environment where chemical exposure is an issue, they will be more than up to the task. Is there anything else I need to know about EPDM washers? They are built to last, which is another reason why they are so popular with those in the trade. They are incredibly durable and can withstand repeated compression and expansion cycles without losing any of their sealing properties. As a result of their airtight nature, they’ll also keep just about anything out. Be it dust, water, air or other contaminants, they will stop pretty much everything from getting through. Finally, they are very flexible. Whether it’s an ideal, smooth surface or a very irregular and rough one, EPDM washers will still deliver. If you would like to contact Multifix for more information about EPDM washers, or to find out more about wanting to buy them, you can get in touch with us here.
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Is an impact driver the right tool for you?
An impact driver can be a valuable tool for those in the trade, but it isn’t as simple as picking it up and then having all your problems solved. For all the positives that having one brings, a lot needs to be considered before you use one just for the sake of using one. In this article, we will weigh up the pros and cons of using an impact driver, which will hopefully highlight its best practices. What are the pros of using an impact driver? It’s worth noting that there are many positives to using an impact driver, hence why they are seen as a fundamental tool. They are hugely efficient as they are so quick, saving ample time in the process. It’s just as simple as lining up the screw and drilling it through. Naturally, this is extremely helpful for large projects. All impact drivers have a high degree of torque, which can also help when drilling screws into tougher materials. They are also suitable for use with a wide range of screws, which makes them very important as that versatility cannot be understated. They can also be used for driving screws into a variety of materials, such as wood, plastic and metal. Finally, they are very compact. They are lightweight and easy to move about, which can be very helpful if you’re working in tight spaces. That’s a lot of pros, but what about the cons? The main cons for using impact drivers come maybe being too eager to use the tool in the first place, which is why a degree of common sense needs to be had. For example, it’s very possible that you can over-tighten or even snap a screw by using an impact driver, due to the power behind it. As such, you need to be fully aware of what screws you are using. It’s also possible that you could strip the heads of the screws, which is especially likely if the tool isn’t used properly, has the wrong head in or is used for driving screws into soft material. We have put together a video that explains how all three of these possibilities can happen, which you can see below. So is an impact driver right for me or not? Generally speaking, yes. They make your life a lot easier, they can make projects go by a lot quicker and they can really boost productivity for you. However, they must only be used where necessary given the force behind the impact driver, otherwise you’ll burn through boxes of screws. If you would like to find out more information on impact drivers, we are happy to help. You can get in touch with us by clicking this link.
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Apprenticeships at Multifix – the story from those involved
Cameron Duke, our Accounts Apprentice, is currently undertaking an AAT (Association of Accounting Technicians) Level 2 in Accounting and has opened up about his experiences with the scheme. How did the apprentice opportunity open up for you at Multifix? I was at school looking for apprentice opportunities to progress in accounting and after looking at multiple websites, I noticed there was a listing for an apprentice scheme in the course I was looking to take. After that, things went from there! What made you go for an apprenticeship instead of going to college or university? I spoke to family members that are in an accounting role, so my uncle is a taxation specialist, while my nan and my aunt both work in accounting or finance related roles. They advised the course to take and to go through work experience as it’s more valuable than going to university. With the courses I will partake in, I’ll come out with the same qualification that I’d have received going to university by the time I’m 21, which will hopefully be a chartership in accounting through the ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants), or the CTA (Chartered Tax Adviser). I’ll also have no debt and I’d have six years’ worth of work experience with the same relevant qualifications. How do you find juggling your coursework and your actual work? It’s fine, it can be tricky at times with what’s needed from the course as it requires a lot of time and effort, but luckily I have day release once a week, which lets me focus solely on that coursework. Multifix don’t have to do this, but they do so to try and better the course for me. You mentioned the day release, but how else do Multifix support you on your scheme? They fund the course and they provide the work alongside it, too. For the ACCA and CTA, which are the chartership courses I’ll look to partake in, you need three years of work experience in an accounting or finance-related role, so that helps a lot towards that. How have you found the exams? They’re manageable, but the pass rates do differ. I’ve passed all the exams I’ve sat and the most recent one, which was a costing exam, I achieved 95%. Overall, I’m working towards a distinction, so all is going well. What are your personal aspirations from the apprentice scheme? The experience and knowledge can then lead to me working in practice and hopefully, I’ll eventually own my own practice. I’d love to have my own firm specialising in both taxation and audits and insurance. What advice would you give to anyone looking for an apprenticeship? From my own personal experience, I’ve generally found it easy to balance studying with my work. I think it has been the right choice for me, but I think people should do what’s best for them and go for it if it’s of interest to them.
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What’s the true cost to your business of placing multiple orders?
Whether you’re buying for yourself or whether it’s on behalf of a business, it’s essential to extract the most from your purchases. This is why the topic of ordering is always one for discussion as, depending on how you process it, it can vary in total cost. We are frequently asked about what the average cost of an order is, but that’s a little difficult for us to answer. The reason why it’s difficult is that there are a few variables to consider, but on average, the cost of processing an order in the UK ranges between £4 and £25. That is according to research from the Hackett Group and from Gartner, as per Process Flows, which should give you some idea. However, the general go-to figure for the cost of an order is £50. But why is it that much? Why does it vary so much? And how expensive can an invoice be? £4 to £25? £50? Why is that average so different and why is the go-to fee much higher? The short answer is that the cost of actually processing an order varies from business to business, as some will go about it completely differently than others. Some may do it manually, which can pose a whole heap of challenges, while others may use automation to process their orders. Automation is by no means 100% risk-free, but it certainly cuts down on human error and can save time for others elsewhere. Manual ordering can also slow things down, as bits of paper can physically be left somewhere for ages without actually being processed. This also has a cost as it can run the risk of a late payment. What is even considered when it comes to working out an order cost? Things like payment fees, the total cost of the software involved (if there is any), the full cost of the headcount, staff time, whether it’s late or on bad supplier terms, as well as processes. All of these things are factored in when getting an average estimate of what processing an order actually costs. You also have to factor in things like accommodation, heating and lighting, which all sounds rather odd, but literally every part of the ordering process has to be priced up. How to reduce the cost of ordering Some of this cost can be offset by planning ahead and placing larger orders, which may be more of an outlay initially, but could save more down the line. For instance, one £500 order will be a cheaper order to process than 10 x £50 orders, even though the initial outlay is more. You can find out more about the pros and cons of larger orders vs smaller orders here, but as it is just the one order, there is a lot less to factor in to the overall cost. What else might help? One thing we have at Multifix to help streamline the buying process is our customer portal, which can make an impact thanks to the speed of it. All of the important information, such as proof of delivery, invoice etc, can all be found in one place as such. To find out more about the Portal and how it can help you, click here. Furthermore, if you would like to speak to a member of our team to discuss invoices or the Portal further, you can get in touch with us by following this link.
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Large orders v small orders – what’s better?
As people, we are prone to falling into a convenience financial trap. 30% of us, according to YouGov, are likely to prioritise a monthly payment for a service rather than paying up front, for example. It makes sense, to some extent. Whether it’s car insurance or streaming services, it’s less noticeable for your bank account to see a small fee go out than a large one, even if you end up paying more across a year. However, this can translate into other buying habits, too. This is especially the case when it comes to ordering what we need as and when, instead of forward planning. But is it better to forward plan and get a large order in? Or does it make more sense to get things as and when you need them? In this article, we will look at both options and what their respective pros and cons are. What are the pros of ordering as and when? The main pro to ordering as and when is the convenience aspect. If you just know what you need, you can get that without really needing to think of much else, other than getting the project done. This also requires minimal effort, as it’s just a case of sourcing exactly what you need rather than mapping out what else you could need for a future project. However, while you end up getting what you require, that’s about as far as the pros go when it comes to ordering as and when. So what are the cons then? The cons of only ordering what you need, more often than not, means that you end up placing multiple orders, when just one would’ve done. This has a financial cost as well, as the cost of multiple invoices is going to be more than just one invoice. One £500 order will be a cheaper order to process than 10 £50 orders, even though the initial outlay is more. As such, while the initial outlay might not seem too bad, there is a notable knock-on effect if you’re making several small orders. Additionally, depending on where you are ordering from, you may have to pay a carrier charge if your order cost is under the minimum order threshold. What about bulk buying? What are the pros for that? With bulk buying, you can forward plan much easier, as you will have everything you need. You order it all once, then it’s done and you don’t have to worry about it. It also saves you money as it’s only one order to process, while it also saves you time in a sense as it’s only one delivery to factor in your day as well. In that sense, it’s arguably more convenient to bulk buy than it is to get things as and when, because once it’s done, it’s done. Are there any cons, though? One of the reasons why we order as and when is because we have little time. When you bulk buy, you need to allocate some time so you can work out exactly what you need to order. Finding this time can be problematic for some, even if the results are ultimately very good, so this can be a concern. Also, with a big bulk order, you may have to factor into account who is going to take the items and store them away. You may need to take employees away from their tasks for a few minutes to assist. In addition, a lack of storage on site can be a problem for some. Deciding what’s best for you In our opinion, we believe that bulk buying is a better option out of the two. It sets you up for longer, is only one order to process and leaves you more organised. It also wards off the possibility of delivery fees and while there may need to be a group effort to itemise everything, it’s worth it. However, ultimately it depends on what is best for you and your business. Maybe you prefer ordering as and when because it’s more convenient for you, but that of course comes with costs in processing multiple orders. But, if that works for you and continues to do so, then that can only be a good thing. It’s certainly worth factoring in the benefits of bulk buying, though. If you would like to speak to a member of our staff about as and when ordering or bulk buying, you can get in touch with us here.
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2023 in UK construction – what changed?
As Big Ben rang out on January 1, many in the UK construction industry were happy to see the back of 2023 given the challenges it brought. With a surge in energy prices, fluctuating fuel prices and the soaring cost of raw materials, a lot of people felt a financial pinch. That being said, 2023 did further prove that the construction industry is determined and there are things to take from 2023 that can be hugely beneficial. In this article, we will cast our eye back to the previous 12 months and examine what came to light during that time. A housing downturn led to problems Perhaps the biggest issue of 2023 was the fact that interest rates skyrocketed, making life incredibly difficult for people up and down the country. In December 2021, the interest rates were 0.1%, however by July 2023, they had shot up to a staggering 5% to combat rising prices elsewhere. This was especially notable for those who had to remortgage, as they were discovering that their monthly rate had gone up by a huge amount. Over a million Brits saw their rates go up by £500, as per the BBC. Those on fixed-term mortgages weren’t safe either, with the average rate of a two-year mortgage going up to 6.7% - which was a 15-year high. The consequence of this was that as homes became unaffordable to many, people stopped buying. And if people aren’t buying homes, then there’s no point in building them, which was a hammer blow to the construction industry. As per the BCIS, the ONS showed that new private housing work was down 2.8% in Q3 2023 compared to Q2 2023. More startlingly, it was 13.4% down on Q3 2022. In addition, according to Barbour ABI, the amount of construction contracts in 2023 dropped from £80.4bn to £69.2bn, which is a huge drop. The worry is that things will get worse before they get better on that front, with the BCIS believing that we won’t see significant growth again until 2025. The impact on construction firms 4,287 construction firms became insolvent between September 2022 and September 2023, which was an alarming 8.3% increase from the year before. The knock-on effect of this is huge, as it means people are out of work and projects will be impacted as there are fewer people on hand to do them. However, there was no recession One of the biggest fears for construction in 2023 was that the country would go into recession, which would’ve plunged the UK further into crisis. Thankfully however, that was avoided – albeit narrowly. As a result, while things are still looking bleak in one aspect, it isn’t the total disaster that could’ve been. The impact of a recession could’ve seen thousands of companies go out of business, in addition to the ones that sadly did go. It also could’ve seen projects grind to a relative halt and while there is an element of that at present, it would’ve been much worse with a recession. However, the industry remained resilient. So, as challenging as 2023 has been, there is still something to build from as we move further into 2024. That being said, there is an early hurdle to clear in 2024, as additional import charges are stinging companies as a direct result of the ongoing crisis in the Red Sea. The crisis is causing a delay in goods arriving, which is because of transportation following safer routes. However, this means fuel and insurance costs have gone up for transportation companies, which is something that we all have to contend with. Hopefully brighter times on the horizon As a result of 2023, the prospect of 2024 isn’t exactly vibrant and positive for the construction industry, but it’s far from a lost cause. In fact, according to BCIS, just 13% of construction professionals believe that there will be a fall in workload in 2024, despite all the disruption. The resilience shown to beat off all the threats of the recession will need to be displayed again in 2024, but the construction industry has long been known for its durability. Hopefully, with interest rates now starting to fall, the housing situation will improve during 2024 and more projects can get up and running. That would be a huge and timely boost. For now though, all we can do is dig in. To read more articles from Multifix about the construction industry and beyond, you can find our article library here.
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Tackling carbon with Ecologi in 2024
When it comes to gunning for net zero, the UK construction industry is very much doing its bit and constantly striving to hit its targets. At Multifix, we have always had an eye on being better from an environmental perspective, but in light of the 2023 Multifix sustainability report, which you can read here, we have accepted that we could do more. As such, we have decided to join forces with environmental organisation Ecologi to offset some of our carbon footprint, which is a very exciting development for us. This has allowed us to get involved with several fantastic projects, which not only allows us to give back, but also steps up our efforts to be more sustainable. In this article, we will go through three of the projects that we are contributing towards with Ecologi, all of which helps make us more climate-positive. Solar PV electricity generation in Indonesia When it comes to a global share of using fossil fuels, Indonesia ranks fourth in the world, making up a staggering 6% of the world’s total use. As such, a project located in Pringgabaya, which is an island of Lombok in Indonesia, is tapping into the clear potential of using renewable energy in the country. The aim is to start displacing fossil fuels and replacing them with cleaner energy sources, such as solar power, to reduce carbon emissions. There is a total installed capacity of 42 MW in place at present, which is spread across four different solar installations. Not only has the project brought about 69 local jobs, but it has also brought with it 18 community development activities. If all goes to plan and by providing electricity to go to the grid, this project alone could offset 34,000 tonnes of carbon each year. Fuel-efficient cookstoves in Uganda It is estimated that a third of the world is still cooking using dangerous cooking methods, whether this be by burning charcoal, firewood or animal waste, all of which boost greenhouse gas emissions. UpEnergy is a company based in Uganda that works in communities and areas that don’t have a lot of income flowing through them and tries to fight climate change. One of the methods in which they do this is by their initiative Community Carbon and one of their projects is to provide families with a fuel-efficient charcoal cookstove, instead of what already exists. These stoves can reduce daily household charcoal usage by between 45% and 55%, as a result of their improved thermal efficiency. They can last at least five years and are also created locally, which is good for the local economy as it creates employment opportunities. The stoves are also better for families as they are faster than the existing cooking equipment, meaning they have more free time every day. Multifix is delighted to be able to help. Repairing water boreholes in Eritrea Eritrea is a small country in Africa and whereas one in nine people around the globe don’t have access to clean water close to home, in Eritrea, it is basically one in five (19%). As such, residents have to either try their luck with rivers or open wells, both of which are unsafe, or have to travel miles to find clean water. As such, the Zoba Debub Community Boreholes project was founded for Eritrea and the aim is to give thousands of people a sustainable way of having clean water. For those unaware, boreholes are holes that allow access to safe clean water from underground. They can be as deep as 100m, with drilling pipes being installed. Then a hand pump is fitted and that’s all there is to it. However, most of the boreholes in Eritrea have been neglected, which means residents have been using wood fuel on stone fires to try and purify their water. Not only is this risky, but it also releases greenhouse gas emissions from the wood. As such, the project will help people have a better way of life, while also helping the environment. Wanting to make a difference We wanted to step up our carbon offsetting, hence why we’ve partnered with Ecologi, but we also wanted to make a difference. We believe that by working with Ecologi on these projects, we can go a long way towards doing that, while giving something back to the planet. At Multifix, we are excited to see how the projects fare and find out just how much difference we can make over 12 months. If you would like to do something with Ecologi and would like some further information, we are happy to help. You can get in contact with us by following this link.
Article
The Multifix 2023 sustainability report
The 2023 sustainability report for Multifix is very meaningful to us, as it shows how we’ve fared and gives you transparency on how we’re doing. Most importantly though, it also allows us to look at ourselves and find room for improvement, which is very much on the agenda for 2024. The results – how big was our carbon footprint? In 2023, the carbon impact of our own-van deliveries was the equivalent of 142 tonnes. Comparing that to others in the industry, that’s around average, but we feel that we need to be able to give something back to try and offset this. The reason for this is that 142 tonnes is quite the impact. If you turn that into cubic metres, it works out at 78,357 cubic metres of carbon that we added to the planet. To help you try and visualise this, that is the equivalent of 696 London buses, 39 Olympic swimming pools or 16.85 Big Ben’s. That is a lot and it’s something that we intend on doing something about, especially with the aim to help net zero. In comparison to other companies, it’s staggering how many tonnes are being emitted. On Black Friday 2020, Hermes/Evri emitted 58,000 tonnes of carbon on that day alone. Considering we are 142 tonnes for the year, that’s very striking. Offsetting our carbon impact For 2024, Multifix is doing a lot more to be sustainable. As mentioned earlier, sustainability is very important to the company. However, we want to do more. Our plan for 2024 is to start offsetting our operational output, which we are looking to do in several different ways. One way of doing this is by planting trees, but we are also going to be looking at helping carbon clean-ups, assist with restoring habitats and boosting renewable energy, amongst other things. Rather than just commit to one thing, such as planting trees, we want to impact many different areas and not just for logistical reasons. The Earth only has so much land to plant trees, so it makes sense to do other things, but we are very excited to get stuck into numerous projects that we can assist with from an environmental aspect. You can find out more about what projects we are getting involved with here. An eye on the future By committing to offsetting part of our carbon impact, we are hopeful that we will be making an impact not only in 2024, but for years to come. The net-zero goal for construction is an important one and one that we take seriously. It is also one of the reasons why we have been so transparent with our sustainability figures. The quest for improvement never stops on our end and we are certain that when it comes to 2024’s reports, they will make for much greater reading. To see what else we are doing from a sustainability perspective, click here.
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Article
Hiring an apprentice as an employer - what's in it for you?
You may have seen our article explaining what budding apprentices need to know about Apprentice schemes, which you can read here. But what about the other side of the coin? Why should employers take apprentices on? What’s in it for them, at the end of it all? In this article, we will highlight several key things employers should take into consideration when looking to hire an apprentice, as, in our view, the pros vastly outweigh the cons. Hopefully, by the end of this article, you will be of the same opinion, as there is a lot you can gain as an employer from having apprentices around. You’re breathing fresh life into the industry One of the main issues with construction in the UK is that there is such a skills shortage. According to Employment Solutions, the industry is a staggering 200,000 skilled workers down from where it needs to be. They also claim that 20% of construction workers are in their 50’s, so there is palpable concern that we will soon reach a stage where demand vastly outweighs supply. By taking on apprentices, you are helping to plug that gap. By giving them an opportunity to grow, you’re also giving the industry a shot in the arm that it badly needs. With the tutelage of the experienced pros at construction firms and companies, thriving apprentices will be in good hands when it comes to progressing. By giving them a chance too, you will earn their loyalty as they will be grateful for giving them the experience, meaning your business will be looked after well by the future generation. You get a number of financial benefits Taking on an apprentice can be seen as something of a risk, at least in the short term while they are still getting to grips with things, so there are things in place to counteract that. As per gov.uk, if you have an apprentice under the age of 25 and earning less than £827 a week (£45,000 a year), you will not have to pay National Insurance Contributions when it comes to the apprentice’s salary. However, if you have an annual bill of £3M or over, you will have to contribute 0.5% of your monthly bill to the Apprentice Levy. This isn’t all bad though, as £15,000 of that, across the year, is deductible if you take an apprentice on. If you do not have an annual bill of £3M or more, then you don’t get the £15,000 deduction – but, assuming you haven’t exceeded the funding band maximum, you will only have to contribute 5% to the cost of training. The government will make up the other 95%. In addition, if you choose to train a 16-18 year-old as part of an apprentice scheme, both yourself as an employer and the provider will be eligible for a £1,000 payment. This is to entice employers to give apprentices a chance, so that everybody in the scenario benefits. Also, if you take on an apprentice aged between 19-25 and they have been in care or have a local authority education, health and care plan, you are also due a £1,000 payment as an employer. Finally, if you are a member of the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), you are eligible to other financial boosts from taking on apprentices. This includes payments of £2,500 per year for attendance and a £3,500 payment upon successful completion of the full apprenticeship. More information on the CITB grants can be found here. How to enrol an apprentice Enrolling an apprentice is done in six steps. These are as follows: Check the eligibility of the apprentice Sign agreements (contract of employment, apprenticeship agreement, commitment statement) Determine a training provider Decide what type of apprenticeship it is Identify end-point assessments Certification To find out more about these six steps in detail, you can find all the gov.uk advice here. You’re making a difference Ultimately, by taking on apprentices, you are making a big difference – for many different parties, including your own. The industry gets young people on board at a time it badly needs it, you can oversee their development and ensure the future is in good hands and have you’ll have financial gain as a result. Again using the gov.uk link from earlier in the article, productivity has been proven to increase 76% thanks to having apprentices. That will make a huge difference for you, the apprentice and the industry. In addition, with the right supervision, 75% of apprentices end up actually improving the quality of the work that your company is doing. Therefore, we fully believe the pros outweigh the cons when it comes to taking onboard new apprentices. It’s also one of the reasons we’re so active with the scheme ourselves. If you would like to talk to a member of our team that has experience with apprenticeships for further information, please feel free to get in touch with us. You can do so by following this link.