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Article
The construction industry is struggling, but are things getting better?

It’s no secret that things in the construction industry at this moment in time are not in the best of health. There’s hardship everywhere you look and unfortunately, it’s a very difficult time for many.   At some point, there will be a light at the end of the proverbial tunnel, but the question on the lips of many is when is that light going to start to become brighter?  In this article, we will look at the current state of the construction industry and analyse where potential shoots of positivity could come from in the remainder of the year.  What’s actually happening at present?  The picture is a somewhat bleak one, with construction companies folding at the highest rate in a decade, according to the Financial Times.  According to the government’s Insolvency Service, 4,280 companies in construction went under between June 2022 and 2023, which was 16.5% more than the previous year.   The picture didn’t improve for the rest of 2023, with it being reported by insolvency practitioner Begbies Traynor in January 2024 that 7,849 firms were at risk of collapse.  That report from Begbies Traynor also highlighted that construction was the number one industry under significant financial distress.  Is there any positivity on the horizon?  The good news is yes, although it may still be a harsh ride until the end of the year. Currie & Brown have recently published their April 2004 UK construction market outlook and there are positive signs ahead.  They are forecasting that there should be an increase in construction activity, although there is a risk this “could strain the current limited labour and contracting resources.”  As such, they are hoping for a more staggered approach instead of “a synchronised rush where everyone pursues projects simultaneously.”  In addition, they believe that despite the slowdown, there is ample long-term demand and they feel that companies who can position themselves strategically will be best placed to deal with the spike.   The upturn isn’t just predicted by Currie & Brown, either. S&P Global believes that a painful six month period of decline is now over, as March 2024 saw the strongest increase in new orders since May 2023.   This is especially encouraging as it has shown that a period of growth is coming to the construction industry, which is really important.   The Glenigan Index isn’t quite as optimistic in the short-term, but does believe non-residential construction is showing signs of life, which is good.   Reasons to be hopeful  The Currie & Brown report is certainly a ray of sunshine amidst an otherwise cloudy backdrop and a much-needed one at that.   Naturally, there is still a long way to go, as per the Glenigan Index, but the S&P Global insight was especially positive.   As outlined in this article, we understand that things are very tough for everyone at present – whether you’re a small firm or a nationwide giant. If you have any concerns that we may be able to help with, feel free to get in touch with us. You can do so here.  

Read more → 3 min read
Article
How a speedy supplier can improve your supply chain

The famous saying “slow and steady wins the race” certainly is true in some aspects and when it comes to a project, you can’t rush quality. However, it doesn’t always apply.   This is especially the case when you need service from your supplier quickly – be it getting a quote, making an order or receiving a delivery.  In this article, we will explain just why speed from your supplier matters and how it can make your life a whole lot easier.  More time to prioritise the things that matter  With a speedy supplier, everything falls into place much easier. You aren’t spending your day waiting around for a quote, you aren’t falling behind schedule because your deliveries are late and you can order what you need within seconds.   This allows you time to solve other issues and to focus on the things that really matter on your projects, whatever they may be.   Irrespective of what project you’re working on, being efficient helps significantly and if you can find a way to ensure that with your supplier, it all helps.   Speaking of help, what can Multifix do when it comes to speed?  Speed is one of the things prioritise so much at Multifix – and especially prioritising it while not compromising on our reliability or quality of service as a result.   For example, we’ve worked especially hard to be in a position where we can guarantee that you’ll have a quote back within half an hour.  In addition, should you be on our customer portal, it’s possible to make an order within 30 seconds. Everything on the portal is aimed at your convenience and that includes speed.   As for deliveries, 75% of our deliveries are on-site before 12pm midday. In some cases, we’ve been able to have goods ready before site work even starts.   When it comes to making your life easier, these are things we’ve found really help.   Rapid resolutions  We know how much speed can make an impact on your lives and your work projects, so that is one that will always remain one of our core customer values.   One aspect of our speedy service is our delivery though, which we are delighted to say has a 99.3% success rate. To find out exactly where we deliver to, click here.  

Read more → 2 min read
Video
Customer Portal overview - top features that will help your business

In this video, you will get an idea of what the top features are on the Multifix Customer Portal, in view of you understanding what you can do to get the maximum out of your portal account. Guides are here: https://multifixuk.com/expert_hub/portal-onboarding If you are unsure as to what user you are, see here: https://youtu.be/a8aaywvVmfs

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Article
How can Multifix prove that they can give expert advice?

One thing that you’ll often see companies claim is that their staff members are experts in their field and that they’re extremely knowledgeable.  However, that isn’t always the case and it can be annoying for you to ring up a supplier, place an order and not get what you want, due to a lack of knowledge or experience.   At Multifix, we’re incredibly proud of the expertise within our team and we frequently make mention of it. But how can we prove that to you, especially if you’re someone who hasn’t used us before?  In this article, we will explore why we say what we do and how we can back up the claims that we make.   Staff with years of experience  When people join Multifix, they tend to stay. As an example, all of our account managers and customer service specialists have been with the company for several years – some of whom have been with us for over a decade.  Naturally, this is huge testament to the great work they do and the environment they’ve helped to create, but along the way, they’ve gained more and more experience and knowledge within their roles.  As such, when you speak to them, you can be assured that you’re speaking to an expert and that they’ll be able to handle your query with confidence.   Regular training   It’s no secret that things change in construction – whether it’s new regulations, new products or new technologies and it’s important to us that we keep our eye on the ball.   That’s why we frequently have training sessions for our staff, so that they are well versed with new developments, as and when they arise.   We’re more than happy to welcome in external experts to pass on their knowledge to our team, so that they are better equipped to take your query.  We see things first-hand  Another thing we do at Multifix is that we frequently go out on the road to see our customers and to see how they’re doing with their projects.  This is great for a number of reasons – not only can we see how things are going and whether our customers are satisfied with our service, but we can gain a better understanding of what you need from us when we’re out in the field.   These experiences help us immeasurably and speaking to you to find out what your key issues are and how they can be prevented has also allowed us to become more knowledgeable to handle your questions.   Sticking to our word  As with every form of life, your word should be your bond and that’s very much the case with us. When we say that we have a team of experts ready to take your query, we really mean it.   Our entire operation is built around doing what is best for you and that includes having extremely knowledgeable staff members to assist you wherever they can.   To find out more about how we can help you, please feel free to get in touch with us. You can do so by following this link.  

Read more → 3 min read
Article
How Protecta’s Eco-Foil System can avoid waste disposal issues

For anyone working on any project that requires fire-stopping, waste disposal can cause issues if it isn’t managed properly.  Whether it’s leakage or having too much waste at any one point, if it isn’t under control, it can eat into time that you don’t have to sort out.   Protecta believes that they have an answer though, with their Eco-Foil System. In this article, we will explore the Eco-Foil System and drill into how it can make your life easier.   Firstly, what is the Eco-Foil System?  The Eco-Foil System is a two-pronged system, which consists of the Eco-Cartridge and the Eco-Foil. The Eco-Cartridge is effectively a double-ended plunger, so the logic is you use one side and then flip it over to use the other.   By using the Eco-Foil though, once the 300ml cartridge of whatever you’re using – be it FR Graphite, FR Acrylic or FR IPT – is done, rather than throw away a whole plastic cartridge, you only have to throw away a very small piece of foil.   As such, this creates less than 10% of wastage compared to using plastic cartridges, which is a huge amount of waste avoided.   If the product isn’t in plastic, it’ll be worse though – right?  No, that’s very wrong. Not only is the performance level exactly the same, but Eco-Foil products have a much longer shelf life than plastic cartridges, to the tune of six months.   In addition, the system fits into a standard skeleton gun, so you won’t have to buy anything extra to make the most of it either.   True to its name as an eco-product, the Eco-Cartridge can be used a minimum of 60 times, thus making it incredibly cost-efficient.  Making things easier for you   By using the Protecta Eco-Foil System, the amount of hassle you can save yourself is notable. Being able to fit everything into one container instead of needing to fill up several will make your life easier and also save you money.  In addition, you’ll also be doing things greener, which is especially beneficial for the industry given construction’s net zero goals.   To find out more about our Protecta products, we’d be delighted for you to get in touch with one of our fire-stopping experts. You can find out how to do so by clicking this link.  Equally, to purchase the Protecta Eco-Foil System, click here.

Read more → 2 min read
Article
Does Multifix offer 60-day payment terms?

At Multifix, we have always been very open with our payment terms, which are 30 days net EOM and this applies whether you’re buying with us for the first time or have been with us for years.   However, some of you have asked whether we extend that limit or are able to extend it – namely to the tune of 60 days.   The answer to this question is yes we do, but we don’t offer it as standard. In this article, we will explain why this is the case and when and how 60-day terms can be acquired.   What does Multifix offer as standard?  As mentioned above, our standard payment terms are 30 days net EOM. This means that customers have 30 days to pay off their balance with us.  We do this because we understand the construction industry can be difficult at times and goalposts can be moved without warning for contractors.  As such, having the buy now pay later scheme in place is beneficial for our customers and it allows us to offer the best possible service we can to you.   How can I get 60-day payment terms?  If you wish to explore extending your payment terms with us, you need to put a request in with us in writing so that we can action it.   This would also need to be made clear to us before you order, so we can have everything ready in place accordingly.   Once we have your request, we can assess whether we can action it and then we’ll let you know very quickly whether we can do so or not.   Being flexible  As we said earlier, we understand that sometimes things move unexpectedly and you can be caught cold in construction, which can be a very stressful experience.   If we can help this by giving you 60-day terms when needed, then we will do all we can to make sure that we can make this happen for you.   If you would like to contact us to see if we can provide this for an upcoming order, you can get in touch with us here. 

Read more → 2 min read
Article
How much fire-stopping product do you hold in stock?

As we all know, having fire-stopping systems is crucial to any project and as such, you need to know that you can access the right product it at any given point.   With that in mind, one of the questions we are often asked is how much stock do we hold at once, when it comes to fire-stopping products?  The short answer to that is three months, but in this article, we will explain why that is the case and why it differs from our carpentry range.   The long and short though is that you’ll have stock available?  Correct. As we have three months’ worth of stock at our Barking warehouse, we’ll always be on hand to help you out for a project.   In addition, if you are in our geographic reach, you will have your goods delivered to you by our fleet of vans, which go to great lengths to make sure you get your products on time.   With a 99.3% success rate, we have proven time and again that our vans are very reliable and 75% of the time, your delivery will be with you before 12pm midday.   We know how important it is that your project doesn’t run into delays, so one of our company values is to ensure speediness to your order.  Three months is great, but why is it six for carpentry?   This is a good question, but we do have a good answer for you. In short, with carpentry, we work with a variety of different suppliers, so we have to keep well on top of that to account for any possible shortages.   By contrast, we have a much smaller supply base with firestopping, as we work exclusively with Protecta. Therefore, it’s much easier to keep control of, so three months is all we need.   However, three months is still plenty and it means that we always have a very healthy pool of supplies available at any given point, so we’ll always be able to assist.   How come it’s only Protecta you work with?  We have a brilliant relationship with Protecta and have been supplying their innovative fire-stopping solutions for several years now.   We believe that their products are some of the very best and most effective on the market, which is why we exclusively work with them.   For further information on why we have partnered with Protecta, you can read this article here.   Helping you keep people safe  These products are so important as they have the ability to keep people safe amidst serious threat, so it’s vital that no shortcuts are taken.   That is why we will always have something on hand for you to get, as and when you need and with Protecta’s products, you’ll have something that can make a huge difference.   One such Protecta product is their FR Acrylic, which has been used on many projects with brilliant success. You can find out what makes it special here.   

Read more → 3 min read
Article
What does it mean to be FORS credited?

One thing you may have seen us shout about is that we have FORS silver accreditation for our fleet of vans, which we have achieved for a few years now.   But what does it mean? And more importantly, what does it mean to you? Does it make much difference to your delivery service?  In this article, we will explain why it’s so valuable to us and why it’s of benefit to you and offers you peace of mind when choosing us as your supplier.   First, what is FORS?  FORS stands for Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme, which does what it can to set the standard for safer, smarter and greener road transport operations.   FORS, which is a voluntary accreditation program, gives companies a framework and sets benchmarks for them to help operators boost performance in environmental impact, safety and operational efficiency.   Being with FORS allows you to have further training, to put in place safer working practices and to commit to higher standards as a company.   So if you’re Silver-rated, what does that mean?  FORS have three ratings; bronze, silver and gold, with gold being the top. To achieve these ratings, lots of things have to be put into place to ensure you achieve them.   By having Silver accreditation though, FORS believe that “you employ good practice and comply with the requirements laid out by the FORS Standard.”  It also means that we’ve added some additional safety measures to our fleet, too. These include cameras and proximity sensors.   What does that mean for me, though?  For you, it means that when you order with Multifix, you can rest assured that our fleet and drivers have been proven to be safe, well-trained and efficient by an independent regulator.   It means that you can order with us knowing that your delivery will be reliable and that the route planning for it to get to you will be done with care and diligence.   Pushing for more  Having Silver accreditation from FORS is a huge badge of honour for us, but we aren’t content with just settling. In accordance with FORS requirements, we are always looking at ways we can improve.  Our Multifix fleet of vans go all over the country carrying valuable goods for projects. To see where they deliver to, click here.  

Read more → 2 min read
Article
Do I get a dedicated team if I work with Multifix?

Taking the decision to work with Multifix is one that we hope will be very beneficial and productive for you. That is certainly what we will strive to deliver for you, as standard.   But aside from our reliable delivery service and extensive range of products, what do you actually get by having Multifix as a supplier? More specifically, do you get a team that will work with you to achieve your goals?  In this article, we will explain the type of support that you get from us when you join Multifix and highlight what team environment you can expect to find yourself in.   So what happens when I decide to work with Multifix?  Regardless of whether you’re in Carpentry, Brickwork or a Fire Stopping Contractor, you will be given a team to support you when you join Multifix.   This consists of a Customer Service Specialist, an Account Manager and a Business Development Lead.   All three of these people will be working with you to make sure that you get the very most out of your Multifix partnership and will be on hand to answer any query you have.   Your first point of contact would be the Business Development Lead, who will sort out your prices for you and deal with any issues you may have when you onboard with us.   After that, the Account Manager will be your point of contact for anything more technical or for any enquiries that you may have.  Finally, if you need to order something and you aren’t using the portal, then your best point of contact will be the Customer Service Specialist.   The only sector this is different for is if you’re a Fire Stopping Contractor, in which case you’ll have the services of an Account Manager and a Customer Service Specialist at your disposal.   Experts to cover all bases  The reason why we share the load between multiple people is for a few reasons, but mainly so that you aren’t just limited to one person for all your queries.  If you only had one point of contact, they could be on another call, away from their desk, ill or on holiday, which would leave you somewhat stuck as a customer.  We don’t want that for you, so we give you multiple points of contact, all of whom can help you beyond their specialist roles if the need arises.   We’re proud to have a number of knowledgeable experts within our team and having access to three of them at any point can boost efficiency.   Putting you first  One of the core principles of the company is to treat our customers with the utmost respect. We like to have strong relationships with our customers, including being on first-name terms, as we feel this is more personal.   By assigning you with a team of three keen to help and informative experts, we feel this goes a long way to securing that, in addition to giving you everything you need.   If you would like to speak to us about working with Multifix, we’d love to take your call or email. You can find out how to get in touch with us here.  

Read more → 3 min read
Article
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.  

Read more → 3 min read
Article
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.  

Read more → 3 min read
Article
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.

Read more → 3 min read
Article
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.  

Read more → 4 min read
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.  

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Article
Construction and net zero – what’s going on?

One of the more regular phrases that is thrown about in the UK construction industry is ‘net zero’. A net zero target, net zero compliance, a net zero plan – these are all things you’ve likely heard or seen in the media.   You’ve also likely seen these used in a positive context, with some talking about how they are on track for their net zero goals and targets.   But what does it actually mean? What is net zero and how does it impact construction? Why is it such a big deal?  In this article, we will explain what net zero is, why it is important and how it directly impacts the construction industry in the UK.   In addition, we will also take a look at how much progress is being made in relation to some of the key targets set.   By the end of it, you’ll hopefully be more informed about net zero and understand why it’s such a hot topic in the construction industry.   So, what actually is net zero? What does it mean?  In its simplest form, net zero is designed to combat global warming. With it being proven that greenhouse gas emissions, including the likes of carbon dioxide, need to be reduced to deal with global warming, net zero was put in place to help.   However, taking away the use of greenhouse gases is pretty much impossible as it would cause everything to come to a halt overnight. For example, whenever we make steel, concrete or cement, we use greenhouse gases to do so.   As such, net zero will be achieved when we balance out what we use with what we give back. As an example, planting trees is a good way of trying to achieve net zero, or using solar power instead of fossil fuels.   Should we reach a point where what we give back to the planet is either as much or more than what we take out from it, then at that point, net zero would’ve been achieved.   But surely that’s going to be incredibly difficult with construction?  In short, yes. That is one of the reasons why it cannot be done overnight, as it just isn’t possible. As such, the target goal for net zero to be completed is by 2050.   According to the CITB, 40% of UK emissions are as a result of construction. In addition, there are 27 million homes that need retrofitting, but 80% of buildings that will still be safely habitable in 2050 are already built.   Those are some huge numbers, but ultimately, until we find more sustainable methods to produce the materials we need, it’ll struggle to come down.   As such, this is why there are 26 years to try and hit the target, as without the use of a magic wand, there’s no feasible way for it to be achieved sooner.   It also gives companies the time to figure out how they can give back to offset what they’re using, which is a more practical way of dealing with the matter in the short term.   Is the 2050 target achievable?  It is a huge challenge, but ultimately, it is possible. So much so that in Scotland, it’s 2045. It means a fair amount of change to existing processes, but it is doable.   For example, you might start to see new houses being built by using naturally grown materials, instead of the materials we currently use.   The issue is that while construction may achieve everything it sets out to do, that in itself may not be enough for the UK to hit net zero by 2050.   In June 2023, it was revealed that in addition to the Climate Change Committee declaring that the UK was no longer a world leader on climate issues, our progress is “worryingly slow”.   Naturally, this isn’t the best news, but there’s still time to rectify it and construction doing its fair share will go a long way to ensuring that.   Work to be done, but the right steps being taken What is pleasing though, is how open the construction industry has been to net zero and how aware it has been to the need to cut down on greenhouse gas emissions.   Again as per the CITB, 70% of construction employees have a good idea of how to revamp and adapt their business, while 90% are more than willing to retrain if needed.   This is all positive and there may well be retraining needed, especially when it comes to using different materials, but the fact the intent is there can only be a good thing.   There will be a lot of new things to factor in as the years go by, but for now, the path to net zero does seem to be going well from a construction perspective.   Net zero is something we take seriously at Multifix. It’s caused us to rethink as a company about how we operate and that can only be a good thing. To find out more, you can see our sustainability pledges here.  

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Article
What you need to know about construction apprenticeships

When it comes to getting into construction, one of the best ways to do this, whether it’s after leaving school or just to get into the trade, is as an apprentice.  Apprentices are the future of the industry. The tools and techniques they learn will hopefully see them pass on their wisdom years down the line to someone else in the position they once were.   The apprentice scheme is something we are passionate about at Multifix, with it being something that we follow.   The reason we do this is because apprenticeships are a great step for young people to take to get into the industry and sees them gain an education, while being paid to do so.   Therefore, in this article, we will outline the key information you have to take into account when you are looking for a construction apprenticeship.   What exactly is an apprenticeship? So, first and foremost, an apprenticeship is a paid job that lasts a minimum of 12 months and is applicable to anyone who is 16 or over.   It’s a mixture of practical and academic learning and you’ll be working under experienced staff members, who have been in the field for years.   If you have a full-time apprenticeship, you’ll be working 30-40 hours a week and during this time, you will be given tasks to do, in addition to your work duties.   On average, you’ll spend about six hours a week doing off-the-job training, which can include coursework.   How many types of apprenticeships are there available?  There are four different types of apprenticeships, varying in different levels of what they can unlock for you. These are:  - Intermediate (Level 2) - Advanced (Level 3) - Higher level (Levels 4, 5 and 6) - Degree level (Level 7)  Intermediate is the equivalent of five GCSEs at 9-4 level, or in old money, A*-C. Advanced is the equivalent of two A-Levels or a Level 3 Diploma and Higher level is the equivalent of a Foundation degree.   The degree level itself is the equivalent of a Bachelor’s degree or a Master’s degree. Each stage will have their own entry requirements, which will be made clear to you before you apply.   In this sense, it’s no different applying for a job that asks for x qualification or y years of experience, but naturally, with Intermediate, you are likely to find much fewer requirements than for degree level.   How do I get an apprenticeship? There are a few ways to get an apprenticeship sorted, but be aware that it is no different to applying for a job. There is a lot of competition and it’ll likely require applications to multiple companies.   Online is the best bet, especially on job-seeking websites like Indeed or TotalJobs. It’s also worth looking at LinkedIn, too.   Also, by using TalentView, you can directly apply for construction apprenticeships You can find out more and do so here.  If you’re still in school or college, it’s very much worth speaking to people there as they will be able to put you in contact with potential employers.   In the same manner, asking friends and family is another good way. So much of how the world works is based on who you know, so if you have a family friend or a relative who can maybe help you, it’s certainly a path worth exploring.   Another good way is to look at construction companies’ websites and see if they have any apprenticeship listings on there. Keeping your finger on the pulse of their social activity can help with that too, as some will post job listings on social media.   Finally, it’s worth noting that depending on certain circumstances, it’s possible that a hiring company can earn up to £14,000 by taking you on as an apprentice. They would earn this money through either the Construction Industry Training Board or the UK Government.  This can be used as a sales pitch by you, as if they get the full amount, that will offset a significant proportion of your wages.   If I get one sorted, what happens when it finishes? A number of things can happen at this point, but what is guaranteed is that you will get a qualification for completing your apprenticeship.   This makes you more employable and is something you can take anywhere with you. At the end of your apprenticeship though, your employer may wish to offer you full-time employment if they are happy with you.  Alternatively, you could be put onto a higher-level apprenticeship with them, which further bolsters your skills and gives you more strings to your bow. It’s also very likely that you’ll earn more money being on a higher-level apprenticeship as well, so that’s always a good thing.   Equally, you may feel as if you want to explore further options. You may want to pursue an apprenticeship elsewhere, or work for someone else. In this case, you’ll still have the qualification, so you’ll be well-prepped.   The future of construction Apprentices have a huge part to play in any sector, but that statement is especially prevalent in the construction industry.  Whether you want to be a carpenter, bricklayer, site manager or any of the other many, many roles within the sector, one of the best ways to go about it is via the apprenticeship route.   Hopefully after reading this article, you’ll have some more information about the scheme and who knows, maybe it’ll be the first step on what could be a long and successful journey in construction.   If you would like to find more information about Multifix’s apprenticeship scheme, which we mentioned earlier on in the article, you can get in touch with us here.  

Read more → 5 min read
Article
Three types of fire door foam Multifix supplies – and what they do

Given its importance, one of the more common questions we get from carpenters is, “What fire door foam do you stock?”   Required by law, the use of fire door foam allows occupants vital time to escape a burning building safely.   But which one is best for you? If they all do the same thing, what makes the ones we stock any different?  At Multifix, we stock three different types of fire door foam, with all three proving to be very useful for carpenters.   In this article, we will go through the three types of fire door foam that we stock and explain why they are different and how they can help you.   Blue60 Intumescent Fire Foam (750ml)  A very reliable fire door foam, the Blue60 is one of the first properly tested fire foams for fire doors. It is a self-expanding fire foam and is also made up of environmentally friendly propellants, which stop it from burning into the ozone layer.   Providing up to 60 minutes of fire protection, the Blue60 has been tested in pretty much every possible combination of frame and wall materials.  It is to be used in conjunction with Blue60 fire-rated packers, which come in three different sizes. These are 1mm, 3mm and 5mm in thickness.   The polyurethane foam is ideal for sealing applications wherever fire resistance is required and also conforms to BS EN 1643-1 and BS476 Part 22.   You can purchase Blue60 Intumescent Fire Foam here.    Fire Door Foam for Fire Doors & Doorsets – Gun Grade (750ml)  Next up is the Fire and Acoustic (FAS) foam, which also offers up to 60 minutes of fire resistance, but it has also been tested with plastic packers.   This does give it something of a unique advantage, as it can be used with both plastic and timber packers.  The FAS fire door foam is suitable for use for cavity gap filling, perimeter pointing around fire doors, MDF, timber frames, softwood and hardwood.   It also has BS 476: Part 20 & 22:1987 and BS EN 1634-1 accreditation and has an acoustic rating of up to 60 dB Rw.  In addition, the FAS fire door foam has CF5839 Certifire approval and very much offers an all-in-one solution.  You can purchase FAS fire door foam here. Nullifire FF197 Fire Rated Expanding PU Foam – Gun Grade (750ml)  Finally, we move onto the Nullifire FF197 fire door foam, which is used to seal linear gaps throughout the fire-rated areas of a building. The Nullifire FF197 can also offer up to 240 minutes of fire resistance for linear gaps, while up to 60 minutes for fire doors.   It can also be used to seal door frames and window frames and can fill gaps of up to 35mm when being used for a fire door.   Like the FAS fire door foam, it can be used with plastic packers, but it has also been tested without architrave. The foam itself is pink, which is great for the installer as this makes it easily identifiable against other types of expanding foam that aren’t fire-resistant.   The FF197 has also been tested to BS EN 1634-1 and BS EN 1366-4 and can also offer an acoustic rating of up to 62 dB.  You can purchase Nullifire FF197 here.   A fair selection of fire door foam  While all three types of fire foam have their own unique differences, the main objective is the same – providing up to 60 minutes of fire resistance.   As mentioned earlier, this can be the difference between safety and disaster, so it’s imperative that whatever fire door foam you use, it is applied correctly.   With these three types of fire foam, you will be ensuring that properties are kept safe. Lives could be saved as a result of these foams, which is why they are so vital.   These three especially will be used up and down the country for a number of different sites; and with very good reason. They all have their own unique characteristics, but they all serve the same goal and do it very well.  If you need something versatile, then the Blue60 won’t let you down. If you need something that is fine with plastic packers, then the FAS foam is a great shout. Equally, if need something that can work without architrave, then the Nullifire foam will be a good fit for you.   If you would like to get in contact with Multifix to discuss fire door foam, you can do so by following this link.  

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