Jewson launches ‘Let’s Get Britain Building NOW!’ campaign

STARK UK and Jewson have launched a national ‘Let’s Get Britain Building – NOW!’ campaign,

Bringing together builders, tradespeople and construction businesses, the campaign warns that unless urgent action is taken, the Government’s housing and growth ambitions cannot be achieved, calling for immediate government intervention, including:

• Financial incentives to stimulate demand and help more people buy and improve homes.
• The removal of VAT on refurbishment and retrofit projects.
• Radical planning reform to speed up decisions and reduce unnecessary costs.
• Greater investment in apprenticeships and construction skills.

Alongside a national petition, campaign leaders are seeking to take the issue to Parliament to secure a national debate on the future of Britain’s construction industry.

Jewson divisional managing director, Kieran Griffin, says: “The economics of building have become increasingly difficult, as the costs associated with more regulation, taxes and levies mount up for every new home built. Material costs have risen by around 40 per cent since 2020 and are expected to increase further in the years ahead. Combined with rising borrowing costs, planning delays and weaker consumer confidence, many projects that would once have been financially viable are now being postponed or abandoned altogether.

“This is no longer a future challenge; it is a present-day emergency.

“Construction sits at the heart of the British economy and infrastructure. It delivers homes, jobs and investment in every town across Britain, yet the sector is under enormous pressure from every direction. Businesses are closing, projects are stalling, and skilled workers are leaving the industry. If the government wants growth, it needs to support the people and businesses that are physically building the country.”