24th March 2014
Rob and Andy attended the Princecroft Willis Post Budget 2014 seminar at The Goldsands Stadium. The budget and how it effects us all on a personal, as well as business level is always a talking point, so here, Rob outlines some points of relevance to Greendale, the construction industry and the wider economy.
- · Interest rates since 2009 have been at 0.5% and these are set to rise albeit by small increments over the next period running up to the election.
- · Business confidence is set to rise with the construction industry leading this. Although business confidence is still low compared with pre crisis
- · There is huge difference between the north and south of the country
- · Annual growth is at 1.8% which is above the 1.4% predicted and growth rate over the next five years is expected to be 2.3& fairly steady growth prediction.
- · Austerity measures are still in place to reduce the national debt and by 2018/19 £5 billion surplus is predicted.
- · Worrying export statistics and George Osborne has put in measures to assist in this area
- · Many tax reliefs are available and need to be promoted so that businesses are aware
- · UK competitiveness is improving
- · Euro zone is a worrying economic area with the UK having 40% exposure to this market
- · Concern also over the loss of skilled workers and the government are promoting apprenticeship schemes which Greendales and the construction industry welcome
Thanks to Princecroft Willis for organising this informative event.