Comment on Government’s mini-summer Budget, July 8, 2020

Sean Keyes

Managing Director, Civil & Structural Engineering firm, Sutcliffe

"The impetus of today's announcement by the Chancellor appears to be on the future of our young people, and this is exactly right - training and nurturing future talent is key in the economy's post-Covid recovery. As a direct result of today's announcement, Sutcliffe will be able to take on one or two more apprentices each year, which is fantastic. This will ensure young talent is harnessed and moulded ready for long-term, sustainable work in the industry.

"I am buoyed by the Government's £3bn green pledge - the environment is moving up the agenda and finally being taken more seriously by those in power. Saving energy is so important and the UK must become a leader in this if we are to avoid the threat of a future environmental disaster - the impact and disruption that Covid-19 has had on all our lives demonstrates how we cannot take this for granted. Sutcliffe already does a lot of work in this arena - we are currently implementing a new mechanical & electrical installation in tower blocks in Halewood to ensure they become low energy efficient - so today's announcement should be good for business, not to mention the global environment.

"Likewise, as experts in the housing sector, we welcome the Stamp Duty holiday - anything to encourage more people to buy houses is a great move by the Government and fantastic news for the construction industry across the board, including ourselves right through the chain to the conveyancing solicitors, the furniture makers, the removals etc. The announcement that the Affordable Homes Programme will be extended will also provide security for our business as 50% of what we currently do is in this sector.”

Ends

Editors notes

Sutcliffe - Consulting engineers Future-facing since 1985 Civil and structural engineers, building surveyors, geo-environmentalists