Ductwork specialists warned to stand up against price pressures
Ductwork specialists have been warned to keep their nerve in the face of 2-way pressure on prices. Malcolm Moss, president of ADCAS, told members of the association at its Summer event, ‘The cost of steel has gone up by 50%, and yet companies tendering for ductwork contracts are being bullied into cutting their prices to the bone — and beyond. We have to stand firm and demand a fair price if we are to survive.
‘Fortunately, it’s not all bad news. Enquiry levels are high, and ADCAS is in a strong financial position as the result of the careful stewardship provided by FETA.’
Malcolm Moss also reported progress on issues such as specifying non-standard sizes of circular ductwork and the campaign to highlight the enormous waste caused by information overload — estimated to cost the UK construction industry £1 to £1.5 billion every year. The ADCAS campaign on excess, unclassified data on the CDs that accompany invitations to tender has drawn support from across industry — including the HVCA.
On the training front, training specialist Mel Hobbs urged ADCAS members to offer more apprenticeships, which were being culled in the recession. ‘Unless we take action now,’ he warned, we cannot replace the natural wastage of skilled operatives. Enforcement of SkillCards means that many sites are closed to all but qualified personnel, and as the recession eases they will be in short supply. ’He also pointed out that lack of enthusiasm for training was resulting in a reduction in the number of college places available for ductwork trainees. ‘Where courses exist, we must use them or lose them,’ he warned.
*Association of Ductwork Contractors & Allied Services
