Trades Business Confidence High

BUSINESS CONFIDENCE among UK tradespeople is now at its highest level since July 2018, according to research by Screwfix

Screwfix’s Business Confidence Index includes a range of measures, and almost all of them rose in July, as part of the company’s regular survey of the trade. The measures which rose include the percentage of tradespeople busier than expected, those preparing more quotes than 12 months ago, and those who say business activity is better than last year.

The Business Confidence index has risen to +35 from +33 in May and +5 in January*. This measure is now at its highest level since July 2018.

The only measure not to rise in June 2021 was the proportion who think their business activity will improve in the next 12 months, although more still think it will improve in the next year than believe it will get worse.

Reported workloads remain high with 86% of the trade now working, with more work in the pipeline.

John Mewett, CEO of Screwfix, said: “Not only have tradespeople continued to work throughout the last 18 months, but it’s clear many of them have confidence for their businesses for the future, with our Index showing optimism is at its highest level for three years.