Autumn Statement welcome but not a game changer

05 December 2013

Julie White, managing director of the D-Drill Group, said the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement wasn’t a ‘game-changer’ for the construction industry.

But she has welcomed the growing attention being given to housing, infrastructure and apprenticeships.

White, who runs the specialist diamond drilling, concrete sawing and controlled demolition company, said: “Having seen the infrastructure plan revealed the day before the Autumn Statement we knew that there would be very little on this matter from the Chancellor.

 “While I very much welcome the commitment to infrastructure spending, I would like to see a policy of getting more of the projects moving straight away as much of the investment is planned for the future.

“I’ve said before, we would like to see shovel-ready projects getting underway especially those in the north where the recovery in construction is not happening as quickly as possible.

“I was very pleased to the Chancellor making a commitment to house-building but this is a problem that will not be solved by funding alone.

“It seems everyone recognises that we need thousands more new homes but that is very often at odds with localism and it means local planning issues make it difficult to get developments underway. 

“Also, I very much welcome the commitment to more apprenticeships and assistance for me people under the age of 21 to find work and up-skill.

“Construction needs new blood and if these changes help to achieve that, then that would be extremely good news for the industry.”

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