Council Initiatives Can Help Local Construction Jobs

During the recession local construction jobs took a big knock just as they did on a national level. So how can small firms get back to the level they were at prior to 2008 and what incentives can be found for new construction companies.

Well it seems the answer lies with coordinating a collective effort to help protect and improve the fortunes of smaller businesses and local construction jobs. A prime example has been evidenced in East Sussex, where a scheme has been launched to help small and medium sized firms in the construction industry.

Build East Sussex (BES) is a council body that is helping these local firms to win contracts with major companies. This is done by local companies registering with the scheme and having their talents showcased on the BES website.

At a crucial time for the UK economy when government cuts start to kick in, it is vitally important for the private and public sectors to work in harmony and help protect and even develop local construction jobs. The scheme developed by East Sussex County Council and Brighton & Hove City Council have shown the benefit of private and public sector cooperation.

Network buyers had posted 120 work and tender opportunities on the BES website by mid September and awarded work to new suppliers as a result. Hopefully other councils will be developing similar schemes across the UK, in order to help local construction firms and workers get through another tricky spell.