Industry leaders in the construction and farming sectors have voiced concerns about the UK Government’s current support measures, urging for more targeted interventions to address ongoing challenges within their fields.

Ian Hodgkinson, a construction manager with four decades of experience based in Derby, criticized the Chancellor’s recent plan as inadequate for driving growth in the building trade. Hodgkinson emphasized that while initiatives to prioritize British-made products may benefit certain large contractors, they do not address the core issues confronting many businesses and homeowners. He highlighted the impact of the 20 percent VAT on home extensions and improvements, which adds approximately £10,400 to an average £52,000 project, deterring potential clients and reducing workload for builders. Hodgkinson called for the government to consider scrapping VAT on such projects to revive demand. He also stressed the importance of investing in apprenticeships to develop skilled domestic labor in the sector.

Data from the Construction Products Association indicates that roughly 72.3 percent of materials used in UK construction are domestically produced. However, Hodgkinson noted supply constraints limit reliance on local sources for certain products, such as steel, timber, and bricks. He pointed out that UK steel manufacturing faces capacity and productivity challenges, with only six mills operating nationally and a recent productivity decline of nearly seven percent. Similarly, brick supply is limited; imports from countries like Germany remain cheaper and more readily available due to higher production volumes.

In agriculture, Richard Dryden, who manages a turkey farm in Durham, expressed skepticism that government efforts to “buy British” will sufficiently support farmers coping with rising costs. Dryden, who employs full-time and seasonal staff, cited escalating minimum wage requirements as a constraint on hiring and apprenticeship opportunities. He explained that bureaucratic hurdles and wage obligations deter farmers from taking on apprentices, raising concerns about future labor shortages.

Dryden welcomed the idea of promoting British produce but called for stronger measures, such as banning imports of genetically modified crops, which are prohibited for cultivation in the UK. He argued that allowing imports of cheaper genetically modified products creates an uneven playing field for domestic farmers. Additionally, Dryden urged the government to relax planning regulations, citing persistent barriers when attempting to expand operations that limit productivity and growth prospects.

Both industry representatives suggested that while government commitments to support British businesses have potential, addressing tax burdens, regulatory restrictions, and production capacity issues would have a more direct impact on revitalizing their sectors.