The benefits of national infrastructure projects do not reach most subcontractors, according to Bibby Financial Services (BFS).

In their ‘Subcontracting Growth report’, BFS found that 78% of smaller construction firms did benefit from fiscal stimulus packages.

Helen Wheeler, managing direct of construction finance at BFS said: “Despite the sound of claxons coming from government each time a large scale infrastructure project is announced, it is clear that any benefits to the construction industry are swallowed up by the large and the few.

“What’s missing though is evidence that these projects are providing trade and jobs to a wider range of businesses throughout the construction industry.”

Just 4% of subcontractors said that national infrastructure projects could help them secure more work, compared with 45% for commercial contracts, and 24% for housebuilding.

According to the report, 31% of firms wanted support in tendering for national contracts, and 52% of subcontractors thought local authority contracts had the largest potential benefit to the construction industry.

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

Wheeler said that the government’s new focus on fiscal stimulus is not guaranteed to help subcontractors.

She added: “Such fiscal measures are welcomed, but our research shows that not all businesses in the construction supply chain are set to benefit. Subcontractors are crying out for support and, ahead of the Autumn Statement, the government should heed this warning and take steps to address this issue.”