Cash bonus for builders (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Cash bonus for builders

Local building and construction firms have the chance to pick up £2,000 just by training staff properly.

The money comes in the form of a grant from the Construction Industry Training Board Construction Skills .

It will be awarded to every building and construction firm in Wiltshire that commits to an Investors in People action plan via this year's Blueprint for Building Performance programme.

BBP, which is back for a second year following growing demand in the region, comprises a series of workshops designed specifically to accommodate the unique nature and needs of building and construction firms. It also provides on-going support from specialist advisers.

The aim is to help employers bring out the best in employees by adopting simple techniques and processes that will improve business performance.

BBP provides a practical route for firms to gain accreditation as an Investor in People, which will result in a further grant of £5,000. The programme also plays a part in improving the national image of the sector.

Haydon Holloway, for CITB, added: "Last year, a number of companies in the region successfully completed the programme and implemented simple and practical processes.

"Their commitment has paid dividends in a relatively short period, resulting in improved motivation and increased business opportunities and productivity.

"We're rolling out another opportunity so other firms can experience the benefits of a professional and effective workforce."

There is also a package of financial incentives in the form of grants paid by CITB, which are available to participating firms.

l Business for small and medium sized building firms in the South West may be showing signs of a downturn, according to figures released in the Federation of Master Builders' State of Trade Survey for the fourth quarter of 2003.

The region looks to be following the trend seen throughout much of the southern half of the country where workload and employment levels show no change from the previous quarter.

FMB regional director Jeremy Chapman said: We would normally expect some weakening in the final quarter as the winter months are traditionally a quieter time for building work.

"One more positive sign is that employment levels are relatively stable and are expected to remain so over the longer term. We will need to see the outcome of the next quarter's survey before drawing any firm conclusion on future prospects for the building market in the south west."