How are tradespeople using their downtime amidst the COVID-19 crisis?

Learning new skills and catching up on admin top to-do list as Coronavirus pandemic continues.

A survey with tradespeople, installers and local contractors has highlighted the ways tradespeople are using their downtime due to COVID-19.

The top activities are:

• Learning new skills (31%)

• Catching up on admin (31%)

• Updating their social media/reviews so they can drum up business when the lockdown is over (26%)

• Following online forums/social media (19%)

• Online product training (14%)

• Maintaining tools and van (12%)

It would also seem that those working in the sector are optimistic about the industry long-term with almost two thirds (62%) believing when the industry gets back on its feet there will be an influx of projects commissioned following the current downturn in work. However, until the situation gets back to normal for tradespeople, there is a wealth of tools available online:

• Trade Matters – Trade Matters is a bank of free of charge downloadable content for installers and tradespeople. Its first module contains template documents to assist with finances with new modules, such as reputation management uploaded regularly
• Government Business Support – If you’re a business that is looking for financial support at this time, then take a look at this bank of tools that may help. From Coronavirus loan schemes to employee retention advice, there’s guidance for a whole host of questions business owners are having right now
• DVLA – The DVLA is regularly updating its site with vehicle specific advice surrounding COVID-19 which may be of use, including up-to-date information on MOTs
• Federation of Master Builders – If you’re a member of the FMB then it is regularly updating its website with the latest advice and guidance surrounding COVID-19 including Government recommendations and legalities surrounding apprentices
• For roofing contractors in particular, the NFRC is keeping its Coronavirus Advice Hub regularly updated with specific content explaining what the government advice and guidance means for its members and the roofing sector in particular.

Mhairi McDougall, Country Manager UK and Ireland at Dakea, said: “Tradespeople are currently providing a crucial service to us all by ensuring essential services are fit for purpose and, for that, we thank them. For those who are working from home, it is encouraging to see they are working on their businesses to provide a solid footing for when the industry does recover. To support this, Dakea has a bank of content that tradespeople can access to support their business during this downtime.

“Those working in the construction industry are, and have always been, crucial to ensuring the UK economy is healthy. In fact, construction output in the UK is more than £110 billion per annum and contributes 7% of GDP which proves how pivotal it is that we safeguard not only the people carrying out work on-site, but the businesses themselves.” www.tradematters.co.uk