Page 6 - Hardware July 2019

editorial
NZ Hardware Journal is published 11 times per year (monthly except for January)
Group editor Steve Bohling steveb@mpm.nz
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Account manager Susan Kennedy susank@mpm.nz
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2456 • 30/9/2018 www.abc.org.nz
We’re in a risky business
THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN success and failure in building and construction remains marginal, according to the BDO 2019 Construction Survey Report.
“The sector is becoming increasingly divided between the good operators with strong financial and operational attributes, and those with significant fragility,” says the Report, warning that although gross margins have improved somewhat, they’re “still inadequate to maintain a healthy sector”.
The Report continues: “Due to intense competition and a focus on providing services at the lowest cost, many subcontractors’ margins remain too small for long-term viability.
“Head contractors greatly need these subcontractors to undertake available projects – the survival of both depends on it.”
You can’t put it more plainly than that ...
Talking of the delicate balance faced by builders, how about Fletcher Building announcing that it may re-enter vertical construction?
At an event in Australia last month, Fletcher Building Chief Executive, Ross Taylor, said the business was now under better control but would maintain a cautious approach:
“We’re very focused on the projects we do,” he said, adding: “We aren’t going to be looking to get every trophy project in New Zealand. We’ll be very focused around building a balanced and appropriate portfolio for the business.”
Talking of portfolios and rethinking matters, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern’s Cabinet reshuffle revealed a new “team”
of housing Ministers, it having “become clear” that fixing the housing crisis was just too big for one Minister.
“KiwiBuild has not progressed as well or as quickly as we’d hoped or expected,” admitted the PM.
Let’s hope a team approach will improve matters.
By way of offering an improvement ourselves, let me present to you a digital edition of NZ Hardware Journal.
Each month, as soon as the print version hits your desk we will also publish a digital edition which can be downloaded and forwarded.
You can find using the following URL but we will reminding print and digital readers of the availability of the next digital edition when it is published.
www.hardwarejournal.co.nz/ categories/digital-editions/
And, as a parting reminder, do start thinking about booking your seat or table at the 2019 Hardware Awards (3 October at the Cordis Auckland).
Tickets can be purchased online (thanks to those who have booked already!), but be in quick as numbers are limited and last year we sold out well in advance!
Steve Bohling, editor steveb@mpm.nz
4 NZHJ | JULY 2019
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