BSRIA Brexit survey 2018
A Brexit survey conducted in February 2018 among BSRIA members found almost 70% of respondents believe that Brexit has had a negative impact on their business; and that half of those who contributed favour a Swiss model, i.e. a 'soft Brexit'.
When asked if the Brexit negotiations presented members’ businesses with opportunities in the last 18 months – 63% answered 'negatively'; with 37% answering 'no difference'. No member answered 'positively'.
The negative response was due to respective businesses suffering from a lack of market investment; business uncertainty; skills and movement of labour.
Regarding issues which will be of the most importance to the construction industry in the outcome of the UK-EU negotiations, members selected as follows:
- Consistency of regulations.
- Consistency of standards.
- UK influence on regulations.
- UK influence on standards.
- Access to the single market.
When asked if businesses favoured:
- Canada model ('hard Brexit') bilateral trade agreements with the EU.
- Norway model ('soft Brexit') and member of the European Economic Area (EEA) instead of EU.
- Switzerland model ('soft Brexit') and member of European Free Trade Association (EFTA).
Half of BSRIA members responded with the Switzerland model ('soft Brexit'); 31% with the Norway model ('soft Brexit'), and 19% with the Canada model ('hard Brexit').
Clair Prosser, Press Officer, BSRIA, said:
“This survey clearly highlights that BSRIA members do not want to be left stranded and fall off the economic Brexit ‘cliff edge’.
"Business uncertainty and the need for consistency – regulations and standards – are, without a shadow of doubt, anxieties for members. Legislative stability and uniformity is essential. Businesses need to be able to prepare. Balance is needed, this isn’t the time for government to bury its head in the sand. The question needs to be asked: how close will the UK and EU stay on regulation to ensure that industry can trade goods with the minimum of hassle, burdens and bureaucratic hurdles?”
These results mirror the recent Property Week survey, where more than two-thirds said that the vote had negatively affected the property market and a similar number thought the market would continue to be negatively affected when the UK leaves the EU.
This article was originally published here in April 2018 by BSRIA.
--BSRIA
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki
Featured articles and news
A change to adoptive architecture
Effects of global weather warming on architectural detailing, material choice and human interaction.
How big is the problem and what can we do to mitigate the effects?
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
A number of cool guides to help with the heat.
The UK's Modern Industrial Strategy: A 10 year plan
Previous consultation criticism, current key elements and general support with some persisting reservations.
Building Safety Regulator reforms
New roles, new staff and a new fast track service pave the way for a single construction regulator.
Architectural Technologist CPDs and Communications
CIAT CPD… and how you can do it!
Cooling centres and cool spaces
Managing extreme heat in cities by directing the public to places for heat stress relief and water sources.
Winter gardens: A brief history and warm variations
Extending the season with glass in different forms and terms.
Restoring Great Yarmouth's Winter Gardens
Transforming one of the least sustainable constructions imaginable.
Construction Skills Mission Board launch sector drive
Newly formed government and industry collaboration set strategy for recruiting an additional 100,000 construction workers a year.
New Architects Code comes into effect in September 2025
ARB Architects Code of Conduct and Practice available with ongoing consultation regarding guidance.
Welsh Skills Body (Medr) launches ambitious plan
The new skills body brings together funding and regulation of tertiary education and research for the devolved nation.
Paul Gandy FCIOB announced as next CIOB President
Former Tilbury Douglas CEO takes helm.
UK Infrastructure: A 10 Year Strategy. In brief with reactions
With the National Infrastructure and Service Transformation Authority (NISTA).
Ebenezer Howard: inventor of the garden city. Book review.
Airtightness Topic Guide BSRIA TG 27/2025
Explaining the basics of airtightness, what it is, why it's important, when it's required and how it's carried out.