A construction business coach and managing director of an award-winning construction consultancy is urging for patience and understanding as the industry continues to struggle with material shortages.

Parm Bhangal said the current supply chain crisis has led to higher costs and unavoidable delays across the industry.

He said: “The lack of materials available means prices have increased significantly and there is also long lead times which is driving up construction costs. This will undoubtedly drive up the price of new build housing and all building projects.”

Developers are seeing shortages of key materials such as bricks, bagged cement and tiles, according to the latest information from the National Builders Federation, and those building flats are reliant on steel and concrete, which have also seen steep price rises and supply constraints.

Many of these challenges are down to the shortage of lorry drivers, which has caused problems across all sectors.

There is hope, however, that the government’s introduction of temporary visas this week for 5000 lorry drivers to work in the UK until the end of the year might help to address the challenge in the short term.

Parm added: “This government move is certainly a step in the right direction. Following a challenging time for all industries, we need continued support to ensure an uninterrupted work plan, quicker lead times and more affordable materials. This will ensure development projects can continue effectively and livelihoods will be saved.”

For more information about Bhangals Construction Services visit www.bhangals.co.uk