Report shows that many of the industry鈥檚 leading firms are at risk of ruin
A recent report into the UK m&e contracting market rates 115 of the UK鈥檚 leading 1000 m&e contracting firms as being in financial danger.
Amid calls for bail-outs and emergency measures, David Pattison, a senior analyst at report collator Plimsoll, asked controversially whether we should 鈥渏ust let them fail.鈥
Pattison said: 鈥淭here is no doubt in my mind that recessions catch bad businesses out. Those companies that have entered this period ill-prepared have placed themselves at a distinct disadvantage. Many have grown used to running their businesses on high risk business models, propped up largely on finance."
Of the 115 firms rated as Danger, the report shows:
- 56 increased their debts last year;
- 78 saw profits fall last year and 68 are losing money. Their costs are clearly ahead of sales and they have failed to respond to changes in their business structure;
- 56 managed to increase sales last year 鈥 some would argue an enviable task. It only proves, however, that despite their rising debts and mounting losses they have been desperate to maintain sales at any cost.
The UK m&e contracting industry is not immune to the current economic crisis, claims the report. The sector has overcapacity, 30% of businesses suffered a fall in sales last year, with competitive pressure forcing many to see sales fall by 13%.
The 2009 edition of the Plimsoll analysis 鈥 m&e contractors includes an analysis of each of the industry鈥檚 largest 1000 companies. Copies are available for 拢350 by contacting Clair Sherwood on 01642 626400.
Source
Electrical and Mechanical Contractor