Boris must hit the ground running

Boris Johnson has been elected as leader of the Conservative Party and will officially take over as prime minister on 24 July. The former mayor of London has promised to take Britain out of the EU by 31 October 2019 with or without a deal.

The National Federation of Builders (NFB) congratulates Boris Johnson on his victory, but cautions him that, regardless of the eventual shape of Brexit, the country and the economy need certainty above everything else.

From EU citizens’ rights and climate change to the housing crisis and late payment which is crippling the construction industry, the new prime minister must enable change and avoid getting stuck by trying to solve one problem at a time.

Nick Sangwin, national chair of the NFB, said: “We wish Boris Johnson well but he needs to hit the ground running. Brexit uncertainty must be dispelled so that businesses can get on with planning their own futures. Deal or no deal, the EU settlement scheme and proposed immigration reforms need immediate reform or we risk leaving millions of our EU friends behind.”

Richard Beresford, chief executive of the NFB, said: “We implore the new prime minister to give more attention to our domestic despairs. With no end in sight to the housing crisis, this country needs radical planning reform. We must also eradicate the scourge of late payment and reform outdated procurement practices so that our hard-working SMEs and regional contractors can propel Britain’s economy into prosperity after Brexit.”

National Federation of Builders

The National Federation of Builders is a United Kingdom trade association representing the interests of small and medium-sized building contractors in England and Wales.

You May Also Enjoy

bank of england interest rate
Breaking News

Bank of England raises rates to 4%

The Bank has raised interest rates by 0.25 percentage points to 4%. Policymakers were unanimous in their decision. Here is the reaction from the industry. Nathan Emerson, CEO at Propertymark, comments: “As the Bank of England continues to navigate wider economic pressures, including rising inflation, it comes as little surprise that base rate decisions remain…
Read More →
Breaking News

Breaking Property News 5/11/26

Daily bite-sized proptech and property news in partnership with Proptech-X. The Greatest Return on AI May Not Be the Work It Eliminates, but the Human Potential It Releases Time to look at artificial intelligence as a growth engine that upgrades humans working life Thought Leadership By Author Andrew Stanton CEO Proptech-PR For decades, businesses have…
Read More →
Breaking News

Guy Fawkes Night set to fizzle out for UK households

Firework Night set to fizzle out as 97% of UK households won’t buy fireworks and 7 in 10 want to see them banned As many as 97% of UK households won’t be buying fireworks to set off at home this Bonfire Night, while more than seven in 10 believe private fireworks displays in residential gardens…
Read More →
Breaking News

Budget tax raid could hit landlords for £3,500 a year

Budget tax raid could cost landlords almost £3,500 a year as property income tax rises Landlords could face almost £500 in additional annual tax per property, rising to nearly £3,500 across an average portfolio, following the Autumn Budget decision to double the previously planned increase in property income tax rates from April 2027. New analysis…
Read More →
Estate Agent Talk

Upfront information: homebuyers want confidence as much as speed

What movers want from upfront information, and it isn’t only speed Having a survey, legal pack and chain details before making an offer would help more than eight in ten respondents, according to LRG’s latest sales report Of the 553 who answered the question, 41% said they would offer with more confidence, although not necessarily…
Read More →
Estate Agents should not all look the same
Estate Agent Talk

How Financial Anxiety Drains Entrepreneurial Energy

Financial anxiety can consume the attention and stamina that business owners need for planning, problem-solving and leading a team. A late payment, an unexpected tax bill or a weak sales month may trigger worry long after working hours have ended. Over time, that mental strain affects sleep, concentration and confidence. The answer starts with creating…
Read More →