Page 13 - W M Donald Newsletter - Edition Twelve

How has Covid impacted housebuilding?
A key priority for Barratt was to ensure we didn’t lose our skilled workforce. Across lockdown we paid all our trades staff their average wage to ensure they weren’t out of pocket.
I think construction has a ‘can do’ attitude that has enabled it to cope better with Covid than most sectors. We were one of the first industries to be back at work and W M Donald played a massive part in the restart of Barratt housebuilding sites.
There is no doubt that Covid did initially have an impact on turnover and profitability. However, as restrictions have been lifted, trading has been very strong and we are looking forward to a successful 2022. There is clearly a pent up demand for quality new houses.
What are the biggest challenges facing the construction industry in 2022 and beyond?
In the short-term, many key materials are in short supply. At Barratt we have focussed on maintaining productivity by micro-managing resources and being flexible in the materials we choose to use.
If we don’t take collective action, there is a pressing skills shortage in the sector that could start to have a major impact on construction programmes. At Barratt, we are sponsoring schools partnerships through the ‘Build your future’ programmes to give youngsters a taste of life on a building site. We also have an active armed forces recruitment programme and have been impressed with the skills and focus of those we have employed.
How do you relax away from the stresses and strains of work?
My private passion is playing the bagpipes. I first learned at school some thirty years ago and have played at a competitive level ever since in bands such as the Turriff & District and, more recently, the Portlethen & District. I’ve had the opportunity to play the bagpipes across Europe in Germany, Spain, Switzerland, Italy, Ireland and more besides.
Last year I became a ‘Covid golfer’, although there is still huge scope for improvement!
13