ABSTRACT
The survival of firms depends on their ability to compete, and their ability to compete depends on their profitability and efficiency. The building industry as a whole needs to be efficient in the way construction output is delivered. An annual survey of the performance of the built environment in terms of energy use, building improvements and other developments should be published. The image of the industry cannot improve until the people who work in the industry at all levels are genuinely respected and what they build is appreciated, especially by those within the construction sector itself. Plumbers, carpenters, electricians, plasterers and all the other construction trades and skills should have the same expectations of behaviour placed upon them as the more traditional construction professionals. A legal requirement to employ only qualified staff on site would have the effect of creating barriers in the labour market but would raise wages, productivity and professionalism.
