The saying ‘from little acorns big oaks grow’ is never more appropriate than when considering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

They have the potential to become the major contractors of tomorrow.

A recent survey by the Association’s commercial, contracts and legal department reminded us of the challenges that small and medium-sized ECA member firms face. Some 70% of SME companies say they will need to grow, diversify or merge in order to survive.

There is also major concern over the current availability of skilled labour and the expectation is for this to worsen over the next five years.

We must not lose sight of the link between major contractors and SMEs, particularly as PFI and Framework Agreements are increasingly influencing companies’ business. The way some major contractors are developing their business models will certainly have a knock-on effect for SMEs.

The ECA has a comprehensive range of member business services to give the SME access to the business resources of a major corporation. The Association is also keeping an eye on changes in the market-place and we are working closely with all sectors of our industry to ensure we continue supporting members of all sizes.

Source

Electrical and Mechanical Contractor