yesterday\u2019s news that one of the island\u2019s largest and most longstanding construction firms had stopped trading with immediate effect.<\/a><\/p>\nStyle Group, which included AC Mauger and Style Windows, employed more than 200 people. Staff were told in a letter yesterday that the group was being wound up and while their roles remained, no wages would be paid.<\/p>\n
It said: \u201cI know this will come as a shock. Please understand this is not a reflection on your hard work or performance you have given so much, but the challenges facing the business have made it impossible to continue.\u201d<\/p>\n
We need tangible action now that will reduce the risk of further businesses getting into difficulty<\/p>\n
Mike Osborne, Chair of Chamber\u2019s Building, Housing and Environment Committee<\/p>\n
In response to the news, Chamber said it was \u201cdeeply saddened\u201d by the loss of the business from the sector, and for the loss of jobs. It added that it was also concerned for the impact of smaller firms who were trading with Style, who may now lose contracts and money.<\/p>\n
It said: \u201cIt\u2019s devastating for the hard working families affected by this and Chamber has the greatest sympathy for all those who are facing uncertainty following this news.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe latest closures of well-established business will send shockwaves across the economy, with many secondary business affected by unpaid bills or cancelled work.<\/p>\n
\u201cChamber is concerned the island will lose its capacity to deliver housing, schools and other essential projects if more firms go under. Costs will rise further as we rely more on off-island contractors and local jobs disappear. <\/p>\n
\u201cA strong, competitive local construction sector is critical to Jersey\u2019s economy and community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mike Osborne, Chair of Chamber\u2019s Building, Housing and Environment Committee, called for \u201ctangible action\u201d to reduce the risk of further businesses getting into difficulty.<\/p>\n
He said: \u201cGovernment is the biggest client and influencer of activity in the construction sector, but it needs to understand the importance\u00a0of the multiplier effect that comes through construction value into the broader economy. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe want to work with Government, whenever and however possible, to bring activity to construction sites quickly. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe need a procurement process that is rapid, reduces bureaucracy and supports local business. <\/p>\n
\u201cThat will allow them to invest, employ, train and ultimately maintain a sector that will thrive again.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chamber of Commerce CEO Murray Norton said the business group has been \u201cconsistently calling\u201d for the release of capital projects as <\/p>\n
\u201cThe Government is by far the biggest customer for building and construction services,\u201d he explained.<\/p>\n
Mr Norton called for the Government\u2019s \u2018Investing in Jersey\u2019 programme, published earlier this month, to be fast-tracked to provide an \u201curgently required pipeline for this sector\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWithout headline projects that local construction companies can bid for, we are concerned that further closures in this sector will be inevitable and skilled tradespeople will be lost to Jersey\u2019s economy,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere is a clear need for a broad range of investment, including infrastructure, housing, repairs, maintenance and improvement. We must make it happen.\u201d<\/p>\n
The collapse of Style Group follows several high-profile exits from the construction sector in the recent years, including Camerons, JP Mauger, Mitchell, Kalmac and Nicholson Builders.<\/p>\n
Ground engineering contractor Amplus also announced that it was closing down this week, but this is unrelated to Style Group going out of business.<\/p>\n
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