AGS and FFB join forces to prevent difficulties for construction companies

Faced with the economic tensions affecting construction companies, the Wage Guarantee Scheme (AGS) and the French Building Federation (FFB) wish to intervene before the difficulties lead to a cessation of payments or the opening of a collective procedure.

The agreement signed by the two organizations aims to better inform artisans and entrepreneurs, facilitate their access to existing support programs, and direct them more quickly to the appropriate contacts. Protecting business activity and employment is the primary objective of this cooperation.

“Building tradespeople and contractors are facing profound changes and real economic pressures. This partnership with AGS strengthens our collective ability to anticipate these difficulties, to better inform our members and to guide them towards appropriate solutions, in a spirit of prevention and responsibility,” says Frédéric Carré, president of the FFB.

Identifying situations of vulnerability earlier

The AGS and the FFB want to improve the clarity of the solutions available to companies facing cash flow problems, a decline in activity or other economic difficulties.

The partnership is structured around three priorities:

• anticipate the economic risks specific to the building sector;
• strengthen information, awareness and training for businesses;
• quickly direct managers to the systems and contacts best suited to their situation.

This approach should allow for earlier intervention, before difficulties worsen and threaten the continuity of the company or jobs.

“In a more uncertain economic environment, the challenge is to intervene before difficulties worsen. This partnership with the FFB will make it possible to better publicize existing mechanisms, to support weakened companies more effectively and to secure employee career paths, with concrete solutions as close as possible to the ground,” emphasizes Christian Nibourel, president of the AGS.

Regular analyses of the building's situation

The agreement also provides for strengthened information sharing between the two organizations. AGS and FFB intend to produce regular analyses on the construction industry situation, the difficulties faced by companies, and the evolution of their needs.

This research should help to better identify the specific vulnerabilities of the sector and inform both public actors and professional organizations. It can also contribute to policies and mechanisms dedicated to preventing business failures.

Support relayed in the territories

The cooperation will be based on the territorial networks of the AGS and the FFB. This establishment should promote the dissemination of information and best practices, the sharing of expertise, and the faster identification of companies requiring support.

For tradespeople and entrepreneurs, the challenge will be having local contacts who can guide them as soon as the first difficulties arise. The partnership must also help to better secure the situation of employees when the company enters a period of economic vulnerability.