Results revealing real concern among CAPEB members, especially since the shortage of skilled labor does not facilitate the management of their sites, which are already strongly impacted by the difficulties in supplying materials and the soaring prices. . In this unfavorable context for the activity of its companies, CAPEB is impatiently awaiting the Assises du BTP, announced for the month of September, to make its proposals.
An increasingly tight market
43% of business leaders say they are having difficulties with their business activity, ie 4 points more than in the previous quarter and 21 points over one year. This is particularly the case for general contractors, carpenters and insulation companies. In the territories, it is in the departments of Cantal, Haute-Savoie and Isère that companies are the most affected.
In a context of supply difficulties which are delaying worksites, visibility on order books is getting longer. 51% of craftsmen declare visibility for more than 3 months, an increase of 3 points compared to the 1st quarter of 2021.
Corporate profitability remains uncertain
With a result of 31%, the number of companies deploring a low or insufficient level of cash increased further this quarter by 2 points. As for their margins, if they remain stable this quarter for 54% of companies, they are still down for 43% of them. Rising material and energy prices are not systematically passed on by companies.
Hiring intentions still high
Market tension is not dampening companies' hiring intentions. 47% of business leaders indeed wish to recruit or are thinking about it. Permanent contracts (CDI) are favored by 58% of business leaders.
To cope with their difficulties in recruiting skilled labour, 47% of craftsmen plan to train an apprentice this quarter (ie 18 points more than the previous quarter).
For Dominique Guiseppin, Head of a craft painting business (Savoie), President of CAPEB Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes: “Despite the unfavorable context, our companies are trying to resist, but the concern is real for the months to come. It is for this reason that we are impatiently awaiting the Assises du BTP announced by the Minister of the Economy, Bruno Le Maire, so that the problems on the ground are raised and that the CAPEB can make its proposals, pragmatic solutions adapted to the constraints. of our artisans and craft businesses. »
CAPEB proposals are available here.