Leading noise reduction specialists Echo Barrier backed the initiative launched by the UK Contractors Group (UKCG) this week, which aims to promote UK investment as a means of stimulating jobs and growth for the economy.
Peter Wilson, Technical Director for noise Echo Barrier, believes the theory of the campaign is sound, but that it MUST ensure investment is ploughed into the SMEs, start-ups and smaller businesses, who are the lifeblood of the UK economy.
He said: “The big contractors may be the ones with the huge projects such as the Olympic stadiam, but the SMEs and the independent, smaller contracting firms are the lifeblood of this county’s economy, and are the businesses that need the investment to ensure they continue to employ local people and grow. “As a smaller, newer business we know how many barriers there are in front of small businesses. We heartily welcome a campaign like this to fuel growth, but will be eager to see that younger dynamic enterprises are supported in their critical business journey.”
The campaign, was launched by Tessa Jowell MP, shadow minister for the Olympics and for London alongside James Wates, Chairman CITB-ConstructionSkills, and Kier chief executive Paul Sheffield. Peter added: “The nature of our business is that we deal with contractors who are commissioning and undertaking projects throughout the UK. Those contractors share a mutual desire to deliver employment, to make for a better living environment in our towns and cities, and to provide best value services which are also compliant with safety and environmental obligations. “What makes it harder on them is the financial pressures of being up against bigger companies which have significant economies of scale, so we are constantly championing any plans to help smaller businesses get their chance to prove themselves and to contribute to UK-wide growth.”
Echo Barrier offers high tech, market leading solutions for controlling excessive noise. Echo Barrier systems make noise management simple, fast and highly effective. Barriers are flexible, provide exceptional acoustic performance, are easy to store, transport and fit. They were recently recognised by the Institute of Acoustics and Noise Abatement Society at their annual awards.
Echo Barrier has already successfully helped reduce the noise impact at sites such as Victoria underground station and Crossrail at Tottenham Court Road. The commercial benefits of noise reduction are enormous, including extending site operating hours (and so reducing operational costs), minimising noise complaints, enhancing company reputation and providing for an improved working environment.
For more information about Echo Barrier visit www.echobarrier.com Ends