Woodworking & offsite construction machinery supplier JJ Smith respond to 2021 Budget

Ben Pybus receiving his certificate of completion for his apprenticeship from Managing Director Martin Smith. Both are pictured in front of one of the machines suitable for Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) and two current apprentices

Last March, unprecedented times called for unprecedented measures, with the government announcing financial support packages to help both businesses and individuals as the COVID-19 pandemic hit. Fast forward to March 2021 and the recently delivered Budget highlights the fact the country is still in the emergency phase of the pandemic, with a focus on securing an economic recovery and ensuring business stability.

New machinery investment

JJ Smith, the UK’s leading supplier of woodworking and offsite construction machinery, was particularly thrilled with the Budget’s focus on new machinery investment. Beginning in April 2021, the Government is investing £25 billion in the UK’s future growth and prosperity. Through the 130% super-deduction, companies can cut their taxes by up to 25p for every pound they invest in new machinery, which means that investing £50,000, for example, would equate to a £65,000 reduction in taxable income. This provides a fantastic opportunity for UK businesses to purchase new woodworking equipment, which will enable them to increase productivity, efficiency and innovation, while simultaneously reducing corporation tax liabilities.

If companies utilise this government incentive to invest in machinery from JJ Smith, they can be assured of purchasing world-class equipment with long-term support from a business that has been trading for nearly 100 years. When it comes to taking on new projects, this also poses a fantastic opportunity for a large number of JJ Smith’s customer base, and they are excited to see how this develops going forward. JJ Smith are also proud to supply machinery to the offsite construction industry and welcome the increased focus on this construction method. Liverpool City Region was highlighted as having an ambitious proposal for MMC the Budget, and as industry experts, they think this is a fantastic opportunity for the region as a whole. Managing Director, Martin Smith, said: “JJ Smith welcomes the focus in the Budget on investment in the construction industry as a key driver for jobs and prosperity in the UK. In particular, as a leading supplier through its subsidiary company, Modular Building Automation, which supplies automated equipment solutions for the offsite sector. Being the only offsite construction machinery supplier in the UK, MBA is well placed to assist businesses, both large and small, looking to innovate in this sector.”

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A machine designed by Modular Building Automation for the offsite construction industry, for the manufacture of steel frame panels

Focus on apprenticeships

Furthermore, JJ Smith, a family-run business based in Knowsley, places a strong emphasis on the benefits of apprenticeships. The company is proud to provide employment and training opportunities to local people, and pictured here is rising star and newly-qualified engineer, Ben Pybus, who has recently completed his apprenticeship. “Ben has shown a fantastic aptitude for engineering over the course of his apprenticeship and we’re very proud of all he’s achieved. He is a real asset to the company and has a bright future ahead of him,” said Operations Manager, Dave Moore.

The announcement in the Budget of an additional £126 million for 40,000 more traineeships in England is good news for young people, and this will fund high quality work placements and training for 16-24 year-olds in the 2021/22 academic year. In addition, the apprenticeship hiring incentive in England has been extended to September 2021 with an increase in payment to £3,000. JJ Smith, who currently employ five apprentices and endeavour to hire two new ones each year, welcome the incentives for companies such as theirs to continue offering these opportunities to young people, providing a helping hand when it comes to starting their careers. Commercial Director, Rachael Baker, said: “We welcome a number of announcements made in the recent Budget. The Modern Methods of Construction Taskforce is good news, for example. We’re proud to supply machinery to the offsite construction industry and welcome the increased focus on this construction method. The super-deductions on capital investments in machinery assets provides a fantastic opportunity for UK businesses to invest in new woodworking machinery, which will lead to an increase in productivity. We welcome the Liverpool City Region Freeport status, the possibilities that easier trading could bring to us as a company, and the increased apprenticeship funding is also excellent news,” she finished.

For more information on JJ Smith & Co (Woodworking Machinery) Ltd, see www.jjsmith.co.uk.

COMPANY INFO
JJ Smith & Co (Woodworking Machinery) Ltd
Moorgate Point, Moorgate Road
Knowsley Industrial Park, Kirkby
Liverpool, L33 7DR
01515 489 000

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