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Winter 2022 03 A VIEW FROM ON HIGH PAUL GAZE, CEO, UPDATES ON THE LATEST AT HAE EHA Paul Gaze CEO T he ‘mini-budget’ on 23rd September unleashed a torrid time, with businesses under renewed pressure on top of skyrocketing energy prices, inflation, supply chain delays and skill shortages. All eyes are now on the Chancellor’s Autumn Budget which is expected to bring about significant public spending cuts and tax rises, in part, to correct the impact of the previous mini-Budget from the brief Truss administration. Let’s not forget the wellbeing of people working in the sector, who are facing the most turbulent of recent times. A reduction in housebuilding activity and confidence will reduce demand for hired tools, plant and equipment, as with other construction work. Money for central and local government funded capital projects and maintenance is likely to be reduced. High inflation is also eating away at capital programmes. Householders worried about money will be less likely to go ahead with improvements. Meanwhile, our members are continuing to invest to green their fleets and in skills and people and the hire sector remains a key enabling force across the economy. Getting both energy costs and inflation under control rank highly for us and we hope the Government now has the same priorities. On September 14th we held the 2nd #UnitedforMentalHealthStrength at Boels Rental in Stoke-on-Trent. The event focused on Financial Wellbeing and included a range of presentations including support for people working within the sector from the Lighthouse Club. We will continue to encourage members to engage in this area and will develop a plan over the coming months to roll out a training programme to support employees. << TWISTS AND TURNS DESTABILISE UK ECONOMY The mini-budget presented by the then-Chancellor of The Exchequer, Kwasi Kwarteng, unleashed a torrid time.