General builder Dave Pickles tells us why we need to petition government

More than 10 construction firms are closing their doors for business every single day - and that's before the current Middle East conflict started. With their businesses no longer viable, the UK's 3,850 hardworking builders and tradespeople who shut up shop in the 12 months to the end of February this year represent 17% of all registered insolvencies - that number would be even higher if we include the many sole traders and one-person trades who ceased trading informally. 

Without the general builders and the specialist tradespeople, it'll become more difficult to find a skilled professional when you desperately need a plumber, electrician, plasterer, groundworker, roofer, heating engineer, carpenter ... the list goes on. And they're the same skilled tradespeople you'll find working hard on building sites across the UK, come rain or shine, as sub-contractors for construction companies large and small.

The system's broken and in an ever more regulated environment, it's vital that the government takes action now, to protect and support the people we depend on in building and construction, who not only build - but make our local communities.

Dave Pickles is a general builder based in Wakefield. He finds the planning system slow and expensive. These barriers do not help him deliver the projects that bring value to the local community and joy to his clients. 

Take action and share this petition with 10 people in your network today.  One day 'I'll do it later' will be ... too late!

Sign, verify and share make take a few minutes, but at least you know your voice will be heard. It's a bit like voting in the local elections ... every signature strengthens our collective voice. Without it, we risk being ignored. This is our opportunity to stand up, be heard, and make positive change happen.