Building Suppliers 'Cut Off' From Large Projects

Building Suppliers 'Cut Off' From Large Projects BUILDING material and supplies companies say sales continue to remain relatively flat, with one executive claiming that Bahamians are being completely shut off from big projects. It's not good for the economy. That's part of the challenge, but business has been steadily improving over the last six months, yet it's no thanks to these varieties of projects. Charles Albury, manager of JBR Building Supplies, told Tribune Business that business was relatively flat. Mr Lleida said: "There may be a slight upward trend in sales, but I don't think we are getting a fair share of the construction supply market. People still do not realise we have got a store in the same building, but it's coming together," Mr Collins said. Some of these projects that come along, they don't need to do that. Raymond Collins, Tops Lumber and Plumbing Supplies' general manager, said the company was holding its own with no dramatic increases in sales. The lumber side is doing well as far as the customer base is going, but the store side is still struggling a little bit. I know there's a trickle down effect, but I would rather not have to wait for it to trickle down. "Every single project that has come along in the last 10 years has had a skewed playing field. We cannot compete with that. "Companies come here, get contracts and purchase their supplies directly from the US. "We are constantly competing with the contractors who aspire to got to the US and buy direct. Mr Albury said: "Things are pretty flat. We get some of the big projects to a degree, but most of the projects, like Baha Mar for example, are covered under the Hotel Encouragement Act and they get duty-free exemptions to bring in their materials. It's a pretty closed shop. I recognise that everyone is in the business to make a profit and protect their own interests, that's fine, but many Bahamian companies aren't even given the opportunity to participate. Building Suppliers 'Cut Off' From Large Projects Trade News selected by Local Linkup on 01/05/2012