Landscape industry's lone voice pushes for Vat change

I've just returned from a meeting at the Houses of Parliament, where the Cut the Vat Coalition launched a new report highlighting how a cut in Vat - from 20% down to 5% - for building renovations and repairs on private properties could kick-start the economy, as well as create thousands of new jobs.

You can read about my visit and the launch of the report by Experian here.

I signed up as a supporter to the Cut the Vat Campaign over a year ago so I was greatly saddened that Landscape Juice was the sole representative of the landscape industry at that meeting. It is a truly sad indictment of the atmosphere currently permeating the industry.

I felt it vitally important to ensure that landscaping is included within any potential Vat reduction. The benefits this would bring to the landscape industry could be huge.

Why are others not thinking the same way? Other groups missed a great opportunity to demonstrate unity during a time when our fragmented business landscape needs it most.

Save for Landscape Juice, the dearth of industry representation highlighted further what a pickle the industry is in.

I feel there is still too much emphasis by others on awards and insular marketing whilst all of the important issues, such as practitioner welfare and support and general business advice are ignored.

I guess I shouldn't be surprised. The recent squabbles between the APL and BALI over who can call themselves the association of choice, and the APL vice-chairman bashing the Marshalls' Register only serves to highlight that these so-called industry bodies have simply lost their way.

Whilst talking to the chief executive of one of a trade organisation present at the meeting, there was a perfect, yet unscripted, comment along the lines of 'I'd be interested in how Landscape Juice has grown so strongly whilst trade associations generally are in decline'.

(image: Liberal Democrat MP Simon Hughes discussed Vat reduction with Federation of Mater Builders Chief Executive Brian Berry)

Comments

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Being Vat registered makes it extremely difficult to compete with those who are not, or those cash only jobbers.
A reduced rate would level the playing field somewhat while also increasing interest from the consumer.