ISO-CHEMIE national sales manager Andy Swift has voiced his optimism for the future of the sealant market, despite the looming challenges of Brexit.

Mr Swift admits that Brexit could stall new commercial construction and investment in infrastructure projects, but highlights how the housing shortage will help drive demand for window and door sealants.

He said: "The housing shortage will create new build opportunities, particularly in offsite and timber framed construction. In turn, this will drive demand for cost-effective window and door sealing tapes, which are quick-to-install and provide long term energy efficiencies.

"So, as we look forward, the market appears future proof for companies like ISO-CHEMIE, and who knows, it may even be better than expected."

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Following Brexit, the free movement of labour between the UK and EU might also add up to become a concern for the industry.

"This country will undoubtedly face a skills shortage following the departure of foreign workers post Brexit," said Andy Swift. "We also saw significant numbers leave the trade in the wake of last recession, never to return.

"A lack of take up by millennials of construction and building trade careers, is also contributing to worker shortfalls across the fenestration sector. It's a challenge for both recruiters and the industry, but not necessarily an impossible one to overcome."

According to Mr Swift, the skills shortage is being addressed through ISO BLOCO 600 and ONE among other products, which offer ease-of-installation benefits to accommodate the dearth in expertise.

He has also called on more action to attract young people to the sector, adding: "One solution to address this, is to offer more industry specific apprenticeships. Or as we are doing, introduce products that don't require specialist skills or expertise to install."

ISO-CHEMIE is one of Europe's main producers of impregnated foam sealants, specialising in the manufacturer of foam products from polyethylene (EPE), polypropylene (EPP) and polyurethane (PUR).

(CM/MH)