A PROPERTY manager has hit out at the soaring price of scaffolding – with one quote reaching £650,000 – after the Island’s competition watchdog issued a warning that some scaffolding firms may not be competing fairly.
Charlie Clyde-Smith of Clyde-Smith Property Services, which looks after the Maison Victor Hugo apartments in Greve d’Azette among other properties, said the company had dealt with “millions of pounds worth of damage to developments all across the Island” in the aftermath of Storm Ciarán and had seen scaffold prices increase sharply due to demand.
He said: “We dealt with millions of pounds worth of damage to developments all across the Island and noticed scaffold prices increase hugely due to demand.
“One scaffold quote came in at £650,000, which was an increase of 75% from two years previous.
“We will therefore only use scaffolding companies whose prices remained competitive after storms like Storm Ciarán and who didn’t capitalise on the rise in demand.
“Unfortunately, this has left slim pickings. Capitalising on short-term profit over long-term reputation is something that the islands won’t forget.”
His comments come after the Jersey Competition Regulatory Authority yesterday published an open letter to scaffolding companies, warning that firms in the sector may not be competing fairly.
The letter followed a review into the construction sector, which raised concerns about how businesses may be operating within Jersey’s scaffolding market, particularly with regard to “price setting”.
It urged businesses to check their practices, comply with competition law, and called on consumers and companies to come forward with any relevant information.
“The purpose of this letter is to raise awareness and encourage compliance with competition law,” the Authority wrote.
“We are not alleging that any scaffolding businesses have broken the law, however, we would like to hear if you have any concerns or information regarding past, current or potential anti-competitive behaviour in Jersey.”
JCRA chief executive Tim Ringsdore said in a statement: “Competition benefits everyone –consumers, businesses, and the wider economy. It is therefore important that we act to identify and stop anti-competitive behaviours within Jersey’s markets.
“Where suspected breaches of the competition law are identified, we may investigate and, if necessary, take enforcement action. I can assure everyone that the information received will be treated in confidence.”
Anyone wishing to report concerns can contact the Authority confidentially at competition@jcra.je or by calling 01534 514990.
