Danger, risk of falling: Construction to drop in turnover expectations

Manpower is going, going, gone.

SMEs in the construction and engineering sectors will experience the hardest hits in the coming months, especially with the latest round of increased foreign workers levies that will constrain firms in their ability to take on new projects.

The SBF-DP SME Index cites that continued manpower constraints faced by SMEs are likely to result in a less robust growth momentum.

According to Chen Yew Nah, director of DP Info, the manpower challenge has to be overcome with a transformational mindset so that SMEs can grow in the future.

She adds that tightening labour constraints continuously dog SMEs with a less than robust expected growth, hampering their capacity to actively grow their top lines amidst expansion opportunities.

“There are several examples of companies, particularly in the Manufacturing and Construction/Engineering sectors, that have invested in technology and automation, as well redesigned their processes to realise improved overall efficiency, quality and productivity,” adds Ho Meng Kit, CEO of Singapore Business Federation.

If you've been wondering whether SBR could work for your company — yes, probably.

A lot of the companies we partner with started as readers. They'd been following our coverage for a while, saw their own customers and competitors in it, and eventually asked the obvious question: could we do something with you? The answer is usually yes. The shape of it depends on what you're trying to do.

The options are broader than most people assume — thought leadership articles, sponsored content, industry summits across Southeast Asia, regional awards programmes, podcasts, and media placements in print and digital. Some partners use one channel; most use a mix. We figure out the right combination by starting with your brief, not with our rate card.

So if the question has been on your mind, here's the easy way to ask it.

We'll tell you honestly whether we can help, and how. It's a better use of everyone's time.

Book a meeting

| Or download the media kit (PDF)

240,000 senior readers quarterly in print Top 1,700 Singapore companies reached

7 markets across Southeast Asia