“without political stability, some throw in the towel”

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“We need political stability to work peacefully. » Despite her natural optimism, the president of the Confederation of crafts and small construction businesses of Vendée (Capeb) cannot veil the concern that is growing among craftsmen. Tuesday November 26, during a press conference, Lucie Amelineau drew up a discouraging observation of theactivity and morale of artisans who suffer from successive crises that they have been facing since 2020. And the latest, the dissolution of the Assembly last June and un chaotic finance billare added to the stress ambiant.

The latest economic survey carried out among Capeb members in September confirms an increase in fears. By the number of participants already. 317 artisans took the time to respond to the survey. “A higher rate than other years which shows a strong expectation, but above all a great concern”, analyzes the president.

In adaptation mode for four years

Craftsmen who, however, should not have to worry, their main market being promising sectors of the future, such as renovation or adaptability of housing. “For the majority of our artisans, these sectors represent 80% of their activity,” recalls Lucie Amelineau.

Or, ces Markets are shaken by economic and political instability which lasts. “It’s been tense for four years. First there was the Covid which put a stop to it and changed a lot of things. Then came the war in Ukraine which caused the prices of materials to soar,” the president rewinds. Inflation directly impacting household purchasing power has not helped revive the market.

Worried and tired craftsmen

In 2024, however, the craftsmen hoped for a clearing. “We were starting to stabilize our margins. We had to increase our prices, even if despite this, cash flow remains tight. » The talks with the previous government, in particular on the simplification of procedures concerning MaPrimeRénov or MaPrimeAdapt' also gave hope for “great progress”. This was without counting on the dissolution of Parliament. “It brought a sudden halt and destabilized the market. »

Starting with the order books which have fallen. “For 47% of the companies surveyed, visibility was reduced to less than three months for half of the companies, whereas this summer it exceeded six months. » 30% of companies say they are weakened and 33% explain that they have adapted their operations to avoid difficulties. Only 23% (compared to 38% in 2023) intend to invest in the coming months. More alarming, of the 16% who are considering ceasing their activity, “43% are throwing in the towel not for an economic fault, but out of fed up, fatigue and stress”, specifies Jean-Luc Ballesteros, general secretary. of Capeb 85. Craftsmen, mainly small businesses with less than ten employees, also fear competition from large construction groups which are eyeing these renovation markets, with new construction also in crisis.

Train and simplify

This drop in activity forces artisans to s’adapter once again taking strategic decisions. “Some companies have chosen to freeze their recruitment or hire on fixed-term contracts, while our DNA is rather to train to hire on permanent contracts,” notes the president of Capeb Vendée. But for Lucie Amelineau, “there is no question of making the same mistake as in 2008 by stopping training”. A strategy which subsequently resulted in a lack of manpower. “Training a young person is an investment for our companies. We must continue to welcome apprentices, because tomorrow, there is a major challenge in the renovation and adaptation of goods,” is convinced the president who puts forward a potential of 500,000 jobs created thanks to these markets.

So, when the finance bill talks about reducing aid for apprentice training, Capeb “stepped up to the plate by alerting our parliamentarians” without delay. With the hope of being heard and that the finance bill is successful by “continuing to supervise and simplify the aid procedures”.

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