The BWF also detected a view from members that renewed activity from the Health & Safety Executive and HMRC was aimed at increasing revenues through fines.
The survey indicated a difficult first quarter, with the balance of respondents declaring decreasing sales volumes. Poor weather was cited as a reason but there was also optimism that increased sales activity would return.
However, there was also concern that demand was unlikely to return any time soon. A balance of 37% predicted an increase in sales volumes during the next quarter, with a balance of 24% predicting growth over the next year.
Capacity utilisation was lower than in the previous survey, while raw material costs rose for 78% of respondents.