An award-winning tradesperson has announced plans to leave the UK for Switzerland, warning that rising employment taxes, shrinking apprenticeship support and mounting red tape are driving skilled workers and small business owners overseas.Martin Daly
, founder of Motherwell-based MD Builders and recently crowned Screwfix Top Tradesperson for 2025, said changes introduced in Labour’s first Budget were the final catalyst behind his decision to relocate after years of building his business in the UK.
Daly, 30, began his career as a joiner before setting up his own firm five years ago. Since then, he has employed and trained multiple apprentices, many of whom have gone on to establish their own businesses or pursue opportunities abroad. He now fears the UK risks accelerating a wider exodus of skilled tradespeople at a time when construction labour shortages are already acute.
He pointed to the rise in employers’ National Insurance contributions, increases in the National Living Wage and what he described as insufficient funding for apprenticeships as key pressures squeezing small firms.
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