Expert comments
The UK construction industry remains in a period of adjustment. Economic pressures, cost volatility and subdued activity across residential and commercial sectors continue to shape short-term conditions and the sluggish… Read more
Expert comments
There were few surprises in Q4 2025, as the steel lintels market followed a familiar seasonal pattern. Activity eased in the usual November and December slowdown delivering a noticeable reduction… Read more
Expert comments
After finishing 2025 with an 8% increase in volumes, the sales forecast for paving for the year ahead is looking flat. In my last comment I mentioned the unprecedented rainfall… Read more
Expert comments
The sawmilling industry across Europe continues to face challenging circumstances. Record high log prices combined with stagnant sawn timber prices, driven by low demand across Europe, are continuing to put… Read more
Expert comments
There has been no noticeable recovery in the UK housing market in the last quarter, however I remain optimistic for the future. I see the Future Homes Standard (FHS) and… Read more
Expert comments
Hold onto your hats, here we go again! We hadn’t even learned what horrors the Chancellor’s budget would contain when the CPA (Construction Products Association) launched its dollop of pessimism… Read more
Expert comments
Quarter three 2025 has witnessed significant momentum in product data standardisation, with September’s announcement that the first suppliers have officially signed up to the BMF’s Data Yard platform marking a… Read more
Expert comments
In a tough market, Keylite had a strong Quarter Three. However, confidence in the market remains relatively low, with limited near-term expectation of significant improvement from merchants, builders or installers…. Read more
Expert comments
The UK Trade Paint Market has demonstrated resilience in 2025, achieving a year-to-date (YTD) growth of 1.5% compared to 2024. This positive performance is particularly notable given the broader economic… Read more
Expert comments
According to the Construction Purchasing Managers Index, the construction market is showing its longest decline since the financial crisis. The Government’s rhetoric on building 300,000 houses a year in this… Read more
Launched in 2015, the award winning monthly Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report is the only reliable measure of repair, maintenance & improvement (RMI) activity in the UK. Filling an important gap, it can be widely used in construction, and by economists, Government, national media, commentators and influencers outside the industry.
