The digital transformation of the merchant sector has been gathering pace, and this is set to go up another level in 2026, as merchants evolve and adapt to the needs… Read more
Demand within the fasteners and fixings sector continues to mirror wider merchant trends, with the construction market experiencing its longest sustained downturn since the financial crisis. While 2025 saw a… Read more
There can be few construction material categories that closed the 4th quarter of 2025 with a positive spin. The Heavy Building Materials segment remained in the same state of malaise… Read more
The overall market continues to be a challenge, with impossible-to-forecast peaks and troughs. It’s been like that in recent years. Something else we can blame on Covid! Roof windows had… Read more
The UK Trade Decorative Paint market delivered a broadly stable performance in 2025, demonstrating resilience against a backdrop of mixed economic conditions and continued pressure on construction activity. For Q4 2025,… Read more
Quarter four sales were lower than expected, as an already challenging quarter rounded off with a disappointing December. A lack of confidence in the market and persistent rain saw many… Read more
Twenty twenty-five was not the year construction anticipated. Prolonged uncertainty led to lower levels of housebuilding, and while November’s budget provided welcome clarity, it also brought the cancellation of the… Read more
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
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
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
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.
