Demand in the fastener and fixings sector has continued to follow the general trends across merchants, with soft demand driven by the sluggish levels of construction and RM&I activity. With… Read more
While we were hopeful of a lift in demand in Q3, the market slowed again and we have seen a notable flattening in volumes for cement and aggregate products. The… Read more
It’s been a challenging period for the construction industry, but the trendlines are positive as we look to the year ahead. Public policy and falling interest rates should bolster housebuilding,… Read more
We experienced a similar trend across Q3 to that of Q2, with an overall softer market than was forecasted, as the industry faced a more challenging quarter. The ripple effects… Read more
While not exciting, quarter three 2024 has at least held consistent tonnage aligned to quarter two, being a stable period in terms of volume. Stable is good, but to put… Read more
Reflecting on Quarter 3 of 2024, the UK construction industry faced a mix of challenges and opportunities. According to Glenigan (a leading construction projects information provider), planning approvals plummeted by… Read more
Political uncertainty in the build up to the Labour party’s Autumn budget, coupled with a sustained period of unsettled weather, had a negative effect on consumer confidence and merchant sales… Read more
Going into the second half, we suspected the market conditions would be a bit tougher for natural stone and porcelain paving, and a slow-down might be on the cards. We… Read more
As we navigate the evolving dynamics of the sector, while considering our budgets and plans for 2025 and beyond, the Government seems to be focussed on soundbites….300,000 houses a year… Read more
The Office for National Statistics published estimates of construction output for August 2024 this morning. Main points: • Monthly construction output is estimated to have increased by 0.4% in volume… 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.
