As I look back on the fourth quarter of 2022 and the preceding nine months, our sector remained resilient in what was a turbulent year. Although December’s output was estimated… Read more
Quarter four saw a continuation of demand softening, which we evidenced in Q3, across the majority of timber products. Construction is slowing, with housebuilding looking particularly vulnerable. Mortgage approvals in… Read more
Quarter four was relatively stable after a turbulent and unsettling quarter three for the UK – politically and economically – but with soaring inflation and the threat of imminent recession,… Read more
Sales continued to slow in Q4. Pre-Covid we would expect a lull in sales in December and January when the weather is typically unforgiving for landscaping projects, however we’ve lost… Read more
The introduction of the UK’s own UKCA mark has continued to be a vexed issue for fasteners and fixings. Along with other building products, they fall under the Construction Products… Read more
At the risk of being a stereotypical Brit, I want to talk about the weather. What can the mercury tell us about demand for mineral wool insulation? As I write,… Read more
The fourth quarter of 2022 continued to decline in volumes. Last year was certainly a game of two halves with the second half average around 20% lower than the first…. Read more
As 2022 drew to a close and we reflected on the year that was, we were reminded of the uncertainty our sector faced. After Brexit, then Covid, we could be… Read more
Quarter 4 recorded dampening demand, with the RMI market suffering more than most as concerns over energy prices, interest rates and inflation continued to dent consumer confidence. These underlying issues… Read more
As customers, we’ve grown to expect a certain level of flexibility and adaptability from brands. Whether that’s flexibility around regular payment dates for things such as utility bills or the… 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.
