There was no broad-based recovery in the UK heating market in Q2 2026, but regulation, energy economics, installer capability and consumer confidence are reshaping the market more than any simple… Read more
The UK construction market presents a mixed and challenging picture in Q2. Housebuilding is under considerable pressure, from affordability constraints, planning delays and subdued consumer and investor confidence. Although the… Read more
The last quarter’s performance showed some stability, but the growth agenda from policy makers continues to be lacking. Within that the drylining sector also continues to operate in a market… Read more
UK Trade Paint volumes softened further in Q2 with demand under pressure as construction and housing sectors weakened. Premium decorative products remain resilient, but the overall outlook has become more… Read more
It’s been another tough quarter for merchants and suppliers alike. While the weather has improved it has done little to rally construction activity, and volumes for bagged cement and aggregates… Read more
Extremes of weather made the first half of 2026 an ongoing trial for construction companies. Quarter one was one of the wettest starts to the year, making building difficult. Quarter… Read more
While Q2 2026 saw an improvement in overall volumes versus Q1 2026, it was still lower than the same period in 2025. In the half year, volumes have dropped back… Read more
Construction activity remains tepid. On-again, off-again oil supply chains don’t help, nor does the distraction of the UK’s new national sport – changing prime ministers. It’s all contributed to an… Read more
Demand for engineered wood products during the second quarter was broadly in line with seasonal averages, indicating that the residential housing market during this period was relatively flat. However, some… Read more
Quarter Two started with strong paving sales in April as merchants stocked up for summer ahead of forecast shortages in Indian sandstone and porcelain. After a lull in May, June… 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.
