Members of the Construction Leadership Council’s Material Supply Chain Group are cautiously optimistic abut industry prospects going into H2 of 2023.
A statement released by John Newcomb, CEO of the Builders Merchants Federation and Peter Caplehorn, CEO of the Construction Products Association, co-chairs of the Construction Leadership Council’s Material Supply Chain Group, says there are now signs that RMI work is picking up with optimism especially when looking ahead to 2025. The Group says many are looking to the new government to help drive the recovery by acting quickly to support UK construction with measures to promote housebuilding, infrastructure, energy efficiency retrofit and planning reform.
Such clarity, together with anticipated rate cuts from the Bank of England would help to stimulate key sectors of the industry.
In anticipation of an uptick in demand, manufacturers have highlighted the need for accurate forward forecasts to ensure capacity is set at the correct level to match demand.
The Group’s latest report continues to show good levels of product availability across the board.
There are, however, isolated reports of minor availability issues for certain profiles of concrete roof tiles, aircrete blocks, doors and some timber products, but these are limited to particular regions or manufacturers and evidence suggests they are likely to be temporary.
“Prices are relatively stable with the level of any increase mostly low and manageable,” it said.
