Construction activity to fall significantly in 2026

Construction activity to fall significantly in 2026
by Jennie Ward|27 July 26|Build, Supply
The CPA’s forecast for construction output has been downgraded further in its Summer forecast, published today, due to the lagged impacts of the Middle East conflict that are starting to pass through to both the demand and cost sides of the UK economy. Construction output year-to-date so far in 2026...
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Confidence and rising costs remain challenging, says first-ever TDUK Market Briefing
by Jennie Ward|03 July 26|Build, Statistics, Supply
Timber Development UK (TDUK) has published its first-ever Market Briefing, bringing together economic analysis, market data and insight from businesses across the supply chain to provide a detailed picture of the issues shaping the timber industry during the first half of 2026. Drawing on contributions from timber merchants, sawmills, manufacturers and...
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Softwood imports remain resilient despite mixed Q1 market performance
by Jennie Ward|08 June 26|Build, Statistics, Supply
Softwood import volumes remained marginally ahead of the same period last year during the first quarter of 2026, despite continued pressure across parts of the UK timber and panel products market, according to the latest Timber Development UK market statistics. The combined import volumes of the main timber and panel...
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Merchant sales down -8.1% year-on-year in Q1 2026
by Jennie Ward|04 June 26|Build, Supply
The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report reveals that builders’ merchants’ like-for-like value sales for Q1 2026, adjusted to remove the impact of trading days, were -3.2% lower than Q1 2025. Like-for-like volume sales were down -8.1%, with product prices increasing +5.4%.
 
With no difference in trading days, unadjusted...
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CPA survey reveals declining sales during Q1 2026
by Jennie Ward|19 May 26|Build, Supply
It has been a difficult three months for the UK construction industry according to the latest Construction Products Association State of Trade Survey. Both heavyside and lightside manufacturers reported declining sales compared with Q4 2025, which is the first time that sales have declined for both segments of construction product...
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One week left to respond to key Construction Products Safety consultation
by Jennie Ward|12 May 26|Build, Supply
Timber Development UK is urging members and the wider supply chain to review its latest Trade Note on the proposed General Safety Requirement (GSR) for construction products, with just one week remaining to respond to the Government consultation, which closes on 20 May 2026. The new Trade Note sets out...
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How businesses can survive a challenging economic climate
by Jennie Ward|12 May 26|Build, Supply
At the recent Annual General Meeting of the Trussed Rafter Association, delegates gathered to hear a keynote that balanced realism and optimism. Chris Maityard, founder of Moorgate Management, explained that while the market may be difficult, there is opportunity out there. But only for those prepared to adapt and tighten their...
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MKM Building Supplies reports revenue growth in full-year results
by Jennie Ward|10 May 26|Build, Supply
TDUK member MKM Building Supplies (MKM), a leading UK independent builder’s merchant, has announced its full-year results for the year ended 30 September 2025. The company reports growth that outperforms the merchant market's growth of 1.2%, increasing its market share to 14.8% (FY2024: 13.3%). This has helped generate revenue growth...
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Jewson launches petition calling for government to get Britain building and ‘out of crisis’
by Jennie Ward|24 April 26|Build, Supply
Jewson has launched a petition calling on government to get Britain's building and construction sector out of crisis and into positive economic growth. Jewson is championing the petition, #LetsGetBritainBuildingNOW, which calls on the government to build certainty and confidence in the market, focusing on the three biggest things general builders and...
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Homes England launches National Housing Bank
by Jennie Ward|06 April 26|Build, Supply
Homes England’s National Housing Bank officially launched on 1 April, 2026. The new government public finance institution has the authority and ambition to "accelerate the delivery of new homes and communities", as well as enabling the regeneration of towns and cities across England. Backed by the UK government, the National...
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