The Construction Leadership Council has warned that lead times for certain materials is lengthening as demand grows.
High demand, particularly in the infrastructure, housing and repair and maintenance markets, is putting increased pressure on material supplies. John Newcomb, chief executive of the Builders Merchants Federation, and Peter Caplehorn, CEO of the CPA, co-chairs of the CLC’s Product Availability working group, said in a statement: “In general, products are available but lead times have lengthened. Current demand is such that it is proving difficult for manufacturers and suppliers to build up stock levels.”
Timber, roof tiles and roof membranes are the worst-affected products. The CLC said there is “little or no” timber coming into the UK, which has not already been pre-sold, with global demand outstripping supply. Supplies of roof materials are expected to improve in the second half of the year, however.
29 April, 2021 SHARE The latest Plumbing & Heating Merchant Index (PHMI) report shows that specialist plumbing and heating merchants’ sales in February were up 1.2% on February 2020, on an equal number of trading days.
This takes total sales above their pre-pandemic level, indicating recovery in the sector despite the country remaining in lockdown throughout February. It was also an improvement on January’s figure, which saw sales 5.0% lower than in January 2020.
The monthly comparison was also positive. Plumbing and heating merchants’ sales increased by 3% in February compared with January 2021, again with no difference in trading days.
Looking at specialist merchants’ combined performance over the latest 12 months compared with the previous 12 month period, sales remain 13.6% behind last year, but as the reporting approaches the first anniversary of the initial lockdown, with its severe impact on sa
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Finalists announced in BMF Training Awards 26 April, 2021 SHARE The four shortlisted companies were selected for their commitment in supporting and developing their teams through their use of BMF training.
The Builders Merchants Federation has announced the four companies nominated for the title BMF Training Company of the Year 2021 - E H Smith, Harlow, Huws Gray and LBS.
Nominated by BMF Regional Managers, who work closely with members in their area to satisfy training and other service requirements, the four shortlisted companies were selected for their commitment in supporting and developing their teams through their use of BMF training.
E H Smith encourages staff to reach their full potential through a range of class-room based and online learning programmes. These include the Maximising Margin programme, which has run across all branches and a management training programme for branch ma
BMF Sustainability Forum to launch in June 21 April, 2021 SHARE The Forum will bring together merchants and building material manufacturers for regular briefings and discussions to share progress and best practice.
In response to the Construction Leadership Council’s ambition to drive carbon out of construction the Builders Merchants Federation is launching a new Sustainability Forum, which will meet for the first time on 9 June.
To be chaired by Giles Bradford, Communications and Engagement Manager at Bradfords Building Supplies and sponsored by BMF service member, Peak, the Sustainability Forum will bring together merchants and building material manufacturers for regular briefings and discussions to share progress and best practice.