The boss of a building products firm has warned that prices are likely to increase in the short term.
Paul Hooper, chief executive of Alumasc, which primarily makes products for drainage and building envelopes, said a rise in the cost of raw materials would have a knock-on effect for contractors. “We are seeing some cost increases coming in, but we will pass those on. We tend to be the market leader and would be one of the first to put price increases in,” he said.
Price inflation could hit around 4-5 per cent this year, Hooper said, but added that, given the current volatility in the market, it was hard to make forecasts.
BMF members urged to support NHS workers 2 February, 2021 SHARE Many businesses have developed special offers and discounts especially for NHS staff during this critical time and the BMF is co-ordinating a collective programme for health workers
The Builders Merchants Federation is urging members to support NHS workers in any way that can they can during the pandemic.
Many businesses have developed special offers and discounts especially for NHS staff during this critical time and the BMF is co-ordinating a collective programme for health workers
BMF CEO, John Newcomb, said: “A recent Conferation of British Industry webinar highlighted that helping to maintain the health and wellbeing of NHS workers is crucial to the current national effort and an important way that businesses can contribute.
By Jordan Marshall2021-01-28T06:00:00+00:00
Booming housing market fuelling demand
The construction industry is facing a shortage of building materials thanks to disruption at ports caused by the covid-19 pandemic and a booming housing sector.
According to the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF), a shortage of products including roofing materials and timber is starting to impact on the industry.
Source: Shutterstock
Covid is being blamed for causing congestion at UK ports
The BMF has received reports of some products being unavailable as far in advance as August, while timber prices are surging by an average of 20%.
John Newcomb, chief executive of the BMF and co-chair of the Construction Leadership Council’s Brexit Movement of Building Products and Materials Group, said demand had skyrocketed since the first lockdown last spring.