16 | Industry Predictions 2026
FOCUSED ON STABILITY AND STRATEGIC
PRESSING FOR
IMPROVEMENT… Looking back over 2025, it’s fair to say that it’s been another challenging year for the construction industry and those working in the building materials supply chain. Despite a couple of false dawns, when it seemed as if the recovery might be about to begin, the year is ending not with a bang but with a whimper.
The housing market stalled in Q3, as housebuilders waited to see what the Chancellor had in store. While the Budget could have been worse in terms of tax rises or further revenue-raising measures targeting businesses, there is real disappointment that the Chancellor failed to announce any measures to stimulate growth in the housing market.
John Newcomb, Chief Executive Builders Merchants Federation
There is now a clear shortfall between the Government’s housing ambition and its delivery. It isn’t easy to see how the original 1.5 million target can be achieved unless this is tackled head-on, but the BMF will continue to press for measures to unlock the new housing market.
That said, with interest rates continuing to fall, we do anticipate market growth both in new build and RMI by the second half of 2026. To ensure BMF members are in the best position to take advantage of this, we continue to invest in initiatives to support their business.
There is now a clear shortfall between the Government’s housing ambition and its delivery. It isn’t easy to see how the original 1.5 million target can be achieved unless this is tackled head-on, but the BMF will continue to press for measures to unlock the new housing market
TTJ | Spring 2026 |
www.ttjonline.com
BMCareers, our biggest project to date, which showcases the full range of opportunities within building materials, is already attracting new and diverse talent to the sector. With a new online recruitment service featuring hundreds of current vacancies, that number is set to grow exponentially in 2026. Through Data Yard, our joint venture with National Merchant Buying Society, we are creating an industry-owned data pool that will simplify and enhance product information sharing across the supply chain. The Builders Merchant Branch of the Future, a comprehensive research report available free to BMF members, will set a new standard for the trade customer experience for the next decade. Whatever the New Year brings, the BMF will continue to support members and press the Government for the stimulus required to get Britain building and help drive economic growth.
INVESTMENT… As we approach 2026, the focus for James Latham is clear – delivering excellence for our customers within an industry facing substantial challenges. Whilst market headwinds continue to buffet the sector, we’re focused on what we can control, providing stability, reassurance and exceptional customer experience through strategic investment in our operations. The past year has seen us successfully trial our new Warehouse Management System (WMS) at our Thurrock depot in Essex, and the results have been excellent. This end-to-end digital system has transformed everything we do; from order taking through to delivery, achieving a 99.5% accuracy rate. Importantly, it’s not about replacing our experienced teams with technology. Instead, it’s about enhancing their performance and empowering them with better tools. In our view, the balance of automated precision and human expertise has proven to be the winning formula. Following this success, from 2026, we will begin rolling out the WMS across our depot network. This forms part of a broader logistics development programme that will greatly enhance our service capability.
Andrew Wright, Managing Director James Latham
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