VIEWPOINT
SUPPORTING MERCHANTS THROUGH A CHALLENGING YEAR
Shane Kerlin, managing director at Keylite
ACCORDING TO THE latest Builders Merchants Building Index (BMBI) report, July 2025 saw a virtually flat value sales performance (+0.1%), with year- on-year volumes up slightly by +0.6% and prices falling -0.6% . Within this challenging market, collaboration between merchants and manufacturers has become increasingly vital to navigate market pressures and unlock new routes to growth.
At Keylite, we remain focused on what matters most – our customers. By enhancing our product offerings and maintaining a strong commitment to service, we aim to support the evolving needs of our partners and stakeholders while contributing to sustainable progress in the construction sector.
Merchant relationships As 2025 began with a 0.9% increase in overall value compared to Q1 2024 , the construction industry entered the year on a stronger footing, driven by a surge of front-loaded projects that helped lift sales after a challenging 2024.
Merchants are the cornerstone of Keylite’s route to market and in 2025, we our commitment to strengthening these partnerships, ensuring our merchant stockists remain fully supported both now and into 2026.
To further enhance merchant offerings, Keylite has expanded its range with the launch of an extensive flat roof solutions range, a product category that traditionally sits online. This initiative brings fresh opportunities to merchants, broadening both Keylite and merchant partners’ offerings, with innovative, high- quality products designed for modern construction needs. To meet growing demand seen at the beginning of 2025, particularly in the Irish market,
20
Keylite introduced a new distribution hub, enhancing the availability of roof windows and loft ladders and supporting sustained growth across the region.
Investment in people, Throughout 2025, Keylite has continued to invest in its people and teams, introducing a Sales Graduate Programme, creating clear pathways for career progression and providing valuable resources for expansion into different housebuilder regions, with many of the graduates advancing into area sales roles, strengthening local support for customers. Keylite has also expanded its Verified Installer Scheme, first launched in 2024. The scheme continues to grow rapidly, ensuring every sale through the installer network directly benefits our merchant partners. By connecting merchants, installers and
homeowners, the scheme reinforces our shared commitment to quality, consistency, and customer satisfaction.
Every investment Keylite makes – in people, systems or training – is ultimately about improving customer experience. Speed of response, ease of trade and reliability remain the qualities merchants and housebuilders value most, and these continue to underpin how the company operates.
In Q2, Keylite welcomed Ross Telford as head of marketing, bringing 20 years of B2B and B2C experience. David Loughran was promoted to technical manager for the UK and Ireland, and the technical team has grown to provide direct customer support to homeowners. The business also seeks to strengthen its housebuilder team in 2026.
In June 2025, Keylite launched a new website, split into two dedicated sections for homeowners
and professionals. The professional landing page offers direct access to technical data, installation guides, BIM files, product certifications and trade literature. Dedicated in-house experts also support merchants with product data and selling points, ensuring they have everything they need to drive sales.
Customer-first
Our merchant customers value ease of trade above all. From product availability to delivery reliability and responsive after- sales support, every part of our operation is designed to make doing business with Keylite as straightforward as possible. This customer-first approach is integral for Keylite to understand the needs of each merchant, deliver tailored solutions, and provide technical guidance that helps our customers support their customers.
Keylite continues to invest in forward-thinking innovation. Originally expected in October 2025, the final standards have yet to be confirmed – but Keylite is already developing products designed to meet and exceed new standards once they are published.
Keylite has experienced strong
double-digit growth during 2025, building upon industry- leading innovation and first-class customer service. The strategic investment in sales teams, distribution functions and product innovation has helped achieve this growth and establish Keylite as the No.2 roof window brand in the UK and Ireland.
According to the Construction Products Association, overall construction output is forecast to rise modestly by around 2.8% in 2026, with private housing up 4% and RMI up 2%.
Despite this cautious optimism, competition will remain strong – meaning customers will need strategic supplier partners to succeed.
Based on the success and growth in 2025, Keylite expect strong growth in what is looking to be a flat market. This will be built on the fundamentals of maintaining strong customer relationships, continuously improving customer service and product innovation.
As one of the core brands of the Keystone Group, Keylite has innovation embedded in its DNA and is ready to help shape the future of the UK construction industry. BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net December 2025
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