NEWSROUND


Construction slow-up slows up


Output in the UK construction sector is still falling, but at a slower rate than previously. That’s according to the latest figures from the December S&P Global UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index™ . The figures showed another solid fall in UK construction activity, although that was at the slowest rate since the current phase of decline began last September.


A slump in house building was the main factor holding back output, mainly attributed to interest rates and subdued confidence. Supply conditions continued to improve in December, with delivery times for construction items shortening for the tenth month in a row. Price discounting among suppliers contributed to a moderate fall in average cost burdens across the construction sector at the end of 2023. At 46.8 in December, the headline PMI Index tracking was below the neutral 50.0 mark for the fourth month running. However, it was up from 45.5 in November and the highest for four months.


House building remained the weakest-performing category of construction work in December (index at 41.1), despite the rate of decline easing to its slowest since July 2023. Civil engineering activity (index at 47.0) also posted a softer pace of contraction. Tim Moore, Economics


Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, which compiles the survey said: “Expectations of falling interest rates during the months ahead appear to have supported construction confidence levels. December data indicated that 41% of construction firms predict a rise in business activity over the course of 2024, while only 17% forecast a decline. This contrasted with negative sentiment overall at the same time a year earlier."


6 Epic Centre joins h&b Development Group


full buying group membership, is a notable initiative has already seen numerous successful transi- tions from the scheme into the ranks of the full H&B group. Ivan Petriv, from EpicCentre


Essex builders merchant Epic Cen- tre Supply has become the latest member of the h&b Development Group, as part of its focus on achieving enhanced growth and diversification.


The h&b Development Group


offers a unique opportunity for smaller merchants to progress towards full group membership, providing access to beneficial deals and support from h&b and its members and suppliers. This progression model, a gateway to


Supply, said: “Joining the h&b Development Group is a strategic move for EpicCentre. We are com- mitted to growing our business and enhancing our offerings to our valued customers. This partnership allows us to access top brand suppliers and expand our product range, particularly in heavy side products. We believe that this alliance with h&b Devel- opment Group will be a catalyst for our continued success.” Established in 2016, EpicCentre Supply is a family-run business providing a full range of timber, building, plumbing and DIY products to both trade and public customers.


Glenigan December Index: UK Construction declines


Glenigan’s December Index reports that project starts fell 12% against the preceding three months, this is 25% lower than a year ago; Civils work starting on-site declined 18% against the preceding three months, 31% down against the previous year. Residential construction starts fell 3% in the preceding three months and decreased 12% on 2022 figures; Non-residential project-starts fell 24% against the preceding three months to stand 39% down YoY (year-on-year). Glenigan’s economic director, Allan Wilen, said: “Construction starts remain low after sharp falls earlier in the year. However, there are tentative signs that residential activity has begun to stabilise. Private housing starts were little changed on the previous three months. Reflecting the findings of our latest Forecast, this could be taken as the first signs of the recovery expected to kick in during the second half of 2024.” Private housing only faltered by


NEWS IN BRIEF


All systems at plasterboard and plaster supplier British Gypsum have been awarded the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) mark. Developed by the Construction Products Association’s Marketing Integrity Group to provide assurance that the product information is clear, accurate, accessible, up-to-date and unambiguous, the six product sets are: non-loadbearing metal stud plasterboard partition systems, non- loadbearing ceiling systems; structural steel encasement systems; ceiling systems below loadbearing timber joist floors; non-loadbearing wall lining systems and proprietary and non-proprietary lining systems.


Speedy Hire has opened its fourth sustainable service centre. In Basildon, the 33,000 sq ft facility follows the successful opening of a number of centres in the past two years. The new site will enable S[eedy Hire to service its London customers with its fleet of electric and hybrid vehicles supported by on-site charging facilities.


STOP PRESS


1% against the three months to the end of November, weakening by 14% compared to 2022 levels. Social housing also performed poorly, down 5% on last year and 10% compared to the preceding three months.


Retail provided the sole bright spot amidst the overall gloom, growing 5% against the preceding three months. However, this boost was not enough to prevent the vertical from ending 14% down against the previous year.


Crossling, the Newcastle- based plumbing and pipeline merchant has a new owner from the beginng of this year. The company, which operates from 15 Crossling branches and one Northern Tools & Accessories branch, is now a part of UK Plumbing Supplies, whose other brands include: Willbond, Graham, HPS, UKPS, Plumbstore, Plumbase, Plumb City, Plumbco, Michael Pavis and Sparesbase. Former Crossling owners Charles and Richard Errington have left the business.


www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net January 2024


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