ROOFING
altogether different challenge. “We gain a better understanding of demand when we review sales-out data from merchant customers, and the headline is: volumes are down by double digits.” With KPMG predicting a GDP growth of 0.3% in 2023 compared to 4% in 2022, largely due to the squeeze on household real income and the impact of past interest increases. When combined with the longer-term structural issues of skills shortages and an ageing population, Blanthorne says it’s easy to see why consumer confidence is low. Smaller trade businesses can’t generate the capital or lending power to expand, all while consumers are more cautious about return on investment – creating a slow and stagnant market.
He says: “In terms of generating business from new builds, it feels like we need appropriate Government stimulus in the housing market to encourage the next generation to get on the ladder. This has certainly been helped by some of the recent zero deposit mortgages, but with cost of living so disproportionate to income, is it realistic to expect this generation to want to take on this outgoing?
“Given this, it’s not surprising that coming out of Q1 this year, residential construction suffered its steepest decline since May 2020, weighed down by weaker demand and higher mortgage rates. Although major housebuilders have seen some increase in sales interest during the typical busy spring season, it seems that everyone is remaining cautious for 2023.” This is corroborated by the Construction
Products Association (CPA), whose forecasts for 2023 indicate that it will be a tough year across the sector, with RMI and new build housing in particular being badly impacted. But it’s not all doom and gloom and there is a reason this ‘new norm’ may have some positives for the construction, merchant and housebuilding industry.
No longer able to rely on a buoyant RMI market or an influx of new build demand, there is a real focus on the quality and efficiencies of UK housing stock - compounded by rising energy costs and a greater understanding of eco- credentials. The fact remains that we continue to suffer a massive shortage of quality housing in the UK, so the long-term outlook for the construction product sector remains positive. The housebuilders we work the closest with are holding up remarkably well and are focused on future-proofing their projects in order to achieve the new building regulations and go beyond Future Homes standards. There were several changes made to Building Regulations last year, including additions to Approved Document L, Conservation of fuel and power, and Approved Document F, Ventilation. There was also the creation of approved Document O, Overheating.
Keylite’s integrated Expanding Thermal Collar
is the perfect solution to the requirements of Part L and to ensure roof windows are contributing to the energy efficiency of a building. Our thermal collar takes control over cold bridging at the junctions between the window and
develop through providing regular training on Flex R ClassicBond and ClassicBond Pro systems.
jobs, no matter if we got in touch with them weeks or months in advance or even at the last minute.”
Training
On top of providing consistent support during the uncertainty of the past few years, Flex-R have helped DMR Roofing Centre
As Hellewelle adds: “We sent our sales staff up to Flex-R for a training course, to ensure they were well versed in the product range and the training team also came to our warehouse to run sessions with
some of the local roofers in our systems.” Not only did the training help increase DMR Roofing Centre staff’s confidence as they were now better able to sell the systems and understand how to install it themselves, it also helped the business retain customers. “We noticed that after the training,
July 2023
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
the roof, and takes the onus off the installer. Designed into each Keylite roof window as standard and supplied at no extra cost, we have provided both a strong technical and commercial proposition.
‘Modern methods of construction’ and ‘sustainable construction’ are two phrases we’re going to be hearing plenty more about for years to come, with the government and homeowners alike putting a huge emphasis on renewable and recyclable materials, and efficient processes. A recent assessment identified our timber windows are 96% recyclable, with our target being to achieve 100%, while our PVC windows are 98% recyclable and our loft ladders 99.6%. Meanwhile, all of our packaging is 100% recyclable.
The future of the industry lies in collaboration between housebuilders and suppliers at the concept and design stage in order to accelerate progress towards low carbon and net zero housing. By working together to change the way we build high-quality, sustainable and future- ready new homes in the UK, we can change the future of the UK housing stock and the future of our industry. The ultimate aim for the housebuilding sector will be to design and build carbon-zero housing, at scale, using sustainable building materials and quality products. The team at Keylite are always working with customers, analysing the data and staying ahead of the game to ensure needs are met and that we’re bringing innovative solutions to market, whatever the demand environment. BMJ
our staff were far more confident and comfortable talking about the systems and explaining them to our customers and offering them more specific and detailed support. Something that the roofers greatly appreciated and made them more likely to return as regular customers. As they felt we were adding value to their skillset alongside ensuring they were getting the products they needed.”
Relationships
It can be easy for businesses to just have superficial relationships with one another. However, for businesses like DMR Roofing Centre to grow and flourish they need to have a good relationship with their supply chain, most importantly their suppliers. A good relationship between merchants and suppliers requires a solid base of trust and mutual understanding. This can ensure that supply chain concerns can be overcome and that merchants feel comfortable approaching suppliers to assist them in their training and development plans. BMJ
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