NEWSROUND UK construction activity still lags


Rising business uncertainty led UK construction activity to decrease for the fourth consecutive month, according to the latest S&P Global UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index™ (PMI®), which showed further declines in total order books and cutbacks to staffing numbers.


At 46.6 in April, activity remained below the 50.0 no- change value, but was up slightly from 46.4 in March and signalled the slowest decline in output levels for three months. Civil engineering remained the weakest-performing area of construction activity in April (43.1), with the latest survey indicating a sharp rate of decline


New Partner joins NBG


Sussex-based roofing merchant Brian Gow has joined


independent builders merchant buying group NBG, aiming to strengthen the business through better deals and the support of a strong network. Led by managing director Brian Gow, technical director Steve King, and commercial director Keith Page, the business operates out of five depots, and specialises in hand- made and machine-made roof tiles. It also has a heavyside division which covers all aspects of building materials. Page was put in touch with Phil Bonar, NBG’s head of new partner development and recruitment, following discussions about buying groups with other merchants.. He said: “Lots of new Suppliers have reached out to begin trading with us and existing Suppliers are seeing us in a new light. The difference in buying through NBG is financially far better.”


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amid a lack of new work to replace completed projects. Commercial work (45.5) decreased for the fourth month running in April and the pace of decline accelerated to its fastest since May 2020. Residential work showed a degree of resilience in April, with the rate of contraction easing to the least marked in 2025 to date (index at 47.1). That said, output growth projections nonetheless edged up to the highest since December 2024. Looking ahead, construction firms are optimistic on balance about their prospects for the next 12 months. Around 41% of the survey panel forecast a rise in


output, while only 18% predict a decline.


Tim Moore, economics director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said: “UK construction companies have endured a bumpy ride since the start of the year as domestic economic headwinds and hesitancy among clients led to a lack of new work to replace completed contracts.


“Output levels continued to slide in April, but the rate of decline eased to its slowest for three months. This was helped by slower reductions in residential building work and civil engineering activity.


“An encouraging development


Travis Perkins lures Gavin Slark from SIG


As BMJ went to press, it was announced that Gavin Slark,


CEO of SIG plc, is to join Travis Perkins by the begining of 2026, depending on his SIG commitments. Slark will replace Pete Redfern, who stepped down earlier this year as CEO of Travis Perkins plc. l Trading conditions remain challenging for Travis Perkins plc, the UK’s largest builders merchant, which announced Group revenue down 2.1% on a like-for-like basis, for the three months to 31 March 2025 In the Merchanting segment revenue was down 3.2% on a like-for-like basis with pricing having stabilised and volumes still declining, albeit modestly. The tool distributor Toolstation had a solid first quarter with like-for-like revenue growth of 3.7%, making good progress on the delivery of maturity benefits and executing actions to enhance operating margin. l Travis Perkins has sold its Staircraft specialist floor


in April was a slight improvement in business activity expectations for the year ahead. Output growth projections improved to the highest level so far this year, with a number of survey respondents citing the prospect of a turnaround in workloads across the residential building segment.”


Conex


Bänninger rebrands


Conex Bänninger has undergone a rebrand to coincide with its 115th anniversary.


kit, i-joist and staircase manufacturing subsidiary business to Gait Consulting, which is majority owned by the founder of Staircraft, for cash consideration of £24m. Travis Perkins’ Chief Financial Officer Duncan Cooper said: “The sale of Staircraft is another step towards simplifying the Group’s operating model with a clear focus on being the UK’s leading distributor of building materials. I would like to thank all colleagues in Staircraft for their contribution as part of the Group and wish them all the best for the future as an independent business.”


Travis Perkins bought the whole of the Staircraft business in November 2021, having worked closely with it for the previous six years.


www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net May 2025


The new-look image was unveiled at ISH, staged in Frankfurt. Martin Smith, business unit director – UK & Ireland, said: “The new branding has been created to mark this major milestone in the company’s history. It incorporates a modern refresh on the standard Conex Bänninger logo bringing with it a new modern look to move forward with. To celebrate our anniversary, we will be using numerous logo variations highlighting ‘115 Years’.


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