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CPA Autumn Forecasts more tough times ahead for construction


CPA’s Autumn Forecasts, pub- lished today, construction output is expected to fall by 6.8% in 2023, similar to the 7.0% contrac- tion forecast three months ago, before a further marginal fall of 0.3% in 2024.


This is a revision down from the 0.7% growth forecast in the Sum- mer publication due to a weaker economic backdrop, although UK interest rates are now likely to have reached a peak that is lower than previous expectations - it is now anticipated that they will


remain at this level for longer, until 2025, due to stubborn inflation. CPA head of construction research, Rebecca Larkin, said: “With only a couple of months left in a difficult year for construction and looking forward to 2024, the data suggests it will still be a while before the clouds begin to lift. “Although further rises in inter- est rates now appear off the table, the prospect of rising oil prices keeping inflation elevated suggests rates are likely to remain for longer and throughout next year.


“With infrastructure now set for two years of flatlining activ- ity, it does shine a light on the importance of major projects as a driver of growth in the sector and for construction overall. In particular, government’s chopping and changing on infrastructure spending decisions this year has removed roads, rail and offshore wind projects from the near-term pipeline and has further weakened the industry’s confidence that government announcements can translate into tangible delivery.”


NBG adds seventh Partner in 2023


Green Bros Ltd, is the seventh partner to join National Buying Group this year.


Founded in 2005, the family- run business with branches in Doncaster, South Yorkshire and Retford, Nottinghamshire, is led by brothers, James and Paul Green.


The pair says they are


looking to establish Green Bros as the go-to destination for the local plumbing, electrical,


kitchens and bathroom markets.


James Green, says: “Our decision to join NBG is ultimately led by our desire to increase the growth potential of our business. We’ve established some good deals with Suppliers ourselves, but we time is right to step things up. We’re keen to diversify the product categories we can offer, and feel we’re now in


NMBS hits 60th anniversary apprentice target


Builders’ merchants buying society NMBS has achieved its target to recruit 60 apprentices in its 60th Anniversary year – and is now set on reaching 100 new recruits by February 2024. The apprentices are studying at NMBS members including Gardner and Scardifield Ltd, YARD Direct and Silverton Builders


Merchants Ltd, as well as other merchants throughout England, Wales, and Scotland. Dean Hayward, head of sales & marketing of NMBS, said: “Achieving our target to onboard 60 new apprentices during our 60th anniversary year is a great achievement, and we have extended our ambition to recruit 100 new apprentices this year. These apprentices are not only gaining structured training and practical experience but are also fostering a deep sense of engagement within their roles.”


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Specialist drainage merchant JDP is opening its £3million flagship branch in Bradford, West Yorkshire, the company’s 26th branch in its network.


the best position to fulfil that ambition.”


Phil Bonar new partner development & recruitment manager at NBG, adds: “In our early meetings with James and Paul, there was no question that the business would be a great addition to NBG. Culturally, Green Bros shares all the values we look for in a new Partner; we’re excited to see what they can bring.”


JDP opens new flagship branch in Yorkshire


At 2.75 acres, the new JDP Leeds- Bradford branch is the largest site outside of its Carlisle head office, and is located on the Euroway Trading Estate in Bradford. The branch


will offer a wide range of water


management and drainage products for projects spanning housing and development, agriculture, industrial, and sports & recreation sectors.


www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net November 2023


Private housing is the largest constructor sector and is the sector forecasted to be the worst af- fected by the economic conditions this year.


As a result, after a 19.0% fall in completions and output this year, completions are forecast to remain flat in 2024 with no growth until 2025. Whilst the balance of risks to private housing clearly remains on the downside, a positive policy stimulus in the Chancellor’s Autumn Statement would help demand to start to recover next year.


Private housing rm&i is the second-largest construction sector and activity continues to be on a general downward trend.


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