“Second quarter results demonstrate a powerful, sector-wide, recovery is underway”
The construction industry has shot back into overdrive post-lockdown, demonstrating yet again that the skills it offers remain in huge demand. According to the Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI), total builders merchants value sales fell by 38.6% in the second quarter of 2020 when compared against the same months in 2019. That’s the bad news. But here’s the good news: April, May, and June were completely different, and they paint a clear picture over how the Covid pandemic lockdown affected the sector:
In April, when lockdown measures were still strict, the figure was down by 76.5% against April 2019. In May, as restrictions began to ease, it was down 39.9% against May 2019. And then in June, when restrictions were relaxed further, it actually grew by 2.2% against June 2019. This leaves no doubt that construction has roared back into action, and is undergoing a dramatic recovery.
Writing in the Timber Trade Journal, Philip Pointon, sustainability director at Pasquill, the UK’s largest roof truss provider, explained how the business has evolved to function in post-lockdown Britain:
“We’ve transitioned back by creating a positive and safe atmosphere, providing training both in person and via video. Our planning began in March and covers everything from doors that can be opened with feet to employee mental health […] All in all, I’m confident we can heal the scars of the past few months with small, positive steps forward. Already, we’re seeing a reassuring bounce back and despite the challenges to come, the construction industry’s talents will always be needed.”
As construction continues to recover across the country, access to a high-quality supply of timber, provided by a specialist that can help you identify the best material for your job, is vital. At Quercus, we can do just that. If you want to talk to us about an upcoming project, or if you already know what you need and want to place an order, give us a call on 0845 50 50 311.