CLC publishes product availability statement highlighting concerns around price inflation

Article summary

The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has published a statement on product availability from the co-chairs of its Product Availability working group, the CEO of the Builders Merchants Federation, John Newcomb, and the CEO of the Construction Products Association, Peter Caplehorn. Current demand remains strong but there are the first signs of a ‘slight softening and shift in the balance of demand’, with some regions reporting a decline in the level of retail sales for DIY and home improvement projects but compensated by higher volumes of trade sales. The supply picture remains stable in terms of full production with good stocks and availability of most products, however, price inflation remains a major concern. The statement highlights that some suppliers are reportedly only willing to hold quotes for tender prices for 24 hours, which is leading some contractors to pause before entering fixed-price or long-term contracts.