Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
James Burrell reports the early months of 2025 have seen an improvement in activity and performance after recently filed accounts showed reduced Turnover and EBITDA for the year to October 2024.
Last year the merchant reported turnover of £95.1m, down from £108.2m achieved in 2023, with EBITDA also decreased to £0.5m versus £2.9m in the previous year.
In a report accompanying the 2024 accounts, managing director Mark Richardson said: “Looking ahead and anticipating a slight recovery in the new financial year, construction output is currently forecast by industry commentators to grow by 1.9% in 2025 and a further 3.7% in 2026. The current government are steadfast in their commitment to 1.5m new dwellings across the five year parliamentary term. Whilst this is admittedly going to be a very steep challenge, 2025 is seeing an underlying trend of a gradual uptick in housebuilding as interest rates fall steadily and mortgage affordability eases. The chancellor’s summer spending review has also announced a raft of new money for a number of infrastructure projects and local councils to fund social and affordable housing developments.
“The business remains confident of being in a sound position to exploit opportunities when trading conditions improve and to pursue further expansion opportunities as and when they arise in the future.”
