Supply chain challenges remain, says CLC

23 December 2021

In its latest update on construction materials availability, The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) highlights a number of challenges. 

John Newcomb, CEO of the Builders Merchants Federation and Peter Caplehorn, CEO of the Construction Products Association, who are co-chairs of the CLC’s Product Availability working group, point out that uncertainty around delivery and price of certain items has a disproportionate impact on small to medium sized builders working mainly on domestic repair, maintenance and improvement projects, where clients want price certainty before the project begins.  

They say it is essential to maintain open lines of communication throughout the supply chain in helping to plan future work.

The group anticipates the return of pressure on supply chains to deliver products as construction activity remains strong next year, with longer lead times and further price increases.

It also says that, despite precautions being taken at merchants and manufacturers, the rapid increase in cases of Omicron is likely to impact production and operations into the New Year.

Bricks and blocks are said to remain in short supply. Demand is expected to be strong well into 2022, with imports perhaps being necessary to a make up a shortfall in UK production until new production lines come on stream in 2023/24.

Manufacturers have raised concerns that rising energy costs will likely lead to price inflation, and demand for roof tiles remains high, with lead times averaging 24 weeks. Supplies of many timber products are said to have returned to more normal levels.

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