Going green brings business opportunities

25 April 2023

The significance of eco-friendly equipment and materials as drivers of future business growth has been shown in a first quarter trading update today from Travis Perkins for the three months to 31 March.

While recognising a challenging trading environment in new-build housing and domestic repair, maintenance and improvement, the builders’ merchant reports that commercial, industrial and public sector demand, which represents just under half of its market, proved more resilient.

Much of this demand is being driven by legislation and regulatory obligations, and Travis Perkins highlights the government’s announcement last month of nearly £2 billion for the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund to enhance the energy efficiency of socially rented homes. 

Measures include the installation of insulation and more energy-efficient doors, windows, and heating systems, and such improvements create demand for tradespeople, materials and hired tools and equipment.

Nick Roberts, Travis Perkins Chief Executive, commented: “The growth opportunities provided by the need to decarbonise the UK’s built environment, improve the energy efficiency of public and private buildings and increase the UK’s housing stock remain significant.”