4 Aluminium’s 45-Year Lifespan Is Changing The Fenestration Conversation
6 Heritage sells: How 1930s style doors are winning over homeowners
8 Endurance® Doors showcases installer excellence
9 Endurance® Doors unlocks digital growth for installers
10
Heritage styling without compromise: Aluminium that planners approve
12 Pushing the Boundaries with Aluminium Sliding Doors
14 BDC Aluminium appoints new Group Aluminium Sales Manager
15 A powerful three-material portfolio: Forterro acquires Klaes and becomes a full-range software provider for the window industry
16 Inwido Acquires UK Manufacturer Sovereign Group Ltd
18 Making Tax Digital 2026: What Every Tradesperson Needs To Know
20 NorDan UK Acquires RED Systems
22 Julien Thiery takes over as Marketing & Sales Director at Swisspacer
24 Four out of five roofing merchants affected by supply issues
26 40% of women feel unsafe at their own front door. Here’s what that means for what you fit
28 What I’ve Learned Selling High-End Projects
30 Two industry milestones in the battle to reduce carbon signal big changes and a massive opportunity for sales and sustainability say BMBI Experts
32 New year off to a weak start as January’s Builders’ Merchant like-for-like value sales down -2.6% year-on-year
34 February Builders’ Merchant likefor-like sales volumes drop -10.6% yearon-year
36 Swisspacer turns Lengwil into its centre for research and development
38 Elegant. Efficient. EMBLEM.
EDITORS COMMENT
Hello and welcome to another edition of the DGB Digital Magazine!
Despite a challenging background economically in the sector and the economy as a whole, there was an elevated level of M&A activity within the UK fenestration sector.
Now, much of the activity comes from companies outside the UK purchasing companies within the UK. It says to me that with the UK market in a stagnated state, with growth seemingly difficult to find, that companies in our market are becoming good targets for Europeanbased companies with deeper pockets to find additional ways into the UK market.
I would also posture that there are some in our market who continue to see this current environment in which to exit. With the economy the way it is, with politicians unlikely to be able to turn things around any time soon, now is a good time to exit and leave the running of their business to other.
Meanwhile, the conflict in Iran carries on, muddying further waters that were already choppy. Price increases are now filtering out through the various layers of the sector, and the PVCu part of our market looks to be being hit much harder than others.
Where the industry goes now, as we head towards summer, only time will tell.
We hope you enjoy this edition!
Team DGB
ALUMINIUM’S 45-YEAR LIFESPAN IS CHANGING THE FENESTRATION CONVERSATION
While price will always be a big part of the conversation when selling windows and doors, according to Endurance® Aluminium, the long lifespan of aluminium is helping to shift the focus.
Consumers are becoming increasingly motivated to save money on their energy bills in the short term and do the right thing by the environment and their purse strings in the long-term.
“Homeowners are becoming more aware of the long-term impact of their buying
decisions,” says Scott Foster, sales and marketing director of the Endurance Group. “Yes, they want immediate savings, but when offered products that will last longer, cost less to maintain, and have a lower environmental impact over time, they understand that premium aluminium windows and doors are a stronger long-term investment.”
Aluminium systems can last between 40 and 50 years, which compares to the typical lifespan of PVC-U, which is 25 to 35 years.
When it comes to recyclability and reuse, aluminium scores well too because it is infinitely recyclable without any loss of quality. It is estimated that approximately 75% of all aluminium ever produced is still in use today, thanks to its infinite recyclability, and most modern systems now contain high levels of recycled content, ensuring they deliver a lower environmental impact over time.
“Aluminium is a future-proof choice in a sustainability-driven market, which means aluminium installers have a clear, usable message for homeowners,” continues Scott. “The material is ideal for eco-conscious consumers because the long lifespan of
aluminium reduces the amount of waste created. Its recyclability also supports greener building practices. And the material maintains its inherent benefits for its lifetime, ensuring durability and thermal efficiency for years to come.
Installers that are equipped with simple, compelling sustainability talking points like these can sell premium aluminium windows and doors with confidence. They can move the conversation away from price and onto performance, sustainability, and long-term value.
“Endurance® Aluminium is pleased to be able to support installers who are looking for a future-focused solution.”
HERITAGE SELLS: HOW 1930S STYLE DOORS ARE WINNING OVER HOMEOWNERS
More homeowners are choosing door designs that are appropriate for the period of their properties, as the success of Endurance® Doors’ 1930s-inspired three panel door collection proves.
Endurance® Doors recently launched a collection of doors inspired by the 1930s because there is such a large volume of UK housing built during this period, and there is a growing consumer shift towards architecturally appropriate design.
Russell Hensman, group marketing manager at Endurance, comments: “We are always researching trends and developing products to keep our customers ahead of the curve, and the launch of this range of 1930s styles as part of the wider Endurance Classic range clearly hit the mark. Since launch, the collection has delivered a strong and consistent sales performance, reinforcing the ongoing demand for heritageinspired designs.”
“We believe this commercial success is a direct result of consumer demand for period-correct home improvements. Homeowners are a lot more educated and aware of architectural eras and design authenticity and so understand the importance of selecting the right door to suit the era and style of their property. The 1930s-inspired designs incorporate strong proportions, timeless character and widespread appeal.”
Endurance® Doors’ 1930s-inspired three panel door collection features five distinct styles, each carefully developed to reflect authentic period detailing, while delivering modern performance benefits as Russell goes on to explain: “Architecturally appropriate designs are the perfect solution for installers selling to style-savvy consumers, but of course, these products must perform to modern standards too.
“As well as delivering stunning heritageled designs, our 1930s collection also offers enhanced security, improved energy efficiency and long-term durability. Allowing homeowners to tick all these boxes enhances kerb appeal and boosts property value.
“Homeowners looking to upgrade their properties
are increasingly looking for products that feel original to the home, so heritage-led design is now driving real purchasing decisions. And consumers are willing to pay for this authenticity. Installers that can deliver these on-trend designs alongside modern performance, are seeing great success, as the impressive sales of our 1930s collection show.”
Russell continues: “Endurance® Doors is always looking for additional ways to support our customers. Identifying key market trends and developing the perfect solution is just one of the ways we do this and our heritage-led innovations are a great example of the success we can achieve with our partners.
“There are a lot of 1930s-character properties in need of upgrading, and as the quick success of this new collection of doors demonstrates, there is a lot of untapped market potential to go for.
“We are pleased to be helping our installers to lead the charge with products that allow homeowners to upgrade their entrance doors, without compromising the integrity of their home’s original style.”
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ENDURANCE® DOORS SHOWCASES
INSTALLER EXCELLENCE
Endurance® Doors is continuing to champion excellence across its installer network with its ‘Installer of the Month’ initiative. Outstanding partners are recognised and celebrated for their focus on exceptional installation standards, a strong showroom presence, and proactive marketing.
Running over the past six months, the initiative has showcased standout businesses from Endurance® Doors’ network of more than 250 installers. Each month, the ‘Installer of the Month’ is selected based on a combination of criteria, including proven installation credentials, quality workmanship, a professional showroom and a clear commitment to marketing, including a strong online presence, and positive and credible reviews.
The initiative has generated strong engagement across social media, email campaigns and digital platforms, helping to significantly increase brand exposure for featured installers while reinforcing best practice across the wider network.
Commenting, Russell Hensman, Brand Engagement Manager at Endurance® Doors, said: “Our Installer of the Month initiative is about more than just recognition, it’s about celebrating the behaviours that drive success in today’s market. We’re seeing first-hand that installers who invest in their showroom experience and take a proactive approach to marketing are the ones generating consistent high quality leads and building stronger businesses.
“Installer of the Month allows us to showcase that best practice and has also played a key role in strengthening collaboration between installers and our business development team, helping to unlock further opportunities for growth.”
This includes access to a range of support tools, such as branded door designer functionality, showroom enhancements, and even 3D virtual tours to further elevate their customer experience and enhance SEO rankings.
Each winner benefits from a coordinated marketing drive delivered in partnership with Endurance® Doors, including social media promotion, dedicated email campaigns and the creation of tailored content and video assets.
The latest Installer of the Month is Surreybased Dorwyn Doors & Windows. The team was selected for their work on a recent project alongside property expert and ‘A Place in the Sun’ presenter, Laura Hamilton. Demonstrating a strong eye for detail and technical expertise, Dorwyn ensured that Laura’s new Endurance® door was installed to the highest standard, delivering a result that perfectly complemented the overall design of the property.
The installation also formed part of a wider content opportunity, with the team featuring in a video on Laura’s YouTube channel, ‘Property with Laura Hamilton’. In the video, a member of the installation team from Endurance® Doors’ partner, Dorwyn Doors & Windows, confidently discusses the design choices behind the project, as well as the installation process, showcasing expertise and professionalism to a wide audience.
Ultimately, the Endurance® Doors Installer of the Month campaign reinforces a clear message that installers who focus on installation quality and invest in their marketing are more likely to succeed. By celebrating these successes and sharing best practice across its network and wider industry, Endurance® Doors continues to support its installer partners in building stronger, more visible and more successful businesses.
ENDURANCE® DOORS UNLOCKS DIGITAL GROWTH FOR INSTALLERS
Endurance® Doors is enhancing its commitment to installer support with the introduction of a new initiative designed to help its installer partners strengthen their online presence and win more business.
Recognising the importance of digital visibility and online lead generation in today’s competitive market, the manufacturer is connecting its installer network with ICAAL, its trusted web development partner, offering a simple route to high performing website design at a competitive price.
Commenting on the initiative, Russell Hensman, Endurance Group Brand Engagement Manager, said: “Supporting our customers goes far beyond the products we supply. A strong digital presence is now essential for growth, but we know that many of our customers simply don’t have the time or the expertise to commission and develop a website that delivers real results – they’re experts in doors, not the digital world.
“This initiative is about making class leading web design and lead generation more accessible, while simplifying the process to save our customers’ valuable time. It also represents excellent value for money, as we’ve already developed proven functionality with ICAAL for the Endurance® Doors website, which can now be adapted and utilised for our customers’ own sites.”
The service is designed as a guided introduction, with ICAAL’s experienced team supporting Endurance® Doors customers at every stage of the process. Each website integrates the full Endurance® Doors product range and predeveloped features, alongside the installer’s wider product offering. This functionality includes a branded door designer, high resolution glazing videos, interactive 3D imagery of all hardware, along with a wide range of interactive features and design blocks to showcase the Endurance range.
Unlike traditional marketing support schemes, the service is billed directly between the installer and ICAAL, giving businesses full transparency and control over their investment, while still benefiting from Endurance® Doors’ trusted recommendation and access to proven lead generation tools.
One Endurance® Doors customer already seeing the benefits of the service is Joe Wheatley of Wheatley Windows. Commenting on his new website, Joe said: “We had been wanting to update our website but never seemed to have the time to properly commit to the project. So, when we heard about this service from Endurance® Doors – where much of the groundwork had already been done – it was a no brainer. Working with ICAAL was straightforward and efficient. As industry specialists, they already understood our needs and had the content and functionality in place for the doors section of the site. The end result looks fantastic, and we’re already seeing a strong flow of enquiries coming through.”
The initiative forms part of Endurance® Doors’ wider strategy to provide meaningful, practical support to its installer network – helping customers to not only sell more doors, but build stronger, more visible businesses.
For further information on the website design and development support Endurance® Doors offers its installer partners, visit www.endurancedoors. co.uk/trade/custom-website-design
HERITAGE STYLING WITHOUT COMPROMISE: ALUMINIUM THAT PLANNERS APPROVE
Against the backdrop of a difficult market thanks to ongoing global events, both aluminium and heritage products are helping to drive much coveted sales. Endurance® Aluminium is helping installers maximise opportunities in these two sectors, including in conservation areas and period properties, with era specific products and relevant sector support.
Scott Foster, Group Marketing Director of the Endurance Group, says: “There is a growing demand for steel-look glazing now, driven by industrial and heritage-inspired design trends, renovations of older properties, and extensions that need to seamlessly blend old and new. But all these projects have specific requirements that often come under the
scrutiny of planning officers.
“The mere mention of planning officers can be off putting for installers that haven’t worked with them much before, but as purse strings in the wider retail sector continue to tighten, heritage properties present a big opportunity. Endurance® Aluminium can support customers operating in this field with heritage style windows and doors without compromise.
“When reviewing windows and doors for a heritage property, planning officers typically look for sympathetic design to the original building, retention of traditional sightlines and proportions, and materials that visually align with heritage architecture. Endurance® Aluminium meets these demands with
stepped, period-style profiles and slim aluminium sightlines that replicate traditional steel frames.
“The fact that we can tick all these boxes,” comments Scott, “ensures the system aligns with key planning considerations around visual impact and makes it easier for installers and homeowners to gain approval for their project.
“While achieving the right aesthetics is critical in getting planning permission for heritage properties, the specialist design should not compromise the performance of the windows and doors. Endurance® Aluminium seamlessly brings together external heritage style with internal modern performance.
“Thanks to the InsuLock technology we use, installers can offer the perfect heritage
aesthetic with superb thermal performance. This is critical at a time when energy prices continue to fluctuate, and homeowners want to do everything they can to improve the energy performance of their homes.
“As well as improved energy efficiency creating a more comfortable home, the Endurance® Aluminium range also ensures compliance with modern building specifications and future regulations.”
Scott concludes: “While the wider market might be challenging, there’s still plenty of growth at the premium and heritage product, especially as homeowners look to upgrade the look and the energy performance of their homes. As it becomes increasingly important for consumers to match their windows and doors to the style of their property, we want to give our installers all the tools and support they need to succeed.”
PUSHING THE BOUNDARIES WITH ALUMINIUM SLIDING DOORS
Demand for large expanses of glazing has continued to grow, and homeowners are seeking brighter interiors, uninterrupted views, and seamless transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces. For installers working with aluminium, this trend presents an opportunity. Sliding Doors that combine contemporary aesthetics with an industry-leading performance gives installers an advantage in a competitive market.
The latest development in this space from Origin is the OS29+ Sliding Door. As the next generation system, it’s designed to offer an enhanced security and thermal performance alongside an elevated design.
Aluminium has long been valued within the industry for its ability to offer flexible design solutions. With an exceptional strength to weight ratio, it can offer large maximum sizes, slim profiles and optimal security.
At just 29mm, the OS29+ delivers the slimmest sightline option within Origin’s Sliding Door range, and this maximises the glass area and natural light coming into a home while maintaining the structural benefits of aluminium.
Aesthetically, the OS29+ has been refined to offer a sleek contemporary finish that complements both modern architecture or more traditional properties. For installers working across a range of project types, flexibility remains key.
However, its slim design alone is no longer enough. With an increasing focus on energy efficiency, thermal performance has become a critical factor in product selection. The OS29+ has therefore been engineered with enhanced thermal efficiency. By incorporating an advanced thermal break that reduces heat transfer, it’s able to achieve a U-Value of 0.78 W/m2K.
This gives installers the ability to offer a visually striking sliding door solution that also supports the wider renovation shift that focuses more on sustainability and energy efficiency. For installers, the ability to demonstrate strong thermal credentials alongside premium aesthetics can be a key differentiator at point of sale.
On top of energy efficiency, homeowners are also increasingly prioritising security. Therefore, the OS29+ comes with a multi-point locking system and is PAS 24 accredited.
As with all Origin systems, the OS29+ is fully bespoke. From size and configuration to colour,
finish and hardware options, installers can specify a solution that meets the precise needs of their client and the property itself. The OS29+ is available with a stunning and highly sought-after Signature Knurled handle. This Signature Knurled design language can be seen across the rest of the Origin Home Collection, offering installers the ability to provide a cohesive and holistic aesthetic to their client.
As a further differentiator, the OS29+ is powder coated at Origin’s in-house state-of-the-art 55,000 sq ft facility. Taking a fresh approach to the powder coating process, Origin were able to achieve Qualicoat and Qualicoat Seaside in record time. This offers installers clients a flawless finish that they can enjoy for the long term.
Practicality and ease of use have also been central in the OS29+ design process. The system is engineered for smooth, effortless operation, with door sashes gliding along a concealed track that can be recessed into the floor for a flush, ultra-sleek finish - offering a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience.
The full Origin product range is manufactured in the UK using premium aluminium and consists of Bi-fold, Sliding, French, Single, Front and Internal Doors and Windows. For the trade, aluminium continues to represent one of the most versatile and futureproof materials in the fenestration market.
As the market continues to evolve, products that balance aesthetics, performance and practicality will remain in high demand. The OS29+ demonstrates how nextgeneration aluminium sliding doors can deliver on all three, giving installers the opportunity to provide solutions that are not only visually impressive, but are built to perform.
BDC ALUMINIUM APPOINTS NEW GROUP ALUMINIUM SALES MANAGER
BDC Aluminium has appointed Zac Nedimovic, who has over two decades of industry experience across manufacturing, installation and sales, as its new Group Aluminium Sales Manager.
Zac’s career in fenestration began in 2003 when he developed hands-on experience across PVCu and aluminium systems.
Starting on the shop floor after university, he was directly involved in the production of windows, doors and composite products. This early experience laid the foundations for his deep technical understanding and commitment to quality and precision.
He later progressed into sales and commercial roles. This culminated in a sales director position at a national manufacturer where he spent 15 years leading commercial strategy, developing key accounts and driving growth across the trade.
Zac went on to run his own installation business, supplying and installing glazing products for homeowners and small and medium-sized builders. This experience gave him a full understanding of the day-to-day operational pressures faced by installers - from surveying and installation to scheduling, team management and order processing.
In his new role at BDC Aluminium, Zac will enhance the company’s position within the aluminium market, focusing particularly on
strengthening customer relationships and driving sustainable growth.
A key objective is to ensure that internal systems and processes effectively support customers, while developing a clear market proposition based on premium products backed by exceptional service.
Zac is passionate about delivering quality, both in product and service, and is committed to building long-term customer relationships through reliability and consistency.
Commenting on his appointment, Zac said: “I’m really excited to be joining BDC Aluminium at such an important stage in its growth.
“As soon as I spoke to BDC’s CEO, Stephen Nadin, this was a role that stood out. It offers the opportunity to be part of a business with a clear vision, strong backing, and the ambition to set new standards – all of which I couldn’t ignore.
“What really attracted me was the alignment around delivering a truly premium product alongside a genuinely high level of service, combined with the marketing support that sits behind it. There’s real scope here to build something special - a brand that leads from the front, supports its customers properly, and gives them the tools to grow.
“I’m looking forward to playing a key role in that journey and to driving BDC forward.”
A POWERFUL THREE-MATERIAL PORTFOLIO: FORTERRO ACQUIRES KLAES AND BECOMES A FULL-RANGE SOFTWARE PROVIDER FOR THE WINDOW INDUSTRY
Combining Expertise to Better Serve Customer Needs
Founded in 1983, Klaes is one of the industry’s long established leaders. What began as a one man operation has grown into a family-owned company and a global leader in software solutions for windows, doors, façades and conservatories, now active in more than 50 countries worldwide. With digital tools such as the Klaes premium ERP system, the flexible production control solution e prod, and highly specialised 3D solutions for façade construction, Klaes is deeply integrated across all operational areas of the industry. From its headquarters in Bad Neuenahr-Ahrweiler, the software house helps companies of all sizes to operate efficiently and remain competitive.
The move under the Forterro umbrella is seen by Miriam Berzen, one of the Managing Directors of the company, as the beginning of a new phase of growth and performance: “Joining Forterro marks an exciting new chapter for Klaes. For more than four decades, our mission has been to develop innovative and reliable solutions that help manufacturers in the window and door industry stay competitive and prepared for the future. We gain the strength and resources of a European market leader while retaining the passion and customer proximity that have defined us since our founding in 1983.”
With the acquisition of Klaes, Forterro is consistently pursuing its ambitious expansion strategy within the window and door sector. While market leading software Logikal (formerly Orgadata) remains the benchmark solution for aluminium systems, Klaes contributes extensive expertise in PVC and wood. The former BM Group, with its strong footprint in the UK and Irish markets, further complements the portfolio with specialised software for the residential segment.
The strategy behind this move is clear: Forterro is
positioning itself as the leading material agnostic partner for the window and door industry, bringing together one of the strongest cross material portfolios on the market. By combining complementary capabilities across aluminium, PVC and wood, the group now supports the entire value chain – from configuration and calculation through to production and installation. This integrated approach enables manufacturers of all sizes to streamline workflows, optimise processes and accelerate their digital transformation, while further strengthening Forterro’s footprint in craft and manufacturing software across Europe.
The shared objective is to make Klaes’s product portfolio even more powerful and future ready. Together, the partners will invest heavily in cloud platforms and AI driven innovations to significantly accelerate digital transformation across both skilled trades and industrial manufacturing. By pooling expertise within the Windows & Doors business unit, innovations in areas such as production automation and advanced data analytics can be brought to market significantly faster.
Klaes will continue to operate as a strong, independent brand within the business unit. For customers, this step above all means long term stability: access to a global network, a shared infrastructure and additional technological expertise to meet future market demands.
Dean Forbes, CEO of Forterro, highlights the strategic importance of the acquisition: “With Orgadata, the BM Group and now Klaes under one roof, Forterro supports all key materials and production processes in the sector. Through intelligent, increasingly AI powered solutions, we enable manufacturers to digitalise their processes faster and more effectively than ever before.”
The acquisition agreement has been signed and is now subject only to completion of regulatory approval reviews, which are expected to conclude in the second quarter of this year.
INWIDO ACQUIRES UK MANUFACTURER SOVEREIGN GROUP LTD
Inwido has announced the acquisition of a majority stake in UK-based Sovereign Group Ltd, further strengthening its position in the British fenestration market.
The deal sees Inwido acquire 70% of Sovereign Group, a Lancashire-headquartered manufacturer and installer of PVCu windows and doors. The business, founded in 1973, generates annual revenues of approximately £23 million and employs around 170 people, with a strong presence in the social and affordable housing sectors.
Sovereign operates primarily within commercial and public sector markets, supplying local authorities, housing associations, schools and regional housebuilders. The acquisition provides Inwido with an established platform in a segment characterised by long-term demand and high barriers to entry.
The transaction aligns with Inwido’s ongoing strategy of growth through acquisitions, particularly in targeted segments and geographies. The Swedish group has built its position as Europe’s largest window and door
manufacturer through a sustained programme of M&A activity, completing more than 50 acquisitions over time.
In the UK specifically, Inwido has been highly active in recent years. In 2025, the company acquired Fast Frame in Nottingham, expanding its reach in the commercial PVCu sector, and also completed the purchase of Victorian House Window Group, a major UK sash window manufacturer with revenues of around £33 million. Earlier deals have included the acquisition of the Sidey Group in Scotland, further consolidating its footprint across the UK market.
Following completion, Sovereign Group will become part of Inwido’s Business Area West, joining a portfolio of established UK brands. The structure reflects Inwido’s decentralised operating model, where acquired businesses retain their local identity while benefiting from the group’s scale and resources.
The acquisition underlines Inwido’s continued commitment to the UK market and its strategy of building a diversified, multi-brand platform across both residential and commercial segments.
MAKING TAX DIGITAL 2026: WHAT EVERY TRADESPERSON NEEDS TO KNOW
If you’re a sole trader in the glazing industry, the way you deal with HMRC is about to undergo its biggest change in decades. The days of the “once-a-year” January tax scramble are coming to an end.
The UK government has officially rolled out Making Tax Digital (MTD) for Income Tax. Here is what it means for your business, your tools, and your weekends.
1. What is MTD and why does it matter?
MTD is a move to scrap paper records and manual data entry. Instead of filing one big SelfAssessment return every January, you will now use compatible software to keep your records and send quarterly updates to HMRC.
The goal? To reduce errors and give you a realtime view of how much tax you actually owe throughout the year, rather than being hit by a surprise bill in January.
2. When do I have to start?
The rollout is “phased,” meaning it depends on how much you earn (your gross turnover, not your profit).
Annual Turnover Start Date
Over £50,000 6 April 2026
Over £30,000 6 April 2027
Over £20,000 6 April 2028
Note: If you are a sole trader but also a landlord, your combined income from both counts toward the threshold.
3. The New “Five-Submission” Rule
Currently, you file one return. Under MTD, you will essentially have five digital touchpoints with HMRC each year:
• Four Quarterly Updates: Every three months, you’ll send a summary of your business income and expenses.
• A Final Declaration: By January 31st, you’ll confirm your final figures, claim any reliefs (like your van expenses or tool costs), and pay what you owe.
4. Can I still use my ledger book or Excel?
The short answer: No.
You must use “MTD-compatible” software. You can’t just type numbers into the HMRC website anymore.
However, if you love your Excel spreadsheets, you don’t necessarily have to abandon them. You can use “Bridging Software”—a digital link that takes your spreadsheet data and securely “talks” to HMRC’s systems. Most tradespeople, however, find it easier to switch to apps like Xero, QuickBooks, or Sage, which allow you to snap photos of receipts on-site so you don’t lose them in the van.
5. What if I’m already VAT registered?
If you’re already doing MTD for VAT, you’re halfway there. You already have the software! However, you will now need to ensure that the same software is set up to handle your Income Tax (Self-Assessment) updates as well.
6. What happens if I don’t comply?
HMRC is introducing a points-based penalty system.
If you miss a deadline, you get a point.
Once you hit a certain threshold of points (usually 4), you get an automatic £200 fine. Further late submissions lead to more fines.
The “To-Do” List for 2026
• Check your turnover: Look at your 2024/25 tax return. If it’s over £50,000, you are in the first wave.
• Get the software now: Don’t wait until April 2026. Start using a digital app now to get used to it. Download the CIS Online app here: https://cis-invoice.co.uk/
• Talk to your accountant: They can help you pick the cheapest or easiest software for your specific trade.
• Bottom Line: It feels like extra paperwork, but once the software is running, it actually saves time. No more lost invoices or “box of receipts” stress. Stay ahead of the curve so you can stay focused on the job.
NORDAN UK ACQUIRES RED SYSTEMS
The steady beat of M&A activity in the UK market continues, with the announcement that NorDan UK has acquired UK-based curtain walling and facade specialists RED Systems. This follows on from a spate of aluminium acquisitions throughout 2025, with more expected during the rest of 2026 and beyond. Below is the press release published on the NorDan website:
NorDan UK has announced the acquisition of RED Systems a UK-based specialist in architectural glazing, curtain walling, and façade systems.
The move marks a significant step in NorDan’s UK growth strategy, strengthening its early-stage design, compliance expertise and building delivery capabilities to expand its market-leading offering beyond high-
performance windows and doors into a more integrated building envelope solution.
As the UK construction industry continues to adapt to evolving regulatory requirements and expectations around compliance, accountability and performance increase, the need for more coordinated façade and building envelope solutions has become more pronounced.
By combining NorDan’s expertise in highperformance timber and aluminium-clad windows and doors with RED Systems’ façade capability, the business will offer a more integrated approach to building envelope design and delivery. This aims to support earlier project involvement, improve coordination across systems and reduce risk at key interface points.
We’re really pleased to welcome RED Systems into NorDan UK. This is about bringing together two businesses that
already share a strong focus on quality, collaboration and delivery. For our customers, it means a stronger, more capable delivery proposition. We’re strengthening our ability to support projects earlier, work more closely with partners and ultimately deliver better, more coordinated outcomes on site.
Craig Greenwood, Managing Director NorDan UK
RED Systems has established a strong national reputation for delivering aluminium architectural glazing and SFS commercial projects with an expert design, supply and installation service. RED Systems has completed over 500 projects during the course of its 22-year history across the UK on large residential, commercial, education and leisure sectors.
The business is known for its early-stage involvement in projects and its ability to support clients through detailed design coordination and technical delivery, including multiple Building Safety Act gateway submissions.
We’re proud of the business we’ve built at RED Systems, particularly our reputation for delivering high-quality, design-led façade solutions. In NorDan, we’ve found a partner that shares our values, our approach to quality and our long-term commitment to clients. This was an important decision for us, and it was critical to align with a business that strengthens, rather than changes how we operate.
Michael Green, Managing Director of RED
Systems
Set against NorDan’s centenary year, the move reflects the Group’s continued evolution of its capabilities, extending its approach to more integrated and accountable building envelope solutions in response to increasing complexity across the construction sector.
Johannes Rasmussen, CMO NorDan Group and member of the NorDan founding family, also pointed to the shared values underpinning the partnership, noting the strong alignment between the two organisations in how projects are approached and delivered, and the importance of maintaining that consistency as the business continues to grow.
Across the NorDan Group, our focus is on maintaining high standards of quality and performance, while continuing to develop our capabilities in line with the needs of our customers and the markets. The investment in RED Systems is a new important step for NorDan in the UK market that brings together complementary expertise and strengthens how we support our customers across the building envelope. It reflects our consistent approach to growth, where quality and long-term performance remain central. The announcement of this joint venture is a proud moment for NorDan, and we look forward to a great cooperation with RED Systems.
Dag Kroslid, CEO of NorDan Group
READ THE ORIGINAL ARTICLE
JULIEN THIERY TAKES OVER AS MARKETING & SALES DIRECTOR AT SWISSPACER
With Thiery, Swisspacer is strengthening the link between customer focus, innovation and market development.
On 1st of May, Julien Thiery will take over as Head of Marketing & Sales at Swisspacer. He succeeds Sarah Sattler, who has been responsible for this area until now and will take on a new role within the Saint-Gobain Group.
Thiery brings with him many years of experience from various roles within the Saint-Gobain Group. Since 2021, he has served as Marketing Director at Formula, where he was responsible for marketing, communications, innovation, digital and IT. Prior to this, he held positions including R&D engineer in the insulation sector and in business development for the Technical Insulation solutions.
“Swisspacer has a strong market position and a clear innovation profile. I look forward to working with the team to further strengthen our customer focus and provide new impetus for market development,” says Julien Thiery.
According to CEO Matthias Bach, Thiery has exactly the right profile to bring customer proximity, innovation and market development even closer together at Swisspacer.
“We would like to sincerely thank Sarah Sattler for her strong commitment and for successfully driving key initiatives, particularly in the areas of digitalisation and growth. With Julien Thiery, we are consistently continuing the strategic development of marketing and sales at Swisspacer – with an even stronger focus on our customers’ needs and the aim of developing solutions that precisely meet their requirements and offer genuine added value. We are very much looking forward to working together,” said Matthias Bach.
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FOUR OUT OF FIVE ROOFING MERCHANTS AFFECTED BY SUPPLY ISSUES
A survey undertaken in March by MRA Reports showed that just under four in five specialist roofing merchants are experiencing problems with product availability and long lead times.
MRA Reports’ latest survey investigates the roofing distribution market in terms of sales expectations, market and business confidence, key product and market trends, as well as the most important problems, issues and challenges faced by specialist roofing merchants. The survey forms part of a new wider report on the UK Roofing market, to be released at the end of April.
When asked what problems and issues they had faced recently, nearly eight out of ten (79%) of specialist roofing merchants said they faced problematic lead times, while 77% had experienced problems with product availability, particularly for concrete tiles and lead products. Lead times for plain concrete tiles were reported to be 52 weeks or more.
Over the past year, there has been a big spike in demand for plain concrete tiles, and roofing merchants say it is because prices have increased while customers have less money to spend, and many are switching to cheaper alternatives. Concrete tiles cost less than slate and some other alternatives. Another factor contributing to the shortage is the loss of a couple of suppliers in some markets over the past year.
Other problems faced by roofing merchants include squeezed margins, experienced by 70%, and supplier price rises (69%). Competition is also becoming increasingly fierce. Roofing merchants say competition is coming mainly from other local suppliers, such as general builders’ merchants that are increasingly turning to roofing supplies, but also from online channels. Over half (51%) had seen competition from online suppliers increasing.
Asked about their single biggest issue, roofing merchants put product availability at the top.
“It’s not just the general state of the construction market that is causing problems for roofing merchants,” says Anna Eriksson of MRA Reports. “They also complain about product availability
and lead times on popular products, and competition is getting increasingly fierce. But, interestingly, specialist roofing merchants have higher sales expectations and stronger market confidence than general builders’ merchants, who we also surveyed in Q1.
“Specialist roofing merchants had a lot to say about the market. The survey report is packed with insightful comments on where they believe the market is now, where it is going, what is trending and the main challenges they face.”
MRA Reports was set up last year by two leading researchers in building markets intelligence and commercial due diligence, Anna Eriksson and Mike Rigby, to provide companies in the building materials supply chain, advisors and investors with a better understanding of the rapidly changing structure and dynamics of building product supply chains.
The UK Roofing Systems Market: Supply Chain Focus 2026-2030 report, which includes the survey, is available for pre-order by contacting MRA Reports. The survey results are presented in a stand-alone report, which can be purchased for just 395+VAT at www.mra-reports.co.uk. Aside from problems, this includes specialist roofing merchants’ sales expectations, market confidence levels, comment on market trends as well as trends in the flat roofing, pitched roofing and roofline sectors.
40% OF WOMEN FEEL UNSAFE AT THEIR OWN FRONT DOOR. HERE’S WHAT THAT MEANS FOR WHAT YOU FIT
We spend a lot of time in this industry talking about standards, ratings and test results. What we talk about less is how the people on the other side of the door actually feel about the products we fit.
Earlier this year, Ultion commissioned research into how women across the UK feel about safety. The findings were striking. Over two thirds of women say they feel less safe outside after dark during winter. More than a third have feared someone was watching them or following them to their door. And 40% say they would feel safer if they didn’t have to search for their keys when approaching their home.
That last statistic is the one that should get the attention of everyone in our industry. Because the moment a person is stationary at their front door, fumbling for keys in the dark, is the moment they are more exposed. It is also the moment where the products we specify can make a real difference.
The research also revealed something that should give anyone who fits standard cylinders pause for thought. Only 21% of women say they feel very confident that their front door lock would actually protect them in the event of a break-in.
The uncomfortable truth is that a significant proportion of the locks being fitted across the UK right now offer very little real resistance to a determined intruder. A standard cylinder can be snapped in seconds using tools that are freely available and require no particular skill to use. Most homeowners have no idea this is possible. Most assume that a lock is a lock.
As the people who specify and install security products, we have both the knowledge and the responsibility to change that. When a customer asks for a new lock, they are trusting us to give them something that will actually protect their home and their family. That trust deserves better than a product that meets only the minimum standard.
Specifying a high security cylinder that is
independently rated and tested to resist snapping, picking and drilling is not an upsell. It is the baseline. The conversation with the customer should not be whether to fit a secure lock, but which one best suits their door and their circumstances.
The research also highlights an opportunity. Homeowners who are made aware of the risks are receptive to better solutions. They are not reluctant buyers. They are people who want to feel safe and simply do not know what to ask for. Our job is to ask it for them.
The front door is one of the most important security points in any home. The product fitted to it should reflect that. When we specify high security locks as standard, we are not just improving a statistic. We are changing how someone feels every time they come home.
Written by Alex Dutton - Sales and Marketing Director at Ultion.
WHAT I’VE LEARNED SELLING HIGH-END PROJECTS
Over the last few years, our family-run installation business has refocused a significant part of the company towards attracting very high-end projects, specifically in the aluminium and timberalternative spaces.
We have always been a high-end type of company, especially when compared to our local competitors. But we foresaw the inflation spike in 2022, and we knew that the market was about to shift. The middle-income demographic was going to be squeezed, with all reasonable spending power going to be limited to the top 20% of earners.
That meant fully committing to the aluminium and ultra-high-end markets, and attracting highnet-worth individuals. The work we put in, such as transforming our showrooms, adapting our marketing and product portfolios, etc., is working. But the learning curve has been steep. These are just some of the things I have learned over the last few years.
High expectations
If you are trying to transition your business to attract higher-value contracts, then you must also prepare yourself for much higher client expectations. If you are going to be quoting clients £50,000/£75,000 or even £100k+ contracts, then you need to match service levels and quality to those high values. And rightly so.
At those sorts of monetary levels, you will likely be dealing with either large renovation projects or self-build homes. And when people are spending the amounts of money that they are on those types of projects, then customers are understandably going to expect very high levels of quality in both products and customer service. That means keeping regular lines of communication open. Even if there is nothing really to say. Regular contact keeps clients calm, composed, and reassured that you have your hand on the tiller at all times. The better the communication, the more reassured the client is going to be that they chose the right company for
their project.
It is also important that you keep a very close eye on smaller details and quality control. As installers, your suppliers should have their own stringent QC measures. But products then have to be transported from the manufacturer to either your workplace or to site. It is important that there is another level of quality control done on delivery, and to ensure all items are delivered. Missing or damaged items can cause delays, and if you’re working on a large project where timings are vital, you need as few holdups as possible.
Becoming a project manager
If you’re in sales and you are lucky to land one of these prestigious projects, that is fantastic. But you must also be prepared to become more than just a salesperson.
For your client, you are now their touch point, the one person that they will go to to ask questions, query things, ask for updates, or lodge complaints to. Yes, most installers will have a Surveyor, whose responsibility it is to take the final manufacturing sizes. But all the legwork has been done by the salesperson, who is the most familiar with the client.
Somewhat on the job, I have learned to become a project manager. The large projects require you to be in touch with builders, site managers, and other trades, as well as the client. You end up getting involved in scheduling, installation methods, product technicalities, and other areas of the business that are usually reserved for other members of staff. Yes, it’s more work; however, you begin to gain extensive knowledge of how large sites work and how other trades liaise and coordinate with others. In all honesty, it is very useful, and I would urge salespeople to embrace this part of the work, even if it does seem a bit daunting at first.
Evolving contracts
Typically, in sales, you would sign up a customer for a door and some windows, hand the contract
over to the office to then be processed and passed on to the Surveyor to take final manufacturing sizes. Generally, then it is off your desk, and you’re on to the next one.
That is not the case with high-value contracts. There tend to be a lot more moving parts to contracts of larger sizes. Sometimes a customer will commit to using your company, even pay you a deposit, before the finer details are even decided. Simply because they are not far enough along in their overall project to be dedicating time to it. They simply wanted to know what the general numbers were going to be, decide if they were happy with it, and then decide on things like handles, glass types, etc., later down the line.
It means that even once you sign your client up, the contract is not going to be the final iteration. It is going to be a document that is edited, changed, and updated, and by the end of the project, it may well look completely different from the first version you signed them up with. Yes, that means more work. But if you’re aiming to earn the big bucks, then that is the work that is going to be required of you.
Changing minds
One other thing I have learned is that clients with money and large budgets change their minds a lot. Because they can. I have seen clients partway through builds decide to tear down walls, change room layouts, even remove fully venetian plastered walls, just to change a small detail. Because they can. If you manage to get your business to attract these types of clients, you get a glimpse into a different world. And it is a different world. Money means different things when you work on large projects. Yes, budgets still matter, but if a client has a change of heart on something, even if it is going to cost them thousands of pounds more and delayed work schedules, they will do it anyway. It means you have to be prepared to be flexible. Expect to be delayed. Expect emails late at night asking to change the colour of the window frames or handles on their doors. Expect things to be added at the last minute and be asked if it can still be done within the same time schedules.
The payoff
I don’t mean money. Yes, you will earn more doing these types of contracts, and that is, of course, fantastic. But the other payoff is seeing these huge projects come to life and then reach completion. Winning these contracts means working on some absolutely stunning homes, whether it is a new build or a renovation. They are truly exciting to be a part of. There is more pressure on you to get things right, but that is to be expected when the client is spending what they are spending. But getting to go out on site as the project evolves is genuinely exciting, and getting to see your hard work and effort physically in a completed building is very satisfying indeed.
There are many more points I could add to this, and I may do a follow-up post next week to explore them. But if you are an installation business looking to elevate your company and work on highervalue projects, I would say that it is definitely worth aiming for if you are prepared to put in the work and dedication that is required of it. The end results are very much worth it.
TWO INDUSTRY MILESTONES IN THE BATTLE TO REDUCE CARBON SIGNAL BIG CHANGES AND A MASSIVE OPPORTUNITY FOR SALES AND SUSTAINABILITY SAY BMBI EXPERTS
The fight to reduce carbon dioxide emissions and embodied carbon in construction has been advanced considerably in recent months by two industry milestones. The first was an update from Heidelberg Materials that its Padeswood project to produce the world’s first carbon captured nearzero cement on an industrial scale is powering ahead. The second, the long-awaited Future Homes Standard (FHS), published in March, was greeted with cheering and recognition that it is already influencing building practice and specifications.
According to industry experts from the Building Merchants Building Index (BMBI) the FHS requires new products, collaboration and a new approach to building, for both new and existing properties:
Paul Haynes, Baxi: “The UK’s inefficient housing stock has a median EPC rating of Band D. We must retrofit millions of homes and deliver hundreds of thousands of new ones, with lowcarbon heating at their core to meet Net Zero by 2050. This is not swapping components; it’s systemic transformation and success hinges on deep collaboration. Developers need partners to co-design integrated systems that deliver lowtemperature performance, simplify installation, and reduce risk. Transparent lifecycle data, low-carbon materials, and smart controls are essential.”
Matt Williams, Polypipe: “The Future Homes Standard mandates a 75-80% reduction in carbon emissions for new dwellings, effectively signalling the end of the gas boiler era in favour of Air Source Heat Pumps (ASHPs). The industry is seeing a shift in procurement patterns that suggests housebuilders are moving from planning to practice with the most telling indicator being the recent uptick in demand for larger diameter piping systems.
“While 10mm has been the domestic standard for decades, we are witnessing a marked increase in 15mm feeds. This is a direct response to the physics of low-carbon heating. Because heat pumps operate at lower flow temperatures (typically under 55°C), they require a higher flow rate to deliver the same thermal energy. To maintain efficiency and avoid system noise or pump strain, larger internal pipe diameters are essential.
“By embracing larger diameter systems today, housebuilders are ensuring homes are truly “zero-carbon ready,” providing homeowners with efficient, future-proofed comfort.”
Neil Hargreaves, Knauf Insulation: “Over its lifetime, the now cancelled ECO scheme delivered improved insulation in over a million homes, yet recent quality issues driven by poor scheme design and oversight must be corrected if its just-published replacement, the Warm Homes Plan, is to deliver for households.
“Signs for optimism include a reformed Energy Performance Certificate that may allow installers to differentiate their work on quality rather than just price. A concern remains though that the Plan may jump to solely deploying alternative technologies such as heat pumps. A wellinsulated home is a comfortable, affordable, lowenergy home. Insulation must remain central to any Warm Homes Plan.”
Derrick McFarland, Keystone: “Although the Future Homes Standard was delayed, its increased focus on building fabric and reducing heat loss is already influencing specification decisions. Practical, fabric-first solutions such as Keystone’s Hi-Therm lintels provide a straightforward, low-cost way for housebuilders to improve thermal performance while preparing for future requirements.”
Andrew Simpson, Heidelberg Materials: “Our project in Padeswood to produce the world’s first carbon captured near-zero cement on an industrial scale is powering ahead, and we expect the facility to be operational by 2029. To promote what we are doing to reduce embodied carbon, we recently opened our evoHub in London where legislators, specifiers and customers can learn about decarbonisation in construction.”
Set up and run by MRA Research, the Builders Merchants Building Index (BMBI) – a brand of the Builders Merchants Federation - is a monthly index of builders’ merchant sales, and the most reliable, up-to-date measure of Repair,
Maintenance, and Improvement (RMI) activity in the UK. The index is based on actual sales from NiQ GfK’s Builders’ Merchant Point of Sale Tracking Data, which captures both value and volume sales to builders from generalist builders’ merchants, accounting for 88% of total sales from builders’ merchants throughout Great Britain. An in-depth review, which includes commentary by the BMBI experts, is provided each quarter. The BMF uses this solid statistical foundation as the base for its much-used market forecasts.
The latest BMBI report is available to download now at www.bmbi.co.uk.
NEW YEAR OFF TO A WEAK START AS JANUARY’S BUILDERS’ MERCHANT LIKE-FORLIKE VALUE SALES DOWN -2.6% YEAR-ON-YEAR
The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report, published in April, shows January’s builders’ merchant like-for-like total value sales (adjusted to remove the effect of trading days) were -2.6% lower than the same month in 2025. Like-for-like volume sales fell -7.2% while prices increased +5.0%.
With one less trading day this January, total value sales (unadjusted for trading day differences) were -7.0% lower than January 2025. On a similar unadjusted basis, volumes were down -11.4%. Prices rose +5.0%. Only one of the twelve categories sold more by value: Renewables & Water Saving (+8.5%). One of the two biggest categories, Timber & Joinery Products (-2.2%) fell less than Total Builders Merchants, but Heavy Building Materials fell -11.0%. Landscaping (-13.4%) was the weakest category.
Month-on-month, January’s like-for-like value sales were +3.0% ahead of December 2025, with like-for-like volume sales increasing +2.0% and prices up +0.9%. With three additional trading days in January, the unadjusted value sales were +20.2% up month-on-month. Unadjusted volume sales increased +19.0% and prices rose +0.9%.
All categories sold more by unadjusted value, with Renewables & Water Saving (+27.0%) up the most, followed by Tools (+26.5%), Workwear & Safetywear (+25.8%) and Ironmongery (+25.2%). Timber & Joinery Products increased +23.6%, Heavy Building Materials by +20.5%. Services (+3.7%) was the weakest category.
In the 12 months from February 2025 to January 2026, like-for-like value sales were up +1.0% compared to the previous 12-month period (February 2024 - January 2025). Like-for-like volume sales increased +1.4% and prices decreased -0.4%. With two less trading days in the most recent 12-month period, unadjusted value sales were +0.2% higher with volumes up +0.6% and prices down -0.4%.
Nine of the twelve categories sold more (unadjusted value sales), with Renewables & Water Saving (+6.4%) up the most. Timber & Joinery Products (+1.8%) was ahead of Total
Builders Merchants; Heavy Building Materials -1.2% behind. Decorating (-2.4%) was the weakest category.
Mike Rigby, Managing Director of MRA Research which produces the BMBI report says: “With the national media revelling in bad to worse international and domestic news (must-read content), and our politicians at sixes and sevens, it’s hard for businesses to strike a sensible balance. Is the glass half full or are we about to fall off a cliff. But, during the mayhem, it’s worth pausing to ask are things as bad as they look?
“The last six years have been a roller coaster of overlapping economic shocks that have left painful scars: a protracted, mismanaged Brexit process; a precipitous drop in GDP (-19.8% between April to June 2020, the deepest recession since 1709, during Covid and postCovid supply chain disruption and inflation; Russia’s invasion of Ukraine causing global energy and food prices to soar; Liz Truss’ September 2022 bond market crisis; Rachel Reeve and Starmer’s puncturing of voters’ hopes and confidence in them; and Trump’s crazy Tariff War and insults to allies. Whew! And, just when we were looking forward to a quieter, more stable 2026, the US Government threatened to grab Greenland, did grab the president of Venezuela, and together with Israel attacked and killed the leaders of Iran and set off a conflagration in the Middle East that has reignited inflation and is triggering supply shocks worldwide. Goodbye stability and steady growth!
“And yet… despite the wall-to-wall disasters and chaos of the last six years, our animal spirits, natural optimism, hopes and expectations just won’t lie down. Ask consumers how they rate the Government and prospects for the economy and they give a thumbs down, but ask how they are rate their own financial prospects and you get a cheerier more positive answer. Ask businesses the same question and you get a similar response. A recent survey of builders’ merchants by MRA Building Market Reports finds the same paradox. Although merchants’ confidence in the market is low, their sales expectations and confidence in the performance of their own
business are much more positive. And reading a slew of recent announcement of annual results, several large building materials groups are clearly doing well and looking forward to continuing to do well.
“We all hope for a swift end to conflict in the Middle East. But, if it does drag on, we’ll have to make the best of it. It has been hard going and still is. Surprisingly enough, given the astonishing number of black swans we’ve had to contend with, we seem to have been doing rather better at it than you’d expect. I find that very encouraging.”
Set up and run by MRA Research, the BMBI – a
brand of the Builders Merchants Federation - is a monthly index of builders’ merchant sales, and the most reliable, up-to-date measure of Repair, Maintenance, and Improvement (RMI) activity in the UK. The index is based on actual sales from NiQ GfK’s Builders’ Merchant Point of Sale Tracking Data, which captures value sales out to builders from generalist builders’ merchants, accounting for 88% of total sales from builders’ merchants throughout Great Britain. An in-depth review, which includes commentary by sector experts, is provided each quarter.
January’s BMBI report is available to download at www.bmbi.co.uk.
FEBRUARY BUILDERS’ MERCHANT LIKE-FOR-LIKE SALES VOLUMES DROP -10.6% YEAR-ON-YEAR
The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report, published in April, shows February’s total like-for-like value sales (adjusted to remove the effect of trading days) were -4.3% lower than the same month in 2025. Like-for-like volume sales were down -10.6% while prices increased +7.0%.
With no difference in trading days, total unadjusted value sales were also -4.3% lower, with volumes down -10.6% and prices up +7.0%. By value, six of the twelve categories sold more with Renewables & Water Saving increasing +19.6%. Of the two biggest categories, Timber & Joinery Products (+0.3%) performed better than Total Builders Merchants, but Heavy Building Materials decreased -8.4%. Landscaping (-8.5%) was the weakest category, although only fractionally behind Heavy Building Materials.
With no difference in trading days, total value sales were -3.3% down in the three months December 2025-February 2026 compared to the same three months last year.
In the 12 months from March 2025 to February 2026, like-for-like value sales were up +0.4% compared to the previous 12-month period (March 2024 to February 2025). Like-for-like volume sales (+0.2%) and prices (+0.3%) both increased. With one less trading day in the most recent 12-month period, unadjusted value sales were flat (0.0%) with volumes down -0.2% and prices up +0.3%. By value, ten of the twelve categories sold more, led by Renewables & Water Saving (+8.3%). Timber & Joinery Products (+2.2%) were ahead of Total Builders Merchants, while Heavy Building Materials fell -1.7%. Decorating was weakest (-1.9%).
In the year to date (January to February 2026), like-for-like value sales were -3.4% lower than the first two months of 2025. Like-for-like volume sales were down -8.8% and prices were up +6.0%. With one less trading day in 2026, unadjusted value sales for the first two months were -5.7% lower year-on-year. Unadjusted volumes were down -11.0% while prices rose
+6.0%.
Mike Rigby, Managing Director of MRA Research which produces the BMBI report says: “As I write this it’s Day 47 of the Iran War and it’s hard to see an end. Bewilderingly, Trump’s answer to Iran’s refusal to capitulate is to blockade their blockade so the Straits of Hormuz are totally sealed off to everyone. The rest of the world is being held over a barrel (an oil one). About one month from now, when average stocks run out, the global economy will be facing the consequences of an actual gas and oil shortage of about 10 million barrels a day, according to Wood Mackenzie, the global leader in data, analytics and insights for the energy and natural resources industry.
That’s equivalent to an economic hit like Covid. Some countries are already suffering shortages and knock on effects.
“The latest GfK Consumer Confidence Index shows a 2-point fall in March, to -21 – the third month of decline since January. The biggest drop was in views of the general economic situation over the next 12 months, which fell 6 points to -37. The major purchase index, indicative of potential spending on home improvements, tumbled 4 points to -18, while the savings index increased 6 points to 27. Consumers are very concerned about the impact of the war on the economy and are favouring money in the bank over spending.
“But there are some green shoots for merchants with a surge in consumer interest in electric vehicles and home energy upgrades, as consumers try to uncouple from erratic oil and gas prices. Octopus Energy and British Gas have both seen record increases in solar and heat pump enquiries. Paul Haynes, BAXI’s Product, Solutions & Marketing Director, BMBI’s Expert for Heating & Hot Water Solutions, says the heat pumps market was up +25% in 2025 year on year.”
Set up and run by MRA Research, the BMBI – a brand of the Builders Merchants Federation - is a monthly index of builders’ merchant sales, and
the most reliable, up-to-date measure of Repair, Maintenance, and Improvement (RMI) activity in the UK. The index is based on actual sales from NiQ GfK’s Builders’ Merchant Point of Sale Tracking Data, which captures value sales out to builders from generalist builders’ merchants,
accounting for 88% of total sales from builders’ merchants throughout Great Britain. An in-depth review, which includes commentary by sector experts, is provided each quarter.
February’s BMBI report is available to download at www.bmbi.co.uk.
SWISSPACER TURNS LENGWIL INTO ITS CENTRE FOR RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT
The
new Technology
Centre underscores Switzerland’s strategic importance as a hub for innovation
With the new Technology Centre in Lengwil, Swisspacer will consolidate its validation and development infrastructure from April onwards and integrate it more closely with quality control. This shortens decisionmaking processes, increases process reliability and lays the foundation for bringing new products to market efficiently. At the same time, the Swiss headquarters is being strengthened as the company’s central hub for innovation.
The investment reflects Swisspacer’s ambition to lead innovation at the glazing edge - advancing new technologies and substantiating their performance through robust internal validation. As a specialist supplier of warm edge systems, the Swiss company has been developing spacer bar solutions for energy-efficient insulating glass units for over 25 years. In addition to spacer bars, the portfolio includes complementary technologies such as Swisspacer Air for pressure equalisation in insulating glass. Furthermore, Environmental Product Declarations (EPDs) provide the basis for transparent product verification in an
increasingly regulated market environment.
Expertise brought together at one site
A key step is the relocation of the existing R&D validation centre from Herzogenrath, Germany, to Lengwil, Switzerland. In addition, the existing quality control unit at the Swiss site is being further expanded. By bringing these capabilities together at its headquarters, Swisspacer is creating a central innovation hub. The closer integration of R&D and quality shortens decision-making processes and enables new products to be tested, validated and brought to market more efficiently.
Expectations for insulating glass edge components are rising, from technical performance to sustainability, longevity and transparent product documentation. Against this backdrop, close alignment between development and validation is becoming increasingly important.
“With the Technology Centre, we are strengthening our headquarters as a central hub for development and innovation,” says Matthias Bach, CEO of Swisspacer. “The consolidation of expertise and resources in Lengwil is a clear commitment to our Swiss roots and to a strong innovation pipeline.”
Expanded testing capabilities
A key focus of the expansion is to enable faster, well-founded evaluation of new materials and product solutions. “The enhanced testing and validation capabilities allow us to assess the properties and performance of new ideas, prototypes and finished products much faster. From innovative, internally designed tests to validation in accordance with normative standards, our R&D processes are being accelerated and strengthened, while quality continues to improve,” emphasises Marie Guin, Head of R&D at Swisspacer since 1st of March. Previously, she served as Innovation Partner R&D and has shaped the company’s innovation work for several years; in her new role, she also assumes strategic responsibility for the Technology Centre. This reflects the strategic importance of research and development at Swisspacer as a key driver of innovation and market-oriented product solutions. Operational management of the Technology Center will be taken over by Dominik Göschl, who is adding this responsibility to his current role as Production Manager. He brings extensive experience in production and process optimisation at Swisspacer.
The close connection between the expansion and the further development of Swisspacer’s R&D organisation is also reflected in the strengthening of project management roles, particularly in materials engineering. “Above all, the Technology Centre improves the transition from material research to industrial implementation,” explains Loris Buliard, Project Leader Materials Engineering. “When development, validation and production work more closely together, iterations can be carried out more quickly and based on a shared data set.”
Swisspacer recently launched Swisspacer Ultimate | Nyxé, a new product generation that combines design excellence with sustainability. Further projects are currently underway. The expansion of the Technology Centre forms the foundation for the next stages of innovation: over the coming months, the capabilities for evaluating new materials will be systematically expanded – a crucial step towards bringing new solutions to market even more efficiently.
ELEGANT. EFFICIENT. EMBLEM.
Saint-Gobain solutions key to BREEAM-certified architectural project in Lille
In the heart of the northern French metropolis of Lille, the Emblem project makes a strong architectural statement: the striking mixed-use complex combines contemporary luxury, elegance and sustainable construction in a clear design vision. With 17 residential floors and nine office floors, the building redefines urban living and working environments and exemplifies how innovative solutions from Saint-Gobain Glass and Swisspacer SaintGobain can make a significant contribution to the architectural quality and energy efficiency of modern buildings.
Even at first glance, the façade defines the appearance of the Emblem and ensures
a strong presence in Lille’s cityscape. At the same time, it plays a central functional role: it regulates light, heat and energy and is an essential component of the project’s overall sustainable concept. The construction method and façade solutions were key factors in the project achieving the prestigious BREEAM certification with an ‘Excellent’ rating.
“The project was developed in a spirit of constant dialogue between all partners. It meets the original objectives in terms of image, comfort and performance, whilst emphasising its strong identity within the urban context. The complexity of the architectural, technical and environmental challenges required close, cross-disciplinary collaboration. This collective intelligence made it possible to refine the decisions,
particularly regarding the façade, and to ensure coherence between architectural intent and implementation,” explains Gaëlle Hamonic, co-founder of the architectural firm HAMONIC + MASSON & ASSOCIÉS and architect of the Emblem project.
Architectural and Location Excellence
Architecturally, the building captivates with its elegant, gently curved design language, which exudes dynamism and lightness.
The carefully designed, fully glazed curved façades of offer unique views of Parc Matisse and Lille’s old town, whilst spacious terraces and a landscaped outdoor patio complete the luxurious working and living environment. Emblem exudes bold elegance and is designed to become an indispensable landmark in the capital of the Hauts-deFrance region.
The architects at HAMONIC + MASSON & ASSOCIÉS designed the building with the aim of creating a connecting element between the city, nature and its use: “With
its curved lines and the outdoor spaces of each apartment, the building nestles into the site and becomes a landscape within the landscape. As a true manifesto of the joy of living, it makes ‘desirability’ visible – and with it the drive to commit to urban living,” says Hamonic.
One of the greatest challenges was finding the right balance between architectural expression and environmental performance. The generous glass façades, which are crucial to the quality of the spaces and the relationship with the urban landscape, had to meet high thermal requirements. Work on the building envelope was therefore particularly demanding and defining for the project.
The façade: a symbiosis of elegance and efficiency
To meet these high design and technical requirements, high-performance glazing solutions from Saint-Gobain Glass were chosen. “The collaboration with Saint-Gobain arose quite naturally from the challenges of
the project. Even in the early design phases, it became clear that the façade would be a defining element, both architecturally and in terms of urban planning and ecology. In this context, it seemed essential to us to surround ourselves with partners capable of engaging with the project, understanding its intentions and contributing technical expertise that aligns with our approach,” says Hamonic.
Among other things, the highly selective solar control glass COOL-LITE® XTREME 70/33 was used, which was developed specifically for demanding façade concepts. With a light transmission of 70 per cent, the glass ensures bright, light-filled interiors and a high level of visual comfort. The result is pleasant room temperatures throughout the year as well as a noticeably lower energy consumption.
This high energy performance was complemented using COOL-LITE® ST BRIGHT SILVER. This solar control glazing impresses not only with its functional properties but also with its outstanding
aesthetics on the façade, featuring a reflective, bright silver surface that lends the façade a contemporary and high-quality appearance. Thus, the façade becomes not only an energy-efficient envelope but also an architectural design element that underscores the exclusive character of the Emblem.
The fact that sustainability has been considered down to the very last detail is also evident in the choice of spacer bars: Swisspacer Ultimate ensures impressively low thermal conductivity at the edge of the insulating glass and, according to internationally recognised guidelines, ranks among the best warm edge spacer bars in the world. This enables low Uwvalues for windows and façades, accompanied by corresponding energy and CO2 savings. The warm edge prevents condensation and reduces the risk of mould, thereby contributing to significantly improved living comfort. EPD and FDES documents also provide transparent data on the environmental impact of Swisspacer Ultimate.
Gaëlle Hamonic also confirmed this in her choice: “The decision to use Saint-Gobain products was part of a comprehensive assessment of the quality of the building envelope. The thermal properties, combined with the Swisspacer spacer bars, made it possible to achieve a high level of energy efficiency without compromising on the transparency and slim profile of the façades. The products blended seamlessly into the architectural design of the project, which was a key consideration for us.”
Sustainability is a top priority
Thanks in part to the intelligent combination of various Saint-Gobain solutions, the building meets the highest standards of energy efficiency, comfort and design. This is also reflected in the ‘Excellent’ BREEAM certification achieved – an internationally recognised standard for sustainable building performance that takes into account not
only environmental and energy aspects but also health and wellbeing criteria such as daylight and indoor climate. Saint-Gobain’s glazing makes a significant contribution here by reducing energy consumption, thereby lowering the carbon footprint, whilst offering durable, low-maintenance façade solutions.
“Sustainability was viewed as an integral part of the project rather than an additional objective. It runs like a common thread through all decisions, from the design of the building envelope and user comfort to the durability of the materials. The energy efficiency achieved, particularly thanks to the glass façade, reflects the desire to design responsible, sustainable buildings adapted to the region,” explains Hamonic.
The project thus exemplifies Saint-Gobain’s role as a partner for the construction industry of the future, where design, comfort and environmental and urban planning responsibilities blend harmoniously.
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