FORT Christmas Update 2025

General Availability & Price Update

We mitigate price increases wherever possible, but we are seeing increases come through from our suppliers on a range of materials. January is always a time where lots of new price lists take effect, and 2026 looks to be no different.

There are a wide range of price increase notifications coming through for January and February, so as always: Please wherever possible price ahead of time and build contingency for price increases into tenders for the future.

Key increases for January/February that have been advised from some suppliers of:

• Cement-based cast products like lintels, roof tiles and landscaping/paving
• Facing bricks
• Plaster and plasterboard
• Rigid insulation
• Roofing slates
• Bathroom sanitaryware
• Garage doors

The FORT purchasing team are doing a great job of ensuring that we have stock on the ground and available at the right price, but as always, please forward-plan your requirement so that you aren’t caught short.

Here’s our round up of data to help you track key indicators that affect all of us:

Timber

This is a chart for the US market. As you can see, it’s a huge roller-coaster. Last month we were reporting at around $560 and is now settled; but for how long and will it go up, or down? This shows that the real US economy isn’t as positive as what their government seems to be portraying. The European market remains dull but availability is tight; low demand is holding back any increases. Current rates are still unviable in the medium term and are bound to rise at some point; we just don’t know when!

Weather & Climate - The overall rainfall trend is returning to normal. April 32%, May 56%, June 49%, July 90% August 50%, September 50%, October 90%, November 79% & December to date @ 90% of average rainfall.

Currency - The £ has risen slightly against the $ (around $1.33 = £1) and this affects many items bought in $. The Euro has also risen a little at around €1.14 = £1. The Swedish Krown (which affects timber) continues to strengthen to around Kr 12.40 = £1, from a previous range closer to Kr 13.80. That is now ‘baked in’ and timber prices from Sweden are adjusting accordingly. This will come through in due course as higher prices. As the largest producer of softwood, Sweden is very influential.

Oil Prices - These have such an impact on costs; despite the Middle East situation, oil prices remain surprisingly low at around $58 whereas they were around $73 a few months back. That means we’re currently tracking at prices well below the rate pre-invasion of Ukraine. It is unlikely to fall much further, so it could possibly be an inflationary concern.

Containers - After a brief spike upwards, prices fell back and remain low. This affects goods from India (sandstone) and the Far East (plywood for example). It is an important indicator. The US tariff battle with China continues to cause disruption. Usually rates would have climbed by now, as stocks move from China for the Christmas rush, so this seems like a very weak indicator. The current rate is around half the cost in January 2025.

Steel - Having dropped from around $590 to $550, steel prices 

FORT Does Christmas!

Last week the team all got together for our FORT Christmas party in Hungerford where we were treated to some “interesting” dance moves and are eagerly awaiting the letter asking us to participate in the next series of Britain’s Got Talent… A great time was had!

This week the team donned their festive gear and surprised customers with jolly jumpers - although Jason was crowned King of Christmas thanks to his impressive suit and shoes!

The shop and showroom got a sprinkle of Christmas magic as snowmen appeared, trees were dressed, wreaths were hung and hats were donned