2022.FORT July Newsletter

Containers:
At long last we’re starting to see container rates falling and starting to head back towards more ‘normal’ rates. Back in early 2020 they were at very low levels which were unviable. Given the massive fuel increases they’re unlikely to get anywhere near that, but it seems reasonable to expect rates to continue to fall further. This all helps with heavy/bulky items (sandstone from India for example) to reduce in price.

Steel:
Steel rebar prices had fallen considerably from the massive high of around $950, back down to more historical norms of $700. As the chart shows, price is climbing back again. It seems unlikely to increase much more in the short term.

Timber:
US timber demand tends to set the trend for the world and while we’ve been reporting falls in price, there has been another upturn since May. Whilst it’s not a huge rise it means that rates are still around double the long-term historical trend prior to June 2020. European rates do not mirror these exactly. We’re still currently seeing small falls in timber prices, due to high stock levels, but the ban on Russian/Belarusian timber will have an ongoing impact.

Certain items (Siberian Larch and Birch plywood) are going to be severely affected. Please contact the sales office for advice on substitutions and alternative options.

PIR Insulation:
Prices rocketed again, with general increases in June of around 12.5% and another slated for July at around 10% - this will have a severe impact on contracts where Customers are locked in. Fort recommend that you consider alternatives, such as Actis – see these links: How to insulation a timber frame wall and How to insulate a pitched roof.

Inflation:
We’re seeing inflation at unprecedented levels. The last time they were around these levels was 1990. Very little of this inflation is ‘home grown’. Global issues are driving this and there’s very little that we can do. As stated before, this is bound to affect demand at some point, as disposable income shrinks.

FORT Estimating Service

Supporting Builders and Self-Builders from plans to build!

From architectural drawings of a proposed extension, alteration or new-build, FORT can quickly turn around a detailed and accurate schedule of works, providing a total material and labour cost, time-frame and designs for specialist items to your bespoke terms.

• Small plan £225+VAT
• Large plan £275+VAT

Get in touch with our awesome sales team on 01488 505800, or pop in to see us on Ramsbury Road, Membury.

Staff Profile of the Month

Each month we’ll introduce you to members of our fantastic team, from those at the sales counter through to those who you may not usually come into contact with.

Name: Matt Kiely
Job Role: Director of Sales & Operations
Hobbies & Interests: Motorbikes, Working Out, Bricks
Previous Work: Building Supplies; Data Analyst; Semi-Pro Arm-Wrestler
Joined FORT In: January 2020

Beloved by the staff, I’m the happy-go-lucky leader of the sales and operations teams who is always ready with either a joke or a hug to ensure that everyone is as happy as they can be. My main role at FORT is to drive the business forwards, motivating the staff to be the best that they can be and making sure that everything runs efficiently at all times.

Outside work I like to let my hair down by getting on the motorbike and hitting the dirt – I fall off frequently, but in life, as in business, every failure is a learning opportunity, and every sore arm or aching bottom is a chance to grow and be better. One of my favourite things to do is taking the family to the coast and getting out onto the water. I am taking my Skipper’s Licence this summer and will hope to be able to sail more than just being used for ballast.

As a natural athlete most things come easy to me, but something that I take real pride in is my freestyle MC-ing. My stage name is MC Matty K and I like to spit lyrics to all kinds of beats. I don’t like to do it at work too much, but with enough requests I could lay down some rhymes, or take on all comers to an arm wrestle.

I’d say that to the team at FORT I’m a friend first, and a boss second. Probably an entertainer third.