FORT Fencing
Agricultural & Equine Fencing
FORT October Newsletter
19 October 2022
With bonfire night slowly approaching, we have all the timber you'd possibly need! But before that - it's time to make room for thick layers, quality insulation & top service from FORT.
FORT Progress Update
October is a tricky time of transition, with the trees turning golden brown, frosty mornings and the days drawing shorter. We've seen a bit of that at FORT this month as we said a sad goodbye to Vicki, the first truck we ever had (back in the days when we had a single HGV!). Having brought her down from the East Midlands to join FORT, she's now gone to a retirement home in Birmingham where she can give a new family the joy/headaches she gave us! Old Vicki was replaced by a newer version which is already on the road, but doesn't yet have all her FORT plumage, so keep an eye out for that in the coming weeks.
We've also now fully stocked our roofing yard with clay tiles and slate as well as the usual supporting fittings. We're excited about the possibilities that this now offers us - so get in touch to find out more!
The £ crashed, interest rates increased and the government U-turned; it’s been a troubling time trying to forecast where we’re heading.
So, we keep asking all of you, our valued Customers, how you’re finding things; after all, you’re the people who really know what’s happening. You seem to be saying that there’s still plenty of work out there, that in general you’re busy and have work ahead of you. Some of you are quieter and on average there’s been a slight decline, but nothing major; the summary seems to be that it’s ‘OK’. Landscaping is the sector with the largest decline, because we’ve all seen 2 years of massive growth. It had to end at some point, but there’s still plenty going on; we’re probably back to more normal levels. Inflation is still rampant, but we’re seeing far fewer increases in materials and even some decreases. That’s a sign of general quietening in the UK market. Although with this general quietness in the market we have noticed an exception with bricks, which have seen significant increases from various manufacturers,
Our advice has to remain the same:
- We urge you to NOT give firm price commitments beyond a short timeframe – availability and inflationary pressures are still present.
- FORT continues to hold excellent stock levels in most areas. Contact our sales team for further advice.
FORT Has Excellent Stock Levels – there are still some availability issues around bricks, blocks, tiles, etc, but we’re managing to look after all Customer demands.
Let’s look at the reports:
£ Exchange: Not quite unprecedented, but close to all time lows, the £ has (at the time of writing!) recovered some of its losses. It still leaves us way below the rate a year ago. We’re about 15% down and that means all the things we buy in $ cost more, including fuel, freight, etc.
Containers: There has been a huge fall in container rates. In late August they were around $6,000 and are now around $4,000 (from a high of $10,000). This more than cancels out $ exchange rates and means products like sandstone paving should fall in price.
Steel: The steel market leapt up during 2022 but has now returned to the same levels as late 2021. While still historically on the high side, they are more settled
Timber: The US rollercoaster has seen some amazing highs but is now right back where it started in early 2020. Here in the UK, the market’s slightly different, but prices have fallen. Demand is lower and there’s a surplus on the quayside, but it’s gradually being used up and replacement costs will rise, slightly.
Inflation: Probably the most scary chart of them all! 12% inflation. That’s epic levels. But we look to have peaked and should see fairly significant falls, as energy costs are absorbed and may well decrease next Spring.
As always, please do not assume stock availability - check with the sales office!
Our reputation relies on word of mouth and testimonials from our valued customers, and as such we'd love for you to share reviews of your experiences with us on either Google, Facebook or TrustPilot if you have the time.
Thank you very much for your understanding and support at this time.
Best regards,
Matt, Tim & Keith
The Directors