FORT September Newsletter - 2023

10 September 2023

As we write, the UK is going through some wild and wet weather, after some of the hottest September days on record; the weather’s turned a little bit crazy and that inevitably affects construction. Combined with a change back to more traditional summer holidays, where people have gone abroad (West Country bookings down 20% on last year), it’s no surprise to find that things have been generally quieter across the industry.

Thankfully FORT has remained busy and some of that is down to our diversification. The aim here is to gradually build a business that can provide you with everything that you want, to build whatever you want. Here’s just a few things you may not realise we do:

• Kitchens & Bathrooms – Come & see our showroom displays!

• Doors, Windows, Roof Lanterns – Aluminium, UPVC & Timber

• Trex Decking –a very high quality, long lasting decking solution

• Tiling – Floors & Walls

The latest news from the Bank of England seems to be saying that interest rates may have already peaked - inflation seems to be falling (at long last) and the credit squeeze is having an effect. What’s more, economic growth has been a little better than first reported. House prices have fallen by around 5% in the last year and larger housing developments are finding it hard going to get sales through. On a more positive note there has been an easing of planning restrictions around water run off and that could speed up decision making.

All of this means that general material pricing has become more competitive and of course availability is now an increasingly distant memory.