FORT Fencing
Agricultural & Equine Fencing
FORT August Newsletter 2024
18 August 2024
The change in government was long expected, but until it happened there was uncertainty, now it’s reality and hopefully allows the country to plan for at least the next 5 years.
There’s a very clear intent to see huge increases in house building. Most of that activity doesn’t really affect the vast majority of our customers, except for the impact that it will have on skilled labour and building material supply. We need to get ready now, because these are bound to be significant issues to tackle.
Here in ‘FORT World’ it’s been a very busy time. June was exceptionally busy; July returned to more normal patterns but we’ve been having a great time with our FORT Summer Spectacular Darts Competition, which has drawn in many customers to see our superb showrooms and to meet a long line of suppliers, to whom we’re extremely grateful, for their support and generosity!
August sees many people away on holiday and so it’s never a great indicator on general activity, but we’re still seeing a healthy interest in our estimating service and there’s plenty of aggregates going out on our bulk tippers – they’re all signs of work starting, so long may it continue!
Please take care when quoting forward – there’s not much slack in the system and that is only likely to reduce even further.
General Availability & Price Update
Our roundup of key indicators is shown below
Weather & Climate - As you can see from this link, the rainfall has been incredible – Jan 102%of average; February 242%, March 202%,April 132%, May169%. Then June saw a really dry spell (just 23% of average) But it didn’t last and July has been shocking! It doesn’t make things any easier.
Currency - The £ remains stable against the $, Euro and Swedish Krown (which remains weak), having strengthened in all areas. There’s a view that interest rates will not move much, if at all, until August at the very earliest (see inflation below).While we may not feel it’s the case, the UK is seen as fairly stable, with a little bit of economic growth.
Oil Prices - We’re keeping this in, because it has such an impact on costs and as the issues in the Middle East develop it will need to be watched. At the start of the year the price was $78 and is now about $80.
Containers - The rise in process doesn’t seem to have stopped and we’re seeing very high rates. This will affect goods from India (sandstone) and the Far East (plywood for example). It is an important indicator.
Steel - Steel prices remain. There seems to be a rough balance between supply and demand.
Timber - This is a chart for the US market. The drop in lumber prices seen in May has now recovered. The European market is still not firing up but there are reports of increased demand as the weather improves. It’s potentially quite tight but we’re not seeing signs of any major increases. Current rates are unviable in the medium term and are almost bound to increase (but we’ve been saying this for a long time!).
Inflation - Inflation has fallen dramatically and is now around 2.0% (about 3% at the end of May).This is ‘on plan’. That will ultimately affect base rate reductions and thereby lower mortgages. The pressure on inflation from services is still keeping the Bank of England on its toes; we may not see rates move for a little while yet, but they’re very unlikely to rise.
August Special Offer
We’re showcasing our all new stock holding of porcelain paving, now in stock and available in two fantastic colours, Polar Ivory & Volcanic Grey. Add a touch of modern elegance to your outdoor space for a reduced price throughout August!
Sansar Polar Ivory 600 x 900 x 20mm
Sansar Polar Ivory showcases a sandy beige colour palette, over a lightly textured tile surface. The buff tones showcased throughout this porcelain option adds a warm depth to any paving space.
£12.99+VAT/Slab (0.54m2)
Only £24.05+VAT per m2!
Sansar Volcanic Grey 600 x 900 x 20mm
Sansar Volcanic Grey showcases mid-dark grey swirling tones over a lightly textured tile surface, guaranteed to add a naturally flowing feel to your patio paving area.
£12.99+VAT/Slab (0.54m2)
Only £24.05+VAT per m2!
To find our more about this product and to order online click this link.
Offer ends 31st August 2024 at 11:59pm.
WIN A VAN WITH Knauf!
WIN A VAN WITH KNAUF!
3 Winners
3 Amazing Prizes
To enter in this fantastic prize draw purchase £500 (ex-VAT) of Knauf’s drywall products from FORT, including a minimum of £250 (ex-VAT) of performance boards, between 1st September and 30th November, complete the form and upload your invoices via the link below.