The UK is manufacturing the highest number of bricks for the housebuilding, RMI and commercial sectors in over a decade – according to experts at the recent Independent Builders’ Merchant Forum (IBMF) 2019, hosted by Ibstock.
Nearly 100 representatives from the independent merchant sector gathered at the Forest of Arden Hotel in the Midlands for the recent event to hear all the latest insights, developments and innovations in the sector.
Simon Taylor, Builders Merchants – Director of Sales at Ibstock, commented: “In 2018, UK manufacturers produced over two billion bricks in total, which is the highest production output since before the recession hit in 2008. In 2019, the industry as a whole will be on course to manufacture 2.6 billion bricks as confidence continues to grow. This sustained growth over the last decade is extremely encouraging for the UK economy and everyone involved in the building sector.
Taylor went on to attribute much of the growth to the private building sector.
“The private housing sector continues to be a key driver of this growth, particularly with the Government committed to building hundreds of thousands of new homes each year and first-time buyer demand being enhanced with the Help to Buy scheme,” commented Taylor.
Visitors to the event also had a first look at Ibstock’s complete new brand identity, which has been introduced to present a more consistent and co-ordinated brand across its product portfolio.
Simon Taylor concluded: “The merchant sector is vitally important for Ibstock. Hosting the IBMF 2019 provided the ideal platform to discuss all the latest developments in our industry and look at ways of working together even better so we can all continue to capitalise on the growth opportunities available and share best practice.”
