Materials
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Lower-carbon roofing has moved into factory-scale validation. FP McCann has advanced graphene-enhanced concrete roof tile trials at Cadeby, demonstrating a potential 14% reduction in cradle-to-gate embodied carbon without changing standard production lines.
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Construction buyers are facing renewed cost pressure. The S&P Global UK Construction PMI showed input cost inflation rising sharply in April, as weaker activity, shipping disruption, fuel surcharges, and fragile demand added pressure across the sector.
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Mineral Products Association figures show construction materials demand falling again in Q1, with London ready-mixed concrete volumes nearly half their 2022 level.
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Construction bodies have secured a government review of planned steel tariff and quota changes after warning that the measures could raise project costs and disrupt delivery.
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Materials pricing pressure is returning across UK construction supply chains. The Construction Leadership Council has called for clearer explanations behind increases as fuel, energy, tariffs, and geopolitical disruption push costs higher.
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Expedition Engineering and Format Engineers have launched Re-Bridge, a digital platform designed to support direct reuse of structural steel bridge components.
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Travis Perkins reported a 1.7% fall in first-quarter like-for-like revenue, with merchanting activity hit by subdued construction demand.
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Taylor Wimpey has raised its 2026 build-cost inflation expectations as higher energy and supply chain pressures add further strain to housebuilding margins.
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Capital Concrete has supplied a lower-carbon calcined clay concrete for use at Brent Cross Town. The mix replaced 30% of cement with calcined clay and delivered a 10% embodied carbon saving compared with equivalent concrete mixes previously used on the development.
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Landmark Windows has joined Made in Britain as demand continues for traceable, UK-made timber joinery in heritage refurbishment.