Supply Chain

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has warned the government that congestion at UK ports is affecting the availability of construction materials. BMF chief executive John Newcomb said: “There is a concern over the availability of products imported in containers, mainly from the Far East, such as ironmongery, plumbing items, tools…

Last month, the sector saw the fastest improvement in order books for more than six years, new Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) data shows. Overall output activity rose to 54.7 in November from the 53.1 recorded in October. It remained below the 58.1 seen in July but the increase in new…

Lead times for obtaining cladding, roof tiles, timber and lifts could lengthen in the event of a no-deal outcome on Brexit, a new analysis by Build UK and the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply (CIPS) has found. Cladding and lifts, which are mainly imported from Europe with minimal stock…

This video was first broadcast at CN Decarbonising Construction 2020. Client leads addressed why carbon is a key priority for future project design, construction and management; and answered why this is impacting the way they procure work – watch below:

Sizewell C can play a big role in the government’s levelling-up agenda, EDF’s director of funding for the project has insisted. Julia Pyke told the Construction News Summit that the multi-billion-pound project could make a “really huge contribution” to the policy of improving the lives of people outside of London.…

Public and private sector clients fear suppliers could struggle to survive the coming months. Cashflow problems as a result of the pandemic, coupled with potential disruption caused by Brexit, could prove too much for some companies, a civil servant has warned. Speaking at the Construction News Summit, Department for Education…

Caterpillar is planning to cut 700 people from its 1,600-strong workforce in Northern Ireland. The US multinational manufacturer said that it is looking to “better utilise” capacity and “improve cost competitiveness”. Workers in production, support and management positions in Larne, County Antrim, would be most affected under the plans, though…

The UK should change its procurement rules after Brexit, Crossrail chief executive Mark Wild has said. Wild, a former managing director of London Underground and CEO of Public Transport Victoria in Australia, described current procurement rules as a “big barrier” for clients. Speaking at a Railway Industry Association conference panel…

HS2 and Network Rail should make tier-one contractors provide a visible pipeline of work for potential subcontractors as a condition of winning work, according to Keltbray’s chief executive. Darren James called for the measure to be introduced to help SMEs win work and make the correct investments. He was speaking…

Network Rail is to introduce carbon-reduction targets in contracts with its supply chain, according to the transport body’s procurement director. The government-owned firm yesterday pledged action, including cutting its direct carbon emissions by 46 per cent by 2029. It also announced measures such as an examination of how to use…