Executive Summary
This Key Note report analyses the UK market for bricks and tiles. Products covered are clay bricks and tiles, concrete blocks and related products, such as floor tiles. In 2000, the UK market for these products was estimated to be £1.91bn, 66.8% of which was for concrete products.
The bricks and tiles market has undergone considerable rationalisation since the recession years of the 1990s. There are now just a few large companies which dominate the market. These include Hanson Brick Ltd (part of the Hanson group) with its international activities, Ibstock Brick Ltd (owned by CRH of Ireland) and Redland Roofing Systems Ltd (owned by Lafarge of France). These companies have extensive building material interests in Europe and in some cases their activities are global. In addition, there is a group of small companies making bricks and tiles for specialist markets, in some cases using traditional hand-making methods.
Because of their well-established track record as a durable building material, along with their popularity in housebuilding, bricks and tiles have a long-term future. In recent years, there has been an expansion of the brick market into other markets, such as entrance areas of commercial buildings, gardens, patios and other outdoor areas. However, it is important that brick and tile manufacturers follow trends in the construction industry. In 2001, these include fast-track construction and a more integrated approach to the management of construction projects.
Housebuilding output has grown from £7.1bn in 1995 to £9.9bn in 2000. Furthermore, the Government has plans for extensive housebuilding over the next 10 years. Several key issues face the bricks and tiles market. Environmental issues, such as the proposed Aggregates Tax and the new Climate Change Levy, will involve costs for the industry, as will rising energy and transport fuel prices. Sustainable development is now an important government policy, and the source and recycling of materials will be important issues.
E-commerce is now becoming established in the building materials sector, which will be an important area for brick and tile companies to follow in detail. Economic conditions are generally good at present and Key Note forecasts that the market will increase over the next 5 years.
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