The British concrete products industry is estimated to be worth £1.84 billion (€2.15 billion), with around 500 companies operating in it. These are among the standout findings of a new report published by leading industry research consultancy, BDS Marketing Research (BDS). The aggregate building blocks industry is the largest single market, valued at around £400 million, say BDS. “No other single sector represents more than 10% of the industry, but seven products are estimated to have a market value in e
The British concrete products industry is estimated to be worth £1.84 billion (€2.15 billion), with around 500 companies operating in it. These are among the standout findings of a new report published by leading industry research consultancy, BDS Marketing Research (BDS).
The aggregate building blocks industry is the largest single market, valued at around £400 million, say BDS. “No other single sector represents more than 10% of the industry, but seven products are estimated to have a market value in excess of £100 million,” says the report author, Julian Clapp.
Further sections of the 40 page report identify company shares, trends and investments in 11 leading concrete products. BDS found noticeable differences in the market shares of the leading players. “In some sectors such as roof tiles, drainage products, bricks, paving and block paving, the top two companies have 40% or more of the market,” said Julian. “Yet in some markets, such as fence posts, most of the industry is represented by smaller, independent companies.”
The report also assesses the market coverage and likely development of seven of the largest companies – Marshalls, Aggregate Industries, Tarmac, FP McCann, Forterra, Creagh Concrete and Plasmor.
“An analysis of the financial performance of 33 of the leading companies makes interesting reading,” said Julian. “A step improvement was made in 2014, with pre-tax margins increased from less than 4% of turnover to over 7%. The conclusion is that after many years of low growth and margins, it took the industry around 12 months of improving sales before it had the confidence to seek better margins.” There was some further margin improvement in 2015 and the industry now appears to be back to its longer term average.
Final sections of the report cover British concrete products industry prospects and development opportunities for manufacturers. BDS also identifies future possible industry changes.
