Data from Britain’s regional construction markets has been decoded in an insightful new report published by the Mineral Products Association (MPA).
The new document – Regional overview of construction and mineral products markets in Great Britain – offers a comprehensive, one-stop guide to industry activity across nine English regions plus Scotland and Wales, and anticipates market recovery from 2025.
Bringing together construction market analytics from several credible sources, the report features historical trends and detailed insight into how construction is expected to generate the demand for aggregates, asphalt, concrete and mortar in the coming years.
The report decodes often complex and fragmented data, identifying and presenting the key metrics in a clear, user-friendly format. A consistent region-by-region approach enables readers to compare trends in activity, within one unique document.
The report’s appeal is bolstered by the inclusion of the MPA’s sales volume figures on heavy-side building materials direct from surveys of its member producers. The MPA says this reliable and robust stream of data is crucial for monitoring underlying market activity given the lack of government statistics on the GB minerals industry.
According to the report, a recovery in construction demand for mineral products is anticipated from 2025 onwards, supported by a revival in new-build housing output. Energy-related infrastructure, including new wind farms and nuclear power stations, is also expected to be a catalyst for higher construction work, with the East of England, Scotland and Wales among the regions expected to benefit.
Luke George, Economist at MPA and author of the report, commented: “This report is a one-stop region-by-region guide to our industry’s key markets. While construction data is abundant, it can be difficult to navigate and, on its own, often lacks practical value. By consolidating fundamental market information and strengthening this with MPA’s robust sales data, we aim to provide industry professionals with a reliable resource that supports informed decision-making.”
Mark Russell, MPA Executive Director for Planning and Mineral Resources, added: “The long-term need for a consistent supply of mineral products is essential to support construction and the broader UK economy. This is particularly true if Government is to achieve its commitments to build more homes, renew ageing infrastructure such as hospitals, and advance the energy transition. Collaboration between local mineral authorities, producers, and Westminster is vital to achieving these national goals; understanding regional demand trends should help to inform and guide decisions required to enable the delivery of future mineral supply needs.”
