According to new data from the Money Advice Trust, a national charity that runs Business Debtline, construction businesses accounted for almost 15% of callers seeking help with debt and the threat of insolvency last year. 

In 2024, over 5,000 construction businesses contacted the Trust’s free Business Debtline service; with average business debts of £49,476 (excluding average tax debts), this equates to over £247 million worth of debt supported by Business Debtline in just 12 months.

In light of its findings, Business Debtline is working to create a dedicated ‘Construction Hub’ to support people and businesses in financial difficulty. In partnership with the industry, the hub will help more people from across the construction sector. 

Business Debtline also hopes to develop tools to help prevent businesses from going into debt, resulting in:

• More robust supply chains
• Future debt avoidance
• Increased productivity, resilience and opportunities for growth

Jenni Buckland, Partnership Officer at the Money Advice Trust, commented: “Our figures show that debt and insolvency is a major issue for the construction sector – hence the need for a dedicated hub.. Without promoting Business Debtline within the industry, people across construction are already finding us, but we know there are many more that could benefit from our support, we need to work together to deliver this, and help meet the need that’s out there””

“This has never been done before in debt advice – an industry-driven partnership bringing together the expertise of Business Debtline and the Money Advice Trust with the insight and support of the construction industry to make a real difference to small and micro businesses and the supply chain as a whole.”

Jenni will be part of a panel discussion at UK Construction Week London, Insolvency in the Supply Chain: Protecting Your Business in Uncertain Times, (Main Stage, Friday 9th May, 1.45pm). Chaired by Jessica Evans, Partner at Burges Salmon LLP, the expert panel, will provide guidance on managing risk, preventing financial difficulties, and navigating insolvency when necessary. 

Jessica Evans, partner in the Construction and Engineering team at UK law firm Burges Salmon, commented: “As the construction sector continues to face numerous challenges, including rising material costs, skill shortages, and the expenses associated with integrating technologies like MMC, these pressures are tightening margins and affecting the financial stability of companies of all sizes, with even the largest players not immune to the volatile risks plaguing the sector. 

“We look forward to our panel discussion with the Money Advice Trust and FRP Advisory, which aims to support businesses in managing risks effectively, building resilience, seizing opportunities for sustainable growth, and navigating potential insolvencies when they cannot be avoided.”

Neil Gaisford, divisional director, Construction, commented: “These statistics are truly alarming and highlight the need for bespoke support for the industry; the seminar at UKCW London is a must-attend for any business who’s been affected or is threatened by the spectre of debt and insolvency.”

With an overall theme of ‘Where deals are made’, UK Construction Week (UKCW) London (ExCeL, May 7-9th) has announced a myriad new features and co-located shows for the show in May. The only event designed to cater for the whole construction supply chain, UKCW London 2025 will not only be co-located with The Stone Show & Hard Surfaces for the first time in its history, but will feature an array of exciting initiatives and exclusive launches.

After the success of its debut at the Birmingham show in October, UKCW London will also feature Onsite On Hire, making its return to London after 16 years. Onsite On Hire is a hire industry showcase designed to show the very best tools, compact plant and equipment exhibitors.

Another exciting feature for the show in May, and coming to UK Construction Week London for the first time, will be HVAC+R, which will see a showcase of heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration solutions. 

UKCW London attracts over 18,000 visitors, and runs alongside The Offsite Show, making it the largest construction trade show in the capital. The 2025 event will also feature a new VIP pass, allowing visitors to elevate their experience for just £99 per day. The new pass allows VIP guests to skip the queues with fast-track entry, relax in style in the exclusive VIP Lounge with complimentary coffee, a range of alcoholic and soft drinks, and a dedicated WiFi network throughout the day.

What’s more, free parking at the venue is included in the purchase of the ticket. 

Following the London show in May 2025, UKCW Birmingham returns to the NEC from 30 September to 2 October 2025.

To register for UKCW London for free, visit https://forms.reg.buzz/ukcw-london-2025/cab-pr 

BC Designs, a leading bathroom manufacturer, has launched a new reward programme to better support its brick-and-mortar showrooms. 

The new reward scheme will see retailers unlock additional trade discount if they display any of BC Designs baths. Further trade discount can be earned by displaying any of the following: Brassware (Chelmsford and/or Victrion), Victrion Ceramics, any Cian or copper basin and one of the newly launched vanity units. 

Any non-displaying customers will be offered standard 40% trading terms. 

Adam Smith, national sales manager at BC Designs, says: “We know 2024 was a tough trading year for many of our retailers and that consumers are taking longer to make considered purchases such as bathroom renovations.

“Having spoken to many of our retailers, what is clear is the need for manufacturers like ourselves to support them with better trading terms to keep their profit margins strong and have further flex to offer discounts to secure sales should they need. 

“This feedback has been invaluable and has resulted in the launch of our retailer reward programme, where retailers can secure more favourable trade discounts should they choose to display a range of BC Designs products. 

“While baths remain our core product, as reflected in the reward scheme, our expanded portfolio can be used to secure preferential trade terms. 

For more information on the new reward scheme, retailers can talk to their dedicated salesperson or contact Adam Smith. 

www.bcdesigns.co.uk

Houzz Inc. has unveiled its 2025 UK Houzz State of the Industry report, offering an in-depth forecast for the upcoming year and a review of the challenges and performance within the residential construction and design sectors in 2024.

The report, based on insights from professionals in the Houzz UK community, provides a comprehensive view of the trends, obstacles, and opportunities that will shape the industry in 2025.

Heading into 2025, there is a sense of cautious optimism. Despite the challenges faced in 2024, 40% of industry professionals anticipate a good or very good year ahead. Additionally, 57% of respondents expect revenue growth, reflecting a four percentage-point rise compared to the previous year. This shift toward optimism follows a difficult year in which many professionals saw declines in revenue and profitability.

Marine Sargsyan, Houzz economist, remarked, “After navigating a difficult two years, home professionals are approaching 2025 with a sense of cautious optimism.”

“Professionals report that they are implementing new processes for operational efficiency and client communication, and are making strategic investments in technology to address the challenges they faced last year.”

Key Insights from the 2025 UK Houzz State of the Industry Report:

Focusing on Efficiency and Growth: Marine Sargsyan explains that professionals are concentrating on improving operational efficiency and communication with clients. Many businesses are investing in technology to overcome the challenges experienced in the previous year, demonstrating a proactive stance in uncertain market conditions.

Strategic Investments in 2025: In response to ongoing challenges, 87% of industry professionals plan to prioritise investments in areas such as operational efficiency. Specifically, 42% will focus on streamlining processes to improve productivity. Enhancing client communication (35%) and optimising sales processes (37%) are also key priorities, with architects placing a strong emphasis on the latter (45%).

Technology Use on the Rise: Software continues to be vital for many professionals in the industry. A large percentage of architects (76%) and interior designers (69%) depend on drafting and rendering software, while also utilising tools for invoicing, marketing, CRM, and website management.

2025 UK State of the Industry: Further Insights:

Interior Designers Lead with Optimism: Nearly 44% of interior designers forecast a successful year, with 69% anticipating revenue growth and 44% expecting greater demand for their services.

Easing Hiring Challenges: The recruitment landscape has improved, with 25% of professionals planning to expand their teams in 2025. This marks a four percentage-point increase from the previous year. Challenges surrounding hiring and subcontractor shortages have also diminished significantly, with shortages falling from 9% and 13% in 2024 to 5% each in 2025.

Rising Costs: 53% of professionals predict costs will rise, with design and build firms, architects, and interior designers being the most impacted (64%, 49%, and 36%, respectively). However, improvements in material availability and price volatility have eased some concerns.

Revenue and Profitability Declines in 2024: Over 60% of firms reported a drop in profitability in 2024, with 47% seeing lower revenue compared to 2023. Architecture practices were the most impacted, with 72% reporting a decline in profitability.

For a more detailed exploration of the 2025 UK Houzz State of the Industry report, click here to read the full findings.

About Houzz Houzz is the leading online platform for home renovation and design, connecting millions of homeowners with trusted professionals. Houzz Pro, the company’s all-in-one project management and design software, helps construction and design professionals win more business, streamline operations, and collaborate with clients. With over 3 million professionals and 70 million homeowners using the platform globally, Houzz is the go-to resource for home improvement inspiration, advice, and service provider connections.

The Unified Water Label Association is calling on the KBB industry to work together and promote a change in attitudes toward using water wisely on and beyond World Water Day (Saturday, 22 March).

UWLA MD Yvonne Orgill says, “World Water Day presents a fantastic opportunity to raise awareness about the need for water efficiency, but the world water crisis is so serious we must work every day towards using water efficiently, helping to save energy and protect our planet.”

World Water Day is an annual event hosted by the United Nations, and in 2025, its theme is ‘Glacier Preservation’. Glaciers are critical to life—their meltwater is essential for drinking water, agriculture, industry, clean energy production, and healthy ecosystems. Rapidly melting glaciers are causing uncertainty in water flows, with profound impacts on people and the planet.

“The UWLA has just returned from the world’s leading trade fair for water and HVAC, ISH in Frankfurt. Water was at the heart of the show this year, and the UWLA received a significant number of enquiries about our voluntary Unified Water Label.

“The UWLA is growing its base of supporters with more retailers, manufacturers and distributors than ever pledging their support to use the Unified Water Label, driving home the message that for the sake of the planet, we must use water wisely.

“Together we can all play an important role in influencing and educating consumers on the options available and helping them make the right environmental choices when investing in their home.”

“There has never been a better time to become involved and support the UWLA – visit the website today to find out how you can play your part.”

www.uwla.eu