Derrick McFarland, Managing Director Keystone Lintels is BMBI’s Expert for Steel Lintels.

What a difference sunshine makes! Weather conditions in the first two quarters of 2018 have significantly influenced demand. Although Q2 is nearly 20% higher than Q1, in real terms volumes have just caught up from a poor start. The key challenge for the next six months will be to see how much growth the market can really deliver.

The NHBC reported that new homes registration decreased 3% to 39,000 in Q2 compared to last year, but numbers in May and June look more promising. Enquiries are growing with particularly strong interest in the higher thermally performing lintel ranges. Housebuilders are building more units that meet the new regulations.

In addition, housebuilders are actively changing product specifications to high performing ‘Fabric First’ components. Fabric First is an approach to improve the fundamental building fabric to achieve environmental benefits. Our findings show that this approach can be technically, environmentally and economically more viable than the installation of low carbon and renewable energy technologies.

Sporting achievements distracted us all this summer as the English football team and the Irish Ladies hockey team shone in their respective World Cups. Now, back to harsh reality, Brexit and a potential ‘No-deal’ Brexit is back on the daily agenda.

The government, reportedly, is to issue weekly advice to businesses and households on how to prepare for a ‘disorderly’ Brexit. There are many questions to consider trying to predict and plan for the various unknowns. What will ‘disorderly’ mean for our industry, and what will the short-term impact be? Will imports be delayed? Should we be stocking up on inventory, and where will the opportunities be?

The unexpected rise in interest rates has divided opinion on what it means for the market. With a continuing imbalance between the supply and demand for good quality homes, it is unlikely to have a significant impact on housebuilding.