Timber Development UK

The latest Construction Products Association State of Trade Survey makes for sobering reading.

After a challenging start to 2026, both heavyside and lightside construction product manufacturers reported declining sales in Q1 — the first time both segments have seen a downturn at the same time since the end of 2023.

Rising raw material, fuel and energy costs continue to put pressure on the sector, while wider economic uncertainty, delayed project starts and weaker buyer confidence are all adding to the strain. For manufacturers, merchants and the wider supply chain, demand remains the biggest immediate concern.

The findings underline just how fragile market confidence remains, particularly in sectors reliant on major upfront investment such as housebuilding, commercial and industrial construction.

Key findings include:
• 14% of heavyside firms reported lower sales compared with Q4 2025
• 18% of lightside firms saw sales decline
• All manufacturers reported year-on-year cost increases
• Demand was identified as the biggest short-term constraint.

👉 TDUK members can log in to read the full CPA State of Trade Survey analysis here:

CPA survey reveals declining sales during Q1 2026 : Timber Development UK It has been a difficult three months for the UK construction industry according to the latest Construction Products Association State of Trade Survey. Both heavyside and lightside manufacturers reported declining sales compared with Q4 2025, which is the first time that sales have declined for both....

In this article from the recent issue of Supplying Timber magazine, we learn more about TDUK member Vida Wood UK.

As the company celebrates 25 years in the UK, we look back at how the business has grown and its role as a leading supplier of TR26 and CLS timber.

When Vida Wood UK’s Managing Director, Ian Drane, approached Vida Wood’s senior leadership team in Sweden in 2001 with the idea of establishing a dedicated UK operation, it was based on his market experience and a conviction that closer alignment between production and end users could better serve British customers.

Some 25 years later, that conversation has created one of the most significant Scandinavian supply operations serving the British timber sector.

👉 Read more: https://timberdevelopment.uk/member-profile/vida-wood-uk-ltd/