Short-term pain but longer-term gain for ready mixed concrete producers

During the middle part of this decade the ready mixed concrete market recovered a significant amount of the ground lost as a result of the 2007 recession, returning to annual outputs of more than 25 million m3. However, the last two years have seen that recovery begin to erode as the impact of Brexit and a general slowdown in the construction market have started to take effec

The leading five companies continue to account for over 60% of the total market but this share is declining as independent producers account for more of the new plants constructed in recent years. Additionally, the share accounted for by the on-site batched (volumetric) sector has continued to grow and is now thought to exceed 10% . This sector is set for some degree of change in the coming years following the introduction of new regulations introduced by the Department of Transport last year.

These are some of the conclusions of a report published by BDS Marketing Research Ltd entitled ‘The ready mixed concrete industry in Great Britain – its structure, markets and prospects’. Published in June 2019, it updates and extends an industry review first carried out three years ago, reflecting how the way the market has continued to evolve.

New industry innovations relating to product development, service and delivery, company and plant ownership, legislation and sustainability are highlighted in the report. In addition, details of nearly 40 ongoing planning applications and consents for new plants are discussed.

The outlook for the industry is still weak in the short term but growth is expected to return from 2020 as major infrastructure projects start to progress and housebuilding levels improve. Pre-recession levels of market activity could be reached by the end of 2022.

Associated Businesses

  • Nottingham, NG1 5BS