There are around 500 companies currently operating in the British concrete products industry and the total value of the industry is estimated at £1.8billion.

These are among the conclusions of a report published this week (9 August) by BDS Marketing Research Ltd.

The aggregate building blocks industry is the largest single market, valued at around £400million. "No other single sector represents more than 10% of the industry, but seven products are estimated to have a market value in excess of £100million," says the report author, Julian Clapp.

Further sections of the 40-page report identify company shares, trends and investments in 11 leading concrete products.

BDS found noticeable differences in the market shares of the leading players. "In some sectors – such as roof tiles, drainage products, bricks, paving and block paving – the top two companies have 40% or more of the market," said Julian. "Yet in some markets – such as fence posts – most of the industry is represented by smaller, independent companies."

The report also assesses the market coverage and likely development of seven of the largest companies – Marshalls, Aggregate Industries, Tarmac, FP McCann, Forterra, Creagh Concrete and Plasmor.

"A step improvement was made in 2014," says Julian, "with pre-tax margins increased from less than 4% of turnover to more than 7%. The conclusion is that after many years of low growth and margins, it took the industry around 12 months of improving sales before it had the confidence to seek better margins."

There was some further margin improvement in 2015 and the industry now appears to be back to its longer term average.

Final sections of the report cover industry prospects and development opportunities for manufacturers. BDS also identifies future possible industry changes.

The report will be of interest to all companies in the sector, suppliers of plant and equipment, and others considering investment in the sector.

Further details from Andy Sales at BDS on 01761 433035 / andy.sales@bdsmarketing.co.uk

BDS Marketing Research (QMJ) Ltd
7 Regent Street
Nottingham
NG1 5BS
United Kingdom
01761 433035