This first G&T Façades, Windows & Brickwork Contractor Survey captures the views of nine specialist contractors on workload, pricing labour, supply-chain and regulatory pressures. It looks beneath headline market sentiment to test the depth and resilience of the specialist supply chain – from securing workload and available capacity to lead times, cost recovery and package risks.
Some highlights from our latest report include:
- Near-term workload expectations are positive, but secured visibility falls sharply beyond 2026. Contractors are responding with greater bid selectivity, shorter price-validity periods and closer attention to risk.
- Workload expectations are positive over 12 months. 78% expect workload to increase over the next 12 months, compared with 22% expecting a decrease.
- Positive expectations do not yet equal secured work. Average secured workload covers 93% of forecast turnover in 2026, falling to 57% in 2027 and 21% in 2028. Near-term cover is strong, but longer-term expectations still depend on securing further orders.
- Cost pressure and price volatility are expected to persist. Average tender price inflation rises from 5.3% in 2026 to 6.3% in 2028. 56% expect material inflation above 5% over the next 12 months, while 44% report high or severe supply chain price volatility during tender periods.
- Bid selectivity is rising alongside wider package pressures. 56% are more selective than 12 months ago. Separately, BSA/BSR, embodied carbon, testing, warranty and insurance requirements affect price, design effort, procurement, programme or risk allowances.
Download the full report here.
