Timber prices have continued to ease from 2022 peaks — structural timber is now approximately 35% below its 2022 high, though still above pre-2020 levels. Aggregates and bricks remain firm. Copper and electrical materials have moved higher on commodity market dynamics. The Bundle IQ materials pool closes 30 September — lock in forward pricing for the categories that are currently favourable.

The construction liability insurance market is firming in 2026. Several specialist insurers have tightened underwriting criteria following loss ratio deterioration, and renewal premiums for some trades — particularly groundworks, roofing, and demolition — are running 8–15% above last year. The Bundle IQ construction insurance pool closes 31 July. Collective volume creates competitive pressure that counters market hardening.

Summer is peak demand for plant hire. Availability tightens and day rates increase from May onwards. The plant hire pool closes 31 August — forward programme commitments submitted now get pre-summer contracted rates, with hire windows extending into Q3 and Q4 at the contracted price regardless of spot market movement.

The Building Safety Act 2022 continues to generate compliance costs for contractors working on higher-risk buildings. Professional indemnity requirements have increased significantly for contractors in scope. If your PI renewal is approaching, make sure your cover specification reflects the new duty-holder obligations — and get it tendered competitively before the market firms further.