In March 2025, the UK Government launched the Timber in Construction Roadmap, reinforcing its commitment to timber as a sustainable building material. The roadmap outlines clear steps for the construction industry to reduce carbon emissions and adopt greener practices.

At the same time, global timber prices have been affected by exchange rate fluctuations, making procurement and cost planning more challenging. Added to this, new tariffs on imported materials, especially timber, aluminium, and steel, are expected to impact the UK construction sector later in 2025. According to the Oxford College of Procurement and Supply, these tariffs could increase costs across the joinery supply chain.  CLA Connect also warns that tighter margins and customs delays may slow down projects.

With these developments alongside fluctuating interest rates, inflation, labour shortages, and ongoing supply chain pressures, construction professionals must plan ahead and adapt to stay competitive.

Understanding the Key Economic Drivers in 2025

Interest Rates and Inflation Trends: The Bank of England recently estimated that interest rates will be high until at least 2026 to control inflation. This has implications for construction and joinery businesses, such as increased financing costs for projects and less purchasing power for clients.

Labour Shortages: There is a continuing skills shortage within the UK construction industry and is set to continue. This increases wages and can cause project delays if planning is not done from the start of a project.

Supply Chain Challenges: Although global supply chain disruptions are decreasing compared to earlier levels, they are still some concerns due to geo-political tensions. Construction professionals are advised to adopt an agile approach to materials procurement and invest in developing a broad and dependable supplier network to reduce risk.

Government Initiatives: The Timber in Construction Roadmap, launched in 2025, contains new commitments to increase the use of timber and enforce sustainable practices. Construction companies must align with these standards while maintaining cost and time efficiencies.

At Chilfen Joinery, we believe in staying ahead by turning challenges into opportunities. Here’s how businesses can prepare for 2025:

Strategies To Prepare for Economic Shifts

1. Sustainable and flexible procurement should be prioritised.

With timber legislation becoming more stringent and sustainability playing a significant role in project success, collaborating with manufacturers such as Chilfen Joinery, who comply with UK and EU timber regulations, is becoming more important. Ensuring chain of custody, responsible sourcing, and adherence to the regulations will keep projects compliant and future-ready.

2. Strengthen Financial Forecasting and Risk Management

Conducting regular reviews of commercial models and pricing structures will help you negotiate increased costs caused by changes in interest rates, inflation, and tariffs. Working with a joinery partner who offers clear, precise tenders and can value-engineer designs can ensure commercial feasibility from the start of a project.

3. Leverage Expertise

Construction and fit-out professionals’ benefit from working with a skilled partner. If bespoke joinery solutions are required, working with Chilfen Joinery can ensure precision and a high standard of work. Our integrated approach reduces rework, supports quicker approvals, and delivers accurate samples, critical in a high-cost environment.

4. Embrace Digital Design and Project Collaboration Tools

Using CAD design and CNC-led production, Chilfen Joinery, achieves consistency and accuracy on every project. Additionally, developing digital workflows can help address labour shortages by spending less time on-site, a key advantage as workforce availability remains constrained.

5. Develop Long-Term Relationships with Suppliers and Subcontractors

Developing trusted supplier partnerships can minimise the risk of disruptions in the supply chain. We nurture strategic supply partnerships at Chilfen Joinery to ensure a consistent flow of materials to our customers, particularly in the commercial joinery and residential joinery markets.

Why Chilfen Joinery is a Trusted Partner

Chilfen Joinery is a partner who can provide scalable bespoke joinery solutions in line with design and budgetary requirements. From intelligent design, precision-led manufacturing and our dedicated customer service, we supply high-quality joinery products for complex builds. We know our clients require a responsive, straightforward and flexible partner, whether they are managing costs, chasing approvals, or installing on a demanding programme, and teams at Chilfen Joinery offer all this and more.

In 2025, economic pressures will challenge the construction industry’s resilience. However, construction professionals can remain resilient if they follow the right strategies. Businesses that invest in collaborative partnerships, proactive procurement, and precision-led solutions won’t just survive the shifts — they’ll thrive in them.

Contact us to see how Chilfen Joinery can support your next project.

Chilfen Joinery—Your Trusted Partner for Project Success.

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