2026 Pricing Updates

We are managing a period of sustained, supplier-driven cost increases. Our suppliers are citing a combination of ongoing raw material inflation, the continuing impact of the Middle East conflict on global supply chains, new UK steel trade measures and environmental regulation, and persistent energy and freight volatility. This page sets out our current position, what is changing, and how it affects you. It is updated regularly as new information becomes available.

Why prices are changing

The reasons set out below come directly from the supplier notifications we have received over the last few weeks. They are not one-off spikes — most of our suppliers describe these as sustained pressures, with monthly cost reviews now becoming the norm. The picture they paint is consistent: cost increases are being driven by several different factors at once, not just fuel.

1. Sustained raw material inflation

Suppliers across our range are reporting confirmed, ongoing cost rises in core raw materials — steel, plastics, pulp and paper, resins, HSS and carbide — and in the energy used to manufacture them. Average supplier-confirmed increases are running at approximately 7.5%, with some specialist and branded lines significantly higher. Several suppliers have been clear that, despite their own mitigation efforts, they are unable to absorb these movements in full.

2. Middle East conflict and global supply chains

A number of our suppliers — across abrasives, paper and hygiene, and sealants and adhesives — have specifically cited the continuing conflict in the Middle East as a major driver. They report knock-on effects on global energy markets, shipping routes, raw material availability, and Far East manufacturing costs (including export tax rebate changes). These are described as conditions outside their control, and as the reason several increases have had to be implemented with limited notice.

3. UK steel trade measures and environmental regulation

For metalwork and steel-based lines, two further pressures are being flagged. From 1 July 2026, the UK Government is introducing a more restrictive steel import regime, reducing tariff-free quotas by up to 60% on key categories and applying a 50% tariff once quotas are exhausted — affecting both availability and price of cold-rolled and galvanised steel. In parallel, the EU's Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) is already in force, and the UK's equivalent (confirmed for 1 January 2027) is starting to be reflected in current pricing.

4. Fuel and transport volatility

Our delivery partners are currently applying a 12.5% fuel-related surcharge, reviewed weekly. Global shipping networks remain disrupted, which is also affecting availability on some lines. Several suppliers have introduced their own surcharges in addition to base price increases for the same reason, and these surcharges will remain in place until the market normalises.

We have absorbed costs where we can. Where increases are unavoidable, we are committed to passing them on transparently, proportionately, and as simply as possible — and to giving you as much notice as our own suppliers give us.

Key dates

• 1 May 2026 — Temporary 5% surcharge introduced on all invoices. Branded product increases (Unistrut, Simpson Strong-Tie, Visqueen) take effect.
• 1 June 2026 — Temporary surcharge ends. Replaced with category-level price adjustments applied directly to product lines.
• Ongoing — Further selective category updates as supplier confirmations are received. Communicated in advance wherever possible.

Affected product categories

Increases are most concentrated in Safety, Workwear & Site Supplies, Sealants & Adhesives, and parts of Electrical & Mechanical Products.

The table below shows the product families where average price increases are running above 5%. These are averages across the range — some lines within a family will have moved more, some less, and many will be unchanged. The list covers the larger movements and is not a complete record of every increase that has been applied. We update it as further changes come through.

* Based on a small number of product lines, so the average is more sensitive to individual movements.

Confirmed supplier price increases

The table below summarises the supplier-confirmed price increases and surcharges currently on our register, listed alphabetically by supplier. Where a supplier appears more than once, each row reflects a separate confirmed change. Branded product increases apply to those branded lines only — unbranded alternatives are not affected and remain at standard pricing.

What we are doing to minimise the impact

• Leveraging our broad supplier base to re-source product lines where alternatives offer better value.
• Absorbing cost increases wherever it is commercially possible to do so.
• Maintaining strong stock availability despite ongoing supply chain disruption.
• Contacting key accounts directly to discuss product-level impacts.
• Pushing back on supplier increases where the rationale is not clearly evidenced, and reflecting decreases as soon as suppliers confirm them.
• Keeping this page updated so you always have the latest position.

Frequently asked questions

Is the 5% surcharge permanent?

No. The 5% surcharge is temporary and will be removed on 1 June 2026. From that date, we are moving to clearer, upfront category-level pricing instead.

What happens after 1 June 2026?

The temporary surcharge will be removed. Where supplier increases are confirmed, they will be applied as upfront price adjustments at product category level. This is simpler and more transparent than a flat surcharge, and it makes it easier for you to plan and quote.

Will my fixed-price agreement be honoured?

We will continue to honour fixed pricing arrangements where appropriate in the short term. At agreed notice points, pricing will be reset to reflect current supplier costs. Your account manager will contact you in advance of any change.

Do increases apply to existing quotes or orders?

Please speak to your account manager or our accounts team about specific quotes and orders. We will always treat existing commitments fairly.

Are unbranded alternatives affected by the branded price increases?

No. The branded product increases (Unistrut, Simpson Strong-Tie, Visqueen) apply only to those branded lines. Unbranded alternatives remain at standard pricing.

Will there be further increases?

It is likely. Several of our suppliers have moved to monthly cost reviews while market conditions remain volatile, typically with around ten days' notice ahead of any change. We expect further selective category updates from 1 June 2026 as supplier confirmations are received. We will communicate these in advance wherever possible and reflect them on this page.

How will I be notified of future changes?

This page is updated regularly and is the most current source of information. We will also email customers when major changes take effect. If you would like to be added to update notifications, please contact us.