Joining the to talk through that was John Newcomb, CEO, Builders Merchant’s Federation and Dan Brown from the Job & Knock Podcast.

Brown said: “To be fair Clive, the bigger companies that we use have been pretty good to us. At the same time, because prices have gone, we have had to look around and be savvy in how we source products. So that has opened us up to new suppliers where we source certain products from them that we were used to source from suppliers we have had a relationship with for long. Even some of the bigger players can’t compete because it is so expensive for them to buy in. We haven’t dropped anybody as such but have spread the reach of suppliers from three to about eight if you know what I mean.

Commenting on the shortages and high prices, Brown added: “I think the landscape has changed because in the past it was a lot easier you only dealt with a couple of suppliers and you wouldn’t have to make six phones calls. No through COVID, has emerged a broader niche where in the past some people sold everything now they just sell lights or fixings or boards and they can been little bit more keen on price as opposed to some of the big ones that do everything.”,

Newcomb said: “I think there has been some shopping around as you would expect Clive. We are the same as consumers and if we are not happy with prices in one supermarket, you tend shop around for prices to see if they are competitive. Undoubtedly, with the cost of materials going up, I think there has been a degree of shopping around. I also think to some extent that’s coming to an end because people are reverting back to the merchants that they have historically sourced materials from mainly because of the service and relationship built over many years and the fact that there is generally good relationships built over the years between merchants and local builders.”

Mick Harman from Mick Harman Builders, a caller to the show, said: “COVID taught me a lot about the merchant I was loyal to for 14 years prior. When push came to shove they looked after the big boys. Never again will I use them. I now use at least three different companies who look after me so much better.”

Hault Services, another caller to the show, added: “During the last couple of years I think the merchants have been acting like a cartel and price fixing. In some cases I think they still are? Conspiracy!?

Newcomb noted that: “Builders tend to shop or source materials from merchants who are within 15 miles radius from their local area. The good thing now is that product availability is back to pre-COVID period and builders shouldn’t be experiencing any problems with the exception of plaster boards and roof tiles.”