PRESS STATEMENT The Masonry Association of Great Britain (MAGB) Response to the Autumn Budget The Masonry Association of Great Britain welcomes several elements of the Autumn Budget that offer long-term potential for our sector—particularly the renewed commitment to infrastructure investment and efforts to strengthen planning capacity. These measures are positive steps that could unlock long-awaited development, housing delivery, and regeneration work across the UK. For the masonry industry, which remains central to safe, durable and sustainable construction, this signals a welcome increase in future demand. However, today’s Budget also lands heavily on the very businesses that form the backbone of our industry. Thousands of SME contractors, manufacturers and suppliers—already under severe pressure from rising costs, tight margins and economic uncertainty—now face further tax burdens and minimal targeted support. The lack of meaningful measures for retrofit and energy-efficiency upgrades, despite their

We were delighted to attend and support the Brick Awards 2025, one of the top events in our sector celebrating craftsmanship, design and excellence in clay brick architecture. As a sponsor and proud member of the masonry community, The Masonry Association had a fantastic evening. 🏆 Supreme Winner: Silvertown Tunnel The top honour – the Supreme Award – went to Silvertown Tunnel, a striking project designed by dRMM, built by AVV Solutions, using Staffordshire Blue bricks from Ketley Brick Company. In addition to the Supreme Award, Silvertown Tunnel also scooped Craftsmanship and the Contractors’ Choice awards. The design features beautifully detailed brickwork: curved façades, double bullnose bricks, and careful use of recessed joints to create depth, shadow and texture. This win reflects the very best of what high-quality masonry can achieve — both technically and aesthetically. The project demonstrates how

New industry forecasts show the UK construction sector is set to rebound sharply over the next two years, offering a major boost for masonry companies and contractors. According to the Glenigan Autumn Forecast for 2026–2027, construction activity is forecast to grow by 21% during this period. Key Drivers Behind the Growth Housebuilding resurgence: Private housing is expected to be a primary driver of the recovery. Glenigan predicts strong underlying starts in residential construction, underpinned by improving economic confidence and lower borrowing costs. Commercial and industrial expansion: Office, industrial, logistics, and leisure projects are expected to benefit from renewed business investment. Glenigan anticipates increasing activity in refurbishment and new-build across these sectors. Public sector backing: Planned capital investment following the Spending Review is set to drive public sector construction, particularly in health and infrastructure. Civil engineering surge: Infrastructure work is forecast

The Masonry Association has formally established its new Technical Board, chaired by Keith Aldis, marking a major step forward in uniting the UK’s masonry supply chain under a coordinated, transparent and technically driven forum. Bringing together representatives from brick and block manufacturers, contractors, installers, fire safety specialists, fixings and support system manufacturers, warranty providers, innovation leaders and the National Masonry Academy, the Technical Board reflects the broadest cross-section of expertise ever assembled for this purpose within the sector. A Unified Voice for Technical Leadership The creation of the Technical Board responds to the growing need for an integrated approach to technical standards, regulation, skills and innovation across the masonry industry. For the first time, manufacturers, contractors, and specialist suppliers will work collaboratively in a single forum to address shared challenges and shape sector guidance. Keith Aldis opened the inaugural meeting

The Masonry Association is proud to announce that it will be sponsoring The Brick Awards 2025, the UK’s premier celebration of excellence in clay brick architecture, craftsmanship and innovation. The awards ceremony will take place on 5 November 2025 at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. As a sponsor, the Masonry Association will align its mission with a platform that highlights the highest standards in the design and construction of clay brickwork. The Brick Awards are now in their 49th year and are widely regarded as the benchmark for outstanding and enduring brick architecture. By sponsoring, the Masonry Association will help shine a spotlight on exemplary projects across sectors such as housing, public, education, refurbishment, innovation and sustainability. The awards attract entries from leading architects, specialist contractors, developers and brick product manufacturers. This sponsorship reinforces the Association’s commitment to elevating

It was a moment of promise and purpose when Mayor Richard Parker stood at Dudley College, trowel in hand, to unveil a bold new vision: a £75 million skills package to train more than 12,000 people over the next three years across the West Midlands, closing the widening gap in construction labour and empowering a new generation of tradespeople. This is not just a headline. For the masonry sector—and for all those passionate about building with craft, quality, and longevity—this is an invitation. Building Against the Tide of Demand Across the West Midlands, the forecast is stark: to sustain ambitious growth, the region needs an additional 4,000 construction workers each year. This surge is driven by large-scale programmes underway and ahead: A target of 12,200 new homes per year across the region. A £2.4 billion transport and infrastructure pipeline. A