Finance

Britain's SIG reports muted sales as construction industry stalls

Published by Global Banking & Finance Review

Posted on October 17, 2025

1 min read

· Last updated: January 21, 2026

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Britain's SIG reports muted sales as construction industry stalls
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(Reuters) -Britain's SIG on Friday said demand in the European construction market remained muted in the third quarter, with no signs of recovery, as the building materials supplier posted flat like-

SIG Reports Flat Sales Amid Ongoing Construction Market Challenges

(Reuters) -Britain's SIG on Friday said demand in the European construction market remained muted in the third quarter, with no signs of recovery, as the building materials supplier posted flat like-for-like sales for the period.

The company, like peers Travis Perkins and Ibstock, has been bogged down by cautious customers and builders pulling back on projects due to rising costs.  

The Sheffield-based SIG, which operates in six key European markets of UK, France, Germany, Ireland, Poland and Benelux, said demand in the quarter was well below historical levels across all markets, with European construction stuck in a cyclical rut, and recovery taking longer than expected. 

SIG said overall like-for-like sales - a revenue measure from ongoing operations, excluding acquisitions and closures - remained at 664 million pounds ($893.81 million), with full-year profit outlook also unchanged at market estimates of 31.6 million pounds.   

SIG's UK sales grew 1% in the period, driven by strong performance in its interiors business. Ireland and Germany posted the steepest declines with 11% and 5% respectively.  

($1 = 0.7429 pounds)

(Reporting by Yamini Kalia in Bengaluru; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala and Harikrishnan Nair)

Key Takeaways

  • SIG reports flat sales in the third quarter.
  • European construction demand remains muted.
  • UK sales grew by 1% due to strong interiors business.
  • Ireland and Germany saw the steepest sales declines.
  • Full-year profit outlook remains unchanged.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is like-for-like sales?
Like-for-like sales refer to the revenue generated by stores or businesses that have been open for a certain period, excluding any new openings or closures. This measure helps assess the performance of existing operations.
What is the construction industry?
The construction industry encompasses all activities related to the building and infrastructure sector, including residential, commercial, and civil engineering projects. It plays a crucial role in economic development and job creation.
What are building materials?
Building materials are the substances used in the construction of buildings and other infrastructure. Common examples include wood, concrete, steel, and bricks, each serving different structural and aesthetic purposes.
What is a cyclical rut in economics?
A cyclical rut refers to a prolonged period of stagnation or decline in economic activity within a specific sector, often caused by external factors like rising costs or decreased demand, impacting growth and recovery.

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