Small building companies are already battling weather-related project delays - and with temperatures forecast to hit 29°C this weekend across some parts of the country the pressure is set to intensify.
The FMB and Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB's) latest State of Trade Survey reveals that 40% of firms cited extreme weather or climate events as a cause of project delays in the second half of 2025, making it the single biggest factor ahead of planning delays (36%) and market uncertainty (35%). Nine in ten firms experienced some form of delay over the period, up from eight in ten in the first half of the year.
The next State of Trade Survey is due to be carried out over the coming months and the real-terms impact of extreme weather on the UK's small building firms is expected to remain a key concern.
Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: "The summer months are when our members are at their busiest but working outdoors in high temperatures carries real risks. Heat exhaustion and sunburn can put skilled tradespeople out of action and put projects back further. We'll be watching the weather data closely in our next survey, but the direction of travel is clear - extreme weather is becoming an increasingly serious operational challenge for small builders across the UK. Our message to firms is simple: protect your workforce and our message to clients is: a firm that looks after its workers is exactly the kind of firm you want on your job."
Extreme heat brings its own complications on site: slower working conditions, mandatory rest breaks and the need to reschedule outdoor tasks during the hottest parts of the day. The FMB is urging member firms to ensure workers have access to shade, regular hydration, and sun cream with a minimum SPF 30 and reminding clients that responsible employers will adapt working patterns when the mercury rises.
The FMB's updated sun safety guidance is available at https://www.fmb.org.uk/resource/sun-safety-for-builders-how-to-protect-yourself-and-your-team-on-site.html
