With 2025 now a memory and the focus having switched to the year ahead, in this series of articles we’ve sourced the viewpoint of various leading industry figures. This time we’ve sought the input of individuals from Associated Steel Window Associates, Carrier UK&I, Wallace Whittle, and the Steel Window Association, to gather their opinions on how the last 12 months have been for construction and to get their predictions for 2026.
Laura Mercer, Managing Director of Associated Steel Window Services:
“I think for ASWS, and the wider industry, the buzzwords in 2025 have been indecision, delay and budgeting. The construction industry has had a turbulent year with an incredibly tough investor environment as well as wider market deferments and delays due to legislation, government changes and the wider world atmosphere. Despite this, what has been very encouraging for us is that solid project enquiries and our tenders have been incredibly buoyant; in fact, 2025 has been the busiest year we have seen since the mid-2010s. Both the type and size of projects we are tendering and consulting on through stage 1 to 4 are very encouraging for a brilliant bounce back in 2026. One thing 2025 has brought is a real sense of wanting to design a project and get the information right before stage 4 tenders, and we have been very busy this year with consultation and surveys. This means that, when projects do tender, they are accurate, scoped properly and have every chance of success.
“The fascinating element for us as a business has been the demand for retrofit and refurbishment. I think the industry is changing for the better. The industry still has a long way to go in growing, learning and bringing the best out of these types of projects; and, from architects to cost consultants to site teams, we are seeing a real passion and push for retrofit. The mood amongst my colleagues and industry is one of real optimism and excitement for what the next twelve months will bring. It feels like 2026 may take us out of the holding pattern and into a busy New Year. Goodbye to a simmering 2025 and a warm welcome to 2026!”
Matt Maleki, Business Development Manager and IAQ Specialist at Carrier UK&I:
“2025 was a defining year for the UK construction sector, particularly across HVAC, indoor air quality and hot water. Regulation, technology and growing expectations around occupant wellbeing are no longer separate conversations; they’re shaping how buildings are designed, delivered and operated in the real world.
“The continued influence of Part L, Part F, and the Future Homes Standard has accelerated the adoption of air-source heat pumps, ambient loop systems and low-temperature hot water solutions, much of this in high-density residential and hospitality projects. It’s been great to see the evolution of compliance-led design maturing into better coordination and higher-quality outcomes. Moving beyond box-ticking to genuinely healthier, more efficient buildings.
“Indoor air quality has firmly moved into the spotlight. The implementation of demand-controlled ventilation, improved filtration and the wider use of IAQ sensors is now achievable within sensible budgets and is increasingly treated as a core design consideration rather than a bolt-on. As occupants spend most of their time indoors, this shift feels long overdue and represents a meaningful step towards buildings that actively support health, comfort and energy efficiency.
“Digitisation was another standout development in 2025. Smart controls, zoning and intuitive interfaces are becoming standard across build-to-rent and multi-unit schemes, helping operators manage energy use more effectively, optimise plant performance and reduce operational costs throughout the life of the buildings.
“For me, 2025 was defined by strong collaboration, open technical conversations and a shared ambition across the supply chain to deliver better-performing buildings. This collaborative approach will be even more valuable in 2026. Earlier engagement, performance-first design and well-commissioned systems will be essential to reducing risk and ensuring buildings perform as intended, supporting both health and efficiency.
“If 2025 was about momentum, I feel 2026 must be about consistency, embedding low-carbon HVAC, high-quality IAQ and efficient hot water solutions as the norm, and ensuring real-world performance matches design intent for residents and operators alike. A healthy building is an efficient building; everyone benefits.”
Carl Saxon, Regional Director for Wallace Whittle:
“2025 brought uncertainty for the construction industry, including challenges in the form of new but essential legislation like the Building Safety Act. While we proudly passed Gateway 2 for two projects, this wasn’t without its difficulties, many of which are felt industry wide. We also suffered an anticipatory period before the Autumn Budget where many key decisions were on hold awaiting the Labour government’s next moves for the industry.
“We see 2026 as the year of action. The industry has the clarification we need to push ahead with decisions and, crucially, projects. We know the government is committed to clearing the Gateway 2 backlog and having that promise will certainly help with delivery. While additional expertise is needed to tackle sustainability, safety and the evolving challenges of large construction projects, those that have always focused on quality service should relish the opportunity presented.
“It’s a chance to demonstrate how strong design foundations from the right experts lead to viable projects that are futureproofed against a changing world. We’re very much looking forward to rising to the challenge and continuing to prioritise quality on all our projects.”
Kris Bennell, President for the Steel Window Association:
“2025 was a trying year for the industry and felt a bit like a very slow rollercoaster! The industry saw real peaks of activity and project pushes in the early spring and late summer/autumn; and very slow and delayed periods in between.
“The domestic market kept a steady pace throughout the year with several predictable peaks and troughs. The commercial market has seen a real slowing from previous years. However, one encouraging aspect has been the scale of projects that are in discussions and tendering; clients are ensuring extensive preparations are taking place for future projects. This bodes well for the projects planned for 2026.
“Interesting and significant replacement and refurbishment projects have and are being tendered, consulted on and secured by our members throughout the UK. In a time when the fenestration industry is only just finding its feet in response to the some of the new legislation implemented this year, it is a very encouraging sign from my industry peers that the market is still there, still active and setting up nicely for a very busy 2026. SWA is confident that 2026 may see a record year for the industry.”