DHF warns of medium-term risks amid intensifying cost pressures, workforce challenges

The Door & Hardware Federation (DHF) has cautioned that the medium term prospects for the sector remain uncertain following the Government’s “Strong Foundations, Secure Future” Budget.  The Tamworth-based trade association warns that, while the Budget outlines ambitions for housing delivery and economic stability, the full impact on businesses involved in industrial doors, garage doors, automated gates, timber and metal doorsets, and building hardware is more likely to be felt in 2026 and beyond, rather than immediately.

Cost pressures on employers are also intensifying.  DHF reports that increases to National Insurance contributions announced at the Spring Budget are now feeding through into employment decisions.  These challenges are being further amplified by the recent 4.1% rise in the National Minimum Wage, which is expected to place upward pressure on wages more broadly as businesses seek to maintain fair pay structures.

For small and medium sized firms, particularly those operating in labour heavy areas such as garage door installation, rising employment costs are increasingly limiting the scope for investment in training, expansion and future planning.

From the sector’s perspective, DHF says there was a clear desire to see stronger commitments to investment and growth.  DHF’s Commercial Director, Patricia Sowsbery-Stevens, says, “What businesses needed was clearer support to help them absorb rising costs and invest with confidence for the future.  Unfortunately, the Budget did not provide that reassurance.”

In the short term, DHF members continue to report healthy job levels, suggesting that activity remains relatively stable.  However, caution remains due to ongoing volatility in raw material prices, particularly steel, timber and key components, which makes accurate pricing and long term planning more difficult.

Alongside financial pressures, DHF highlights a growing workforce challenge.  Many experienced specialists with decades of knowledge are approaching retirement, while attracting younger people into technical and manufacturing roles remains difficult.

This loss of experience presents a risk to standards, safety and long term resilience across the sector.  DHF is therefore encouraging members to support initiatives such as Build UK Open Doors, which aims to raise awareness of construction and manufacturing careers and helps demonstrate the opportunities available to new entrants.

As a trade federation, DHF remains focused on guiding and educating members on compliance, safety and standards, while also supporting skills development and new entrants to the industry.  The Federation continues to welcome new members who recognise the value of this support.  However, DHF acknowledges that membership is a discretionary cost for many businesses, and that sustained financial pressure may create further challenges in the years ahead.

“DHF will continue to support its members through a period of uncertainty, helping them maintain high standards of safety and compliance, while encouraging engagement with initiatives that strengthen skills, training and workforce renewal as we look towards 2026 and beyond,”  concludes Patricia.