Regional analysis highlights that Scotland was hit hardest, accounting for 20 per cent of all reported failures.

According to the latest market intelligence released exclusively by Insight Data, pressure on the builders’ merchant sector eased slightly in November 2025.

The leading construction marketing data specialist reports a slight reduction in business insolvencies, though analysis of the regional split reveals specific areas in the UK are suffering more than others.

The overall number of builders’ merchant insolvencies for November 2025 was recorded at 15, a small but welcome drop compared to the 16 firms that ceased trading in October 2025 – representing a six per cent difference. This decline shows slight stability after a year of intense volatility which has seen almost 160 builders’ merchants enter administration since January 2025.

Insight Data’s in-depth regional analysis highlights that Scotland was hit hardest, accounting for 20 per cent of all reported failures, while several regions – including the Northern Counties, South West, Yorkshire and Greater London – each saw two closures. This uneven distribution of failures suggests that local economic factors, such as regional market slowdowns or infrastructure project delays, play a fundamental role.

Alex Tremlett, Commercial Director at Insight Data, said: “While the reduction in builders’ merchant insolvencies in November is a positive sign of stability, the devil is in the detail. The fact that a full fifth of closures occurred in Scotland shows that location specific pressures shouldn’t be forgotten. In this unpredictable environment, companies need accurate, real-time market intelligence to identify regional risks and target financially resilient prospects.”