New research shows that rising energy costs, supply chain disruption, and weather-related delays branded biggest risks for winter 2026.

A new report from Atradius, a global trade credit insurer operating in Ireland, has revealed that nine in ten (92%) Irish building materials firms are concerned about late payments affecting their business this winter.

Despite external global shocks adding to seasonal pressures, firms remain confident about winter trading. The research indicates anticipated increases in both profit (+42%) and revenue (+41%) compared with their busiest trading period. Yet that optimism is tempered by concerns over delayed payments, in spite of stronger sales and profits firms are still left exposed if cash is tied up in unpaid invoices.

That confidence is further challenged by higher fuel and energy costs (32%), supply chain disruption (31%) and delayed customer payments (25%), which firms named among the biggest risks to their bottom line towards the end of the calendar year.

Over the next 12 months, businesses are also concerned about the impact of global geopolitical tensions. Three quarters (75%) identified geopolitical conflict as a concern for their business, while cyber-attacks (81%) and US tariffs (85%) caused even greater concern.

Historically, more than one in three (36%) businesses say they experience cashflow challenges during the winter, while two in five (40%) experience supply chain delays.

Some firms have proactively taken measures to prepare for the looming winter period, including increasing stock levels and updating their business continuity plans. However, only one in five (22%) have built up cash reserves and one in three (33%) have reviewed their cashflow forecasts.

When it comes to managing customer payment risk, only 27% of firms regularly monitor payment behaviour. Only a quarter of businesses (24%) proactively assess customer creditworthiness before trading, while a similar proportion (25%) respond reactively to issues when they arise. Only one in ten (10%) have formal trade credit insurance protection in place.

Cost pressures remain elevated with wholesale prices for construction products 3.1% higher year-on-year in June, and wholesale electricity prices were 42.2% higher. For building materials suppliers, this combination of strong demand, uneven activity and rising costs presents complex challenges.

Sheena Bohan, Head of Commercial at Atradius Ireland, said: "Strong sales do not automatically mean strong cashflow. A business can be growing on paper while becoming more exposed if customers are taking longer to pay.

"That is the warning in this report. The majority of firms are worried about late payments this winter, yet relatively few are actively monitoring customer payment behaviour, reviewing credit risk or building cash reserves.

"With energy costs, supply chain disruption and wider geopolitical uncertainty adding pressure, businesses cannot afford to treat cashflow as a winter-only issue.

"Firms need to know who they are trading with, spot payment problems early and stress-test how long they can operate if cash comes in later than expected. In a volatile market, protecting cashflow is just as important as winning new business."

Andrew Brownlee, Chief Executive Officer at the Construction Industry Federation (CIF), said: "While the sector always anticipates a degree of disruption over the winter months, the research from Atradius highlights the potential impact that the events of 2026 could have on firms' trading.

"Cost pressures are already being felt across the industry. CIF's Q1 2026 Construction Outlook Survey found that 79% of construction firms reported a year-on-year increase in the cost of raw materials in Q4 2025, while 54% reported an increase in project pricing.[4]

"More than ever, it's crucial for firms to consider risks beyond weather-related challenges this winter and put measures in place accordingly."