4th Quarter 1999 - Materials Supply 29 firms, a little under 11% of the total number of respondents, report delays of more than two weeks in the supply of materials. Adjusting for the slightly higher response rate this time, this is almost the same result as was obtained for the third quarter. Only four of the firms say they are experiencing delays in excess of two months. Although the overall result is very similar between the two surveys, the regional distribution is different. Last time there was something of a concentration of concern over materials supply in the South West, but this appears to have eased. This judgement is based on not only the numerical results of the survey, but also written-in comments from firms in that region. Of the 29 firms, 13 cited supplies of joinery products as the problem area. This is not only an increase on the third quarter figure, but the highest in any of the surveys carried out in 1999. On this occasion no other product has been mentioned by more than two respondents as being difficult to obtain with more than two weeks' delay. Only special bricks, sanitary ware, and architectural stone receive more than one mention. Apart from supplies of joinery, the main issue in respect of materials supply, which is the subject of a number of written-in comments, is the effect of recent mergers and acquisitions amongst builders merchants on the availability of trade credit. First posted: 25 January 2000. Last modified: 25 January 2000.