# Ibstock cuts production by a fifth after sales slump deepens

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/uks-largest-brickmaker-hit-by-sales-slump-as-housebuilding-downturn-deepens/
- Published: 2026-11-02T11:30:50+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-02T11:47:51+00:00
- Original publisher: The Guardian (publisher lean: Left)
- Original article: https://www.theguardian.com/business/2026/nov/02/uk-largest-brickmaker-sales-slump-housebuilding-downturn-deepens-ibstock
- Topics: Business, Government, Markets, Politics

## Key points

- Ibstock sales fell 22% below expectations in the third quarter.
- Production was cut by a fifth as housing demand weakened.
- The company expects profits in the mid-£40m range.

## Summary

Ibstock, the UK’s largest brickmaker, said sales fell sharply as the housing downturn deepened, prompting it to cut production by a fifth and issue its second profit warning this year. The company blamed weak demand and criticised the government for delaying a first-time buyer support scheme, adding pressure to an industry already facing doubts about housebuilding targets.

Sales in the quarter to the end of September were 22% below Ibstock’s expectations, while UK brick market volumes fell 17% year on year in July and August. The company expects full-year profits in the mid-£40m range, compared with analysts’ previous forecast of £59m, and its shares fell by more than 8%. A government scheme offering eligible first-time buyers in England a 2.5% deposit for a new-build home is due to begin in April 2027; the housing secretary has said there is only a slim chance of meeting the target of 1.5 million new homes this parliament.

---
Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.