Labour’s Ambitious Promise: Can the Supply Chain Manufacture 4.5 Million Steps a Year?

Pledging to deliver 1.5 million homes in the next five years of governance, as said before, is certainly audacious. Without firm confirmation the industry can meet these expectations, Labour continues to promise uncertain outcomes. With more than 15 years of experience operating as an essential ‘step’ in the housing supply chain, Think Timber Managing Director, Gav Brown comments on the who’s, how’s and why’s in relation to Labour’s ‘1.5 million homes’ plan, and whether this bold objective is realistic.

“Being deeply rooted in the housing supply chain, the success of Think Timber has been built around knowledge and intricate understanding of the industry. However, I’m certain in current industry conditions, the demand cannot be met.

“If we break it down, the proposal to build 300,000 new homes every year is a vast amount. In response, millions of stairs will need to be manufactured. Labour’s new homes promise certainly captures what the industry is all about: unsuccessful supply and demand. And while yes, the ambition is certainly plausible, attempting to solve the UK’s housing crisis, can the supply chain keep up?

“As a strategic partner to the timber staircase sector, the concern isn’t just about whether the development of new homes can be actualised, but whether or not supply and production can be scaled at such a high level in such a short timeframe. In 2024, the previous government fell short of the target by 50,000 homes, yet the industry was stretched to its thinnest due to recruitment challenges and skills shortages. To support a new homes project of this scale, certain support needs to be implemented, or it’s not even worth attempting or discussing viability. 

“The average new home hosts one staircase, or maybe two depending on the design. And with each staircase averaging 15 steps, this means we’re looking at the potential need for the manufacture of approximately 4.5 million steps every year.

“Timber is a key material in the production of staircases which requires responsible sourcing. However, with a surge in demand from the construction sector, across all housing not just staircase manufacturing, this could result in poorly sourced materials or even the use of endangered timber. As well as promising to build 1.5 million homes in the next five years, the government has also set out a plan to be net zero by 2050. As timber is the only 100% sustainable material in construction, this could feed into unsuccessful supply and demand. This surge in activity could lead to an unprecedented increase in costs, extended lead times, difficulty meeting required standards and a lack of built quality. 

“In every industry, innovation is a key driver of long-term success and growth. Innovation in materials, such as engineered timber, could be part of the solution. As it stands, the staircase manufacturing sector primarily creates components from raw materials, buying raw timber to produce staircase components. However, it’s now possible to create those same components from small timber fragments (engineered timber) that would otherwise be wasted. The innovative process of engineered timber allows the opportunity for a stronger end product by orienting the strength properties and reducing timber defects such as knots. By reducing waste and meeting specifications quicker, wide-spread adoption of this solution could offer the industry product stability, cost savings and a greener future.

“It feels like we keep circling this point, but sufficient skilled labour is paramount for success. A staircase is a high traffic area in many homes, and to ensure required standards can be met from design to safety, a consistent level of quality is needed. A huge uptick in housing development will emphasise the skills shortage, making it more challenging to scale up production without sacrificing quality and time taken to adhere to the set requirements. In each link of the supply chain and in every stage of production and construction, investment is critical to close the skilled labour gap and minimise the possibility of failure.

“The government’s goal to build 300,000 homes per year –  a number that’s not been achieved since the 1970s – will likely fall victim to unsuccessful supply and demand, which the industry has already struggled with for many years. The goal shouldn’t just be to build as many homes as possible. It should also prioritise quality of living, while ensuring national targets, such as achieving net zero by 2050, are met, rather than simply ticking a box for political satisfaction.

At Think Timber, we’re committed to supporting the supply chain to keep pace with these ambitions. We have been able to position ourselves as an innovative leader in the sector, upholding relationships with the best supply partners to open up access to the best materials and products.  If you need help with your timber supplies or expert guidance in navigating the challenges ahead, email us: sales@thinktimber.co.uk