Brick and concrete block giant Forterra is planning its latest cost increases including passing on Employers’ National Insurance increases announced in the recent Budget.

The firm has written to customers outlining its plans and will now gauge if the market will wear the increases.

In its latest trading statement Forterra said: “We anticipate modest levels of cost inflation heading into 2025, with the recently announced increase in Employers’ National Insurance contributions adding to this.

“We have secured around 80% of our energy requirements for 2025 and also have good levels of coverage for 2026 and 2027. 

“In response to these expected increases in our cost base we have announced selling price increases for 2025 and we are currently in discussions with our customers.

“Our ability to deliver these increases will be influenced by both market conditions and the pricing strategies adopted by our competitors.”

Forterra said trading had remained “challenging” during the latest quarter with sales 5% below last year but expectations for full year profits were still on track to hit £50m.