One in four UK construction suppliers lagging in digital commerce

One in four construction supply businesses in the United Kingdom are not adequately equipped to meet the demands of today's online-first customer base, according to new research.

The study, highlighted in the report "Building the Future: The Evolution of Construction eCommerce" by eCommerce agency PushON, reveals that over a quarter of construction suppliers and builders' merchants are struggling to keep pace with digital change.

The research found that one in five businesses, or 21%, admit they are "falling behind" in the adoption of modern eCommerce practices. An additional 5% of surveyed firms have not yet begun the transition to current digital commerce standards, indicating a risk of being left behind as the industry evolves.

The report outlines that, while some progress is being made, substantial barriers remain within the sector as companies adapt to digital transformation. Approximately 12% stated they are unprepared for mobile-first commerce, signalling gaps in their readiness to serve customers who expect seamless online and mobile experiences.

Nearly a fifth of respondents, or 19%, reported problems with inflexible eCommerce systems that are unable to adapt to shifting customer demands. Six per cent of businesses described their current platforms as "not flexible at all", highlighting frustration with existing technology capabilities.

In terms of satisfaction with current digital tools, the survey indicated that more than one in ten respondents, or 14%, are unhappy with their eCommerce platforms. They cited challenges relating to both the functionality of these systems and the level of support provided.

Strategic alignment also remains a significant concern, with 56% of surveyed businesses admitting they struggle to align their eCommerce strategies with wider business goals. This suggests that many organisations still treat online initiatives as an add-on rather than an integral component of their growth and operational strategies.

Sam Rutley, Managing Director of PushON, commented on the sector's current predicament, stating: "Construction suppliers risk losing relevance if they continue to delay digital transformation. Many in the industry still see eCommerce as a bolt-on or a threat to the way they've always worked. But the reality is that it's now expected by customers. If construction suppliers want to stay competitive, they need to act decisively and embrace platforms and processes that are flexible, mobile-optimised, and aligned with modern customer expectations.

"The recognition is there, but execution is lagging. This is a sector with huge potential to benefit from digital innovation, but it needs strong leadership and a willingness to challenge old assumptions."

The report calls for construction suppliers to adopt a more strategic approach, beginning with leadership education and a focus on aligning eCommerce with wider business objectives. Systems integration is also advised to help remove operational bottlenecks and improve overall efficiency.

An incremental approach is recommended by the report, suggesting a "start small, scale fast" strategy. By piloting projects and demonstrating value, companies may be better positioned to secure internal support for larger digital transformation initiatives.

The findings are based on a nationwide survey of senior decision-makers within the UK construction supply chain, offering a detailed view of how digital readiness varies across the sector.