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Hurst Transport Services and AssetGo make digital onboarding easy for TFS Express

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TFS Express Logistics has successfully digitalised its fleet compliance processes using Hurst Transport Services and AssetGo, with the onboarding described as straightforward and virtually disruption-free.

Using AssetGo’s fleet management platform, TFS Express says it has transformed how it handles compliance, vehicle defects, and document control — saving time, improving accuracy and boosting peace of mind.

AssetGo is a leading provider of fleet and driver compliance management software, helping transport operators streamline inspections, maintenance and asset control, along with daily walkaround checks, defect reporting, licence checking, and tachograph analysis.

Hurst Transport Service, meanwhile, is a compliance and fleet management consultancy offering auditing, driver training, tachograph analysis, and defect software. As a FORS practitioner HTS supports operators through compliance and accreditation schemes and acts as a white-label channel partner for AssetGo.

“We’d built our own manual spreadsheet system and relied on phone calls and emails to report defects,” explains Jim Jackson, Director at TFS Express Logistics. “It worked, but it was far from reliable. We were constantly checking expiry dates and worrying something might get missed.”

With branches in Norwich and Liverpool, TFS Express operates a nationwide same-day delivery service covering everything from small vans to 18-tonne vehicles. With around 90% of work being ad hoc keeping compliance records up to date was a challenge.

“Manual entry was unavoidable,” says Jim. “We knew we wanted to digitalise but time was always the barrier. When we came across AssetGo through Hurst Transport Services it came at exactly the right moment.”

Switching from a manual system to a digital platform can seem daunting says AssetGo. However, Hurst and AssetGo manage the onboarding process to ensure it’s fast, simple, and causes minimal disruption.

As such, from assessment to implementation, the teams work closely with clients to identify challenges, ensure smooth integration, and provide hands-on support.

“Operators often worry about the disruption of moving to a new system,” says Mark Hurst, Director of Hurst Transport Services. “But with AssetGo we can make the transition smooth and easy. By understanding an operator’s existing processes, we ensure the software fits naturally into the way they already work.

“There are many systems out there which do similar things,” adds Mark, “but the difference with AssetGo is the personal support. Quite honestly, in this regard, the company stands out and the system sells itself!”

“It’s a no-brainer really,” says Jim. “The peace of mind knowing at-a-glance what defects we have is worth the cost on its own. The guys find it easy to report and I can check compliance remotely anytime. I’m now much more confident that we’re compliant across the board.”

“Furthermore,” adds Mark Hurst, “operators like TFS Express Logistics are proving that digitalisation isn’t just for big fleets. With AssetGo they’re saving time, improving accuracy and gaining control — without the hassle of manual compliance management.”

“Digitalisation takes most of the worry away. It empowers our drivers and helps the operational team manage the fleet effectively,” adds Jim Jackson.

AssetGo is also approved by the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) as a systems provider for drivers’ hours under the prestigious Earned Recognition (ER) scheme, giving operators confidence that their digital compliance processes meet the highest regulatory standards.

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European construction industry faces 5,500 productive hours lost per team each year

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‘Powering-up Productivity’ whitepaper highlights equipment investment as key driver for industry transformation

A new report from industry-leading manufacturer of power tools, Outdoor Power Equipment, accessories, hand tools, PPE and storage, MILWAUKEE®, reveals that construction businesses across Europe are losing the equivalent of three full-time employees each year for every 50-person team due to inefficiencies. 

The vast majority of workers (85%) report daily time lost to equipment faults, while over a third say poorly equipped teams are their single biggest barrier to productivity. Almost all (92%) want access to higher-quality tools to do their jobs more effectively.

The ‘Powering-up Productivity’ whitepaper, based on extensive research across multiple European markets, uncovers the scale of productivity challenges in construction and sets out actionable strategies for improvement. It highlights how poor-quality tools, skills shortages and inadequate service support undermine site performance, while also showing how targeted equipment investment can unlock both immediate efficiency gains and long-term industry resilience.

The hidden cost of lost hours

The whitepaper highlights that a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) with 50 workers losing just 30 minutes per person each day is effectively surrendering 5,500 hours annually – equal to the output of three full-time employees.

While construction productivity in Europe increased by 10% between 2021-2023, the research indicates that significantly greater gains are achievable if businesses invest in the right equipment, support for their workforce, and improved service infrastructure:

  • 37% of construction workers cite poorly equipped teams as a major productivity barrier
  • Almost 9 out of 10 (85%) report time lost due to equipment faults, cut-outs and breakages
  • 92% of EU construction workers want access to higher-quality tools
  • 3 out of 10 (30%) cite skills deficits as a barrier to productivity, with 37% highlighting lack of materials

The findings underline how productivity shortfalls are driven by both inadequate equipment and wider systemic challenges, such as the skills crisis and tightening project margins.

When 85% of workers report losing time daily to equipment failures, and nearly four in ten construction professionals cite poorly equipped teams as their biggest productivity barrier, this is a systemic challenge. The data makes it clear: with 92% of EU construction workers calling for higher quality tools, it’s important to invest in reliable, task-specific equipment and proper workforce support to aid productivity.

The productivity cost

The findings come at a critical time for the European construction sector, which faces mounting pressures from post-Brexit labour shortages, an escalating skills crisis, and tightening project margins.

As the EU aims for significant productivity improvements to meet infrastructure demands, this research offers valuable insights into how strategic investments in equipment can tackle both immediate operational issues and long-term sustainability in the industry.  

There is a substantial impact of lost productivity, demonstrating that an SME with 50 workers losing just 30 minutes per day would lose 5,500 hours annually – the equivalent of three full-time employees. A 20% productivity increase, the research suggests, could reduce and alleviate the current projected requirement to recruit 2.5 million additional workers in the EU by 2027.

Fixing the situation

The report identifies practical steps for closing the productivity gap on site, including:

  1. Smarter tool selection and usage guidance
  2. Investment in task-specific tools for efficiency and precision
  3. Ergonomic equipment to reduce injuries and downtime
  4. Robust repair and maintenance support to minimise delays
  5. Digital solutions for tool tracking and inventory management
  6. Ensuring appropriate PPE for safety and compliance
  7. Partnering with trusted brands for quality and reliability

Working hand in hand

The research also reinforces the link between productivity and safety, aligning directly with MILWAUKEE®’s Project Zero initiative, which targets the elimination of workplace accidents through comprehensive safety solutions spanning dust management, vibration control, ergonomics, personal safety, safety technology, visibility and emissions reduction.

The research validates MILWAUKEE®’s long-held belief: that productivity and safety are inseparable. By reducing the 5,500 lost hours per 50-person team through better equipment choices, construction can be made faster, safer, more sustainable and more profitable.

Click here, to download the Powering up Productivity whitepaper.

To find out about Milwaukee’s award-winning range of tools, equipment and PPE, including the groundbreaking MX Fuel and OPE ranges, click here.

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Construction team take part in suicide research to help others across industry

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A TEAM of construction workers are taking part in suicide research to help others in the industry across the UK.

With construction among the industries with one of the highest suicide rates, staff from Evolution, based in Blackpool, are supporting research by a Lancaster University postgraduate student into how to prevent suicides in the UK construction industry.

JJ Fitzgerald, Managing Director of Evolution, who is supporting and encouraging any member of his team who wants to take part in the research, said: “The construction industry knows only too well, and all too often, the effect suicide has right across the community.

“We want to show our support and create an environment and a society where people feel safe to talk and seek help.

“By taking part in this research, we’re helping to shine a light on an issue that is too often kept in the dark, and we’re contributing to real, lasting change.

“We’re aiming to send a message that Evolution stands united in support of our colleagues, families and friends across the construction industry, in all workplaces, and throughout the wider community.”

Phoebe Savill, a trainee clinical psychologist and postgraduate researcher at Lancaster University, is researching experiences of suicidal thoughts in the UK construction industry.

By backing Phoebe’s research Evolution is hoping other construction businesses across the UK will follow suit.

Phoebe is looking to those who have had suicidal thoughts 12 months or more ago, who were working in the construction industry at the time, to give up an hour of their time to talk with her as part of her research.

She is researching those who did not go on to attempt to take their own life, so she can understand what support has been helpful at reducing the number of suicides. Similar research in Australia has resulted in a reduction in suicides in the construction industry.

Phoebe said: “I hope this research will add to understanding why these rates in the UK construction industry are so high and what support and changes within the industry could be helpful.”

Recent research from the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), titled Understanding Mental Health in the Built Environment 2025, found that 28 per cent of respondents had experienced suicidal thoughts in the past year.

Last month Evolution supported a Fylde Coast Responsible Business Network event to launch this year’s Baton of Hope UK tour – a suicide awareness and prevention initiative founded by two bereaved dads. Evolution staff also took part in the tour in front of Blackpool Tower. The Baton of Hope will reach its London finish line on Friday (October 10), which is World Mental Health Day.

Evolution workers also took part in a charity fundraising stunt in the Irish Sea to raise awareness of suicide.

The Big Puddle Jump was organised by Empowerment Charity ahead of the launch of the UK Baton of Hope tour in Blackpool on September 1.

Samantha Southern, Solace Suicide Prevention & Bereavement Manager at Blackpool-based Empowerment Charity, said: “Each life lost to suicide sends ripples through families, friends and communities—affecting an average of 135 people. Through the Big Puddle Jump, we aimed to create waves of hope, solidarity and change.”

Anyone in the construction industry who wants to find out more about taking part in Phoebe’s research is asked to contact her at p.savill@lancaster.ac.uk

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MCHALE METSO OPERATIONS IN IRELAND & UK NOW ‘IN-STEP’

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With their appointment as Metso distributors in Ireland, Northern Ireland, and UK markets now fully operational – with headquarters in Tamworth and Edinburgh added to their Irish depots at Birdhill and Rathcoole – McHale Plant Sales has been expanding its footprint in all regions.

In Ireland, recent high-profile placements have seen a Lokotrack LT120 model supplied to Donal McCabe of McCabe Contractors, and a LT200 supplied to Enda McCabe Mile River for operation with Roadstone in Arklow.

Other big-name sales include a unit supplied to Drennans for service with Roadstone in Duleek.  Fixed units recently delivered include a static HP350e cone unit to Kilsaran, and a Metso GP330 cone model to an aggregates producer in Churchill, Co. Donegal.  In Northern Ireland a LT200 unit was supplied to first-time Metso buyer, Keenans of Derry.

Big UK sales have seen a Lokotrack LT116 supplied to Kent-based Gallagher, an LT96 jaw unit to Welsh buyer, Mason Brothers, a LT1110 impact unit to Surrey-based buyer Chambers, and LT1213s to Bristol-based Kelston Sparkes.

Commenting, McHale Sales Director, Denis McGrath said: “from a standing start in the UK little more than two years ago, we are pleased that the work we have been doing on behalf of Metso in Ireland can now be viewed in-step with that of our well-staffed and fully-functioning UK outlets”.

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Naturepanel extends portfolio with the launch of newly created Wood Slat range

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Naturepanel, the multi award-winning interior wall panel brand from Grant Westfield, has extended its portfolio following the launch of its newly created Wood Slat collection.

Building on the success of its hugely popular Bleached Cuneo Oak, Brown Cuneo Oak and Warmia Walnut slat wall panels, Naturepanel has launched new decors – Grained Alpine White, Grained Angora Grey, Grained Stone Green and Beige Grey Lorenzo Oak into the Wood Slat range.

The new, seven-strong collection of long, narrow wooden planks has been carefully curated to enhance modern and minimal interiors while breathing new life into the ever-popular Japandi trend where natural materials and a neutral colour palette take centre stage.

Infinitely elegant, the four woodgrain Wood Slat décors exude natural warmth and rustic charm. Utilising the latest technology, each woodgrain panel is etched with a 6.4mm graphite grey shadow line, which provides the depth of traditional wood panelling without the maintenance, while the coloured panels feature a colour-matched shadow line.

An alternative to traditional wooden slat walls, Naturepanel is endlessly versatile and can be fitted vertically or horizontally. Panels are quick and easy to install thanks to Naturepanel’s unique Hydrolock tongue and groove system, which creates a smooth and seamless waterproof finish.

Perfect for feature walls, Naturepanel can be used within all rooms of the home, including kitchens, dining and living rooms, as well as bathrooms and shower rooms.

All panels within the Wood Slat collection are available in standard 598mm x 2400mm formats as well as the new, larger 598 x 2700mm size, and come with Naturepanel’s 30-year warranty.

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Chadwicks Group Partners with Elephant in the Room to Shine a Light on Mental Health 

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Pictured are Dave Southern of Elephant in the Room, Patrick Atkinson, CEO of Chadwicks Group, Marguerite Penrose, EAP Specialist at Vhi and Michael Dullard, Corporate Account Manager at Vhi, celebrating Chadwicks Groups’ partnership with global mental health initiative Elephant in the Room to mark World Mental Health Day this Friday, 10th October. Bespoke elephant sculptures will tour branches nationwide to shine a light on the unspoken challenges of mental health.

Unique Elephant Sculptures to Tour Chadwicks Branches Ahead of World Mental Health Day 

Chadwicks Group, Ireland’s leading builders’ merchant, has announced a partnership with global mental health initiative Elephant in the Room to mark World Mental Health Day this Friday, 10th October. Bespoke elephant sculptures will tour branches nationwide to shine a light on the unspoken challenges of mental health, confronting the “elephant in the room” and encouraging open dialogue among colleagues and tradespeople. 

Elephant sculptures spark conversation 

As part of the initiative, Chadwicks Group invited colleagues to enter an art competition and help design their very own elephant sculptures. Colleagues across the network got creative, designing unique elephant sculptures, symbolising the personal challenges that are often faced in silence. The winning designs that were created by Chadwicks Group colleagues reflect creativity, resilience, and empathy. 

Over the coming weeks, these two sculptures will tour Chadwicks Group branches including Chadwicks, Heiton Steel, The Panelling Centre, Morgans Timber, Sitetech, Proline, Telfords, Cork Builder Providers, Davies and HSS Hire Ireland, with each location proudly hosting an elephant for one week. The aim is to place mental health “in the open” and encourage conversation between Chadwicks Group colleagues, customers, and communities. 

A long-term commitment to wellbeing  

Chadwicks Group continues to embed mental health awareness into the business through an ongoing Mental Health First Aid programme delivered in partnership with Vhi. At least one colleague in every branch completes the training, while new hires receive wellbeing awareness sessions during induction. 

Through initiatives like “How’s the Head?” and this new partnership with Elephant in the Room, Chadwicks Group is making mental health support a cornerstone of workplace culture. 

Research highlights hidden struggles  

Research conducted by Chadwicks Group this year reveals that mental health remains an area of concern among tradespeople in Ireland. Almost a third (29%) say they prioritise their physical fitness over their mental health, while one in three (32%) who struggle with mental wellbeing admit they don’t talk to anyone about it*. 

These findings reflect a critical need to break stigma and make mental health a normal part of everyday conversation, both in the trades sector and beyond. 

Supporting Aware through fundraising 

Alongside the sculpture tour, colleagues across the Chadwicks Group branch network are organising bake sales to raise funds for Irish mental health charity, Aware. 

This initiative reinforces Chadwicks Group’s ongoing focus on wellbeing and complements its wider support programmes. 

Patrick Atkinson, CEO of Chadwicks Group, said: “At Chadwicks Group, our colleagues are ultimately at the heart of everything we do. Through initiatives like How’s the Head?, we’ve seen that the simplest of conversations can make a big difference. Yet we know many people still find it hard to open up about their mental health, and we want to change that. Our partnership with Elephant in the Room is another step in creating a culture where colleagues feel supported, seen, and encouraged to talk about how they’re really doing. No one should ever feel they have to face challenges alone.” 

Dave Southern of Elephant in the Room, added: 
“Elephant in the Room was created to encourage more open and honest conversations about mental health. Partnering with Chadwicks Group allows us to bring that message directly into Ireland’s trade sector. These elephants are more than sculptures, they’re symbols that say: it’s okay to talk, to seek support, and to share what you’re going through.” 

Brent Pope, former professional rugby player, long-standing mental health advocate, and Founder of Elephant in the Room concluded: “Mental health is often the elephant in the room. By placing these sculptures in Chadwicks Group locations across Ireland, we’re making sure that people don’t ignore it, but instead feel supported to speak out. I’m proud to see Chadwicks Group championing this message in such a meaningful way.” 

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Dame Prue Leith CBE to headline 2026 IoD NI Women’s Leadership Conference

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Great British Bake Off host confirmed for event to celebrate International Women’s Day.

Renowned restaurateur, food writer, entrepreneur and television presenter, Dame Prue Leith CBE, will headline the 2026 Women’s Leadership Conference in Belfast, the IoD announces today.

Best known for her role as a judge on Channel 4 hit, The Great British Bake Off, Prue has enjoyed a stellar career, spanning more than five decades, and will share her experiences with leadership and insights on how to build a successful brand at the annual event held by the IoD in NI to mark International Women’s Day.

The flagship event, which brings together leaders from across business, media and the political world, will take place in Belfast’s Crowne Plaza Hotel on Friday 6th March 2025.Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer will return as the principal sponsor of the event which will also be supported by NIE Networks, Cathedral Eye Clinic, Henry Brothers, KPMG, Translink, SONI and The Irish News.

Other speakers joining Prue Leith include local podcaster, content creator and women’s health advocate, Olivia McVeigh, Dr. Theresa Donaldson, Chair of Belfast Harbour and Emma Morris, Director of Operations at SONI.

Looking ahead to the annual event, Kirsty McManus, National Director at IoD NI, said:
“We are thrilled to welcome Prue Leith as our headline speaker for the 2026 Women’s Leadership Conference. The event is about showcasing inspiring journeys and providing a platform for women in leadership to connect. Prue is a dynamic and highly respected figure within the business and entertainment industry whose experience resonates far beyond the world of food. I know our audience will be inspired by her story, and want to better understand how this popular television judge has herself been judged throughout her career.”

Gerarda Campbell, Senior Manager, Disputes (Digital Legal Delivery) at Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP, principal sponsor of the conference, said:
“Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is proud to be at the helm of this wonderful event one again and to support the IoD in NI to deliver its flagship conference.

The Women’s Leadership Conference continues to play a vital role in championing diversity and the importance of inclusion across Northern Ireland, and we look forward to hearing from Prue Leith and the other outstanding speakers as well as meeting this year’s cohort of delegates and associates.”

Further speakers for the 2026 conference will be confirmed in the lead up to the event with organisers promising another inspiring line-up of leaders from business, politics, media and beyond.

More information about the event, including details of registration and ticketing options is available at www.iod.com/events

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HirePro: All-In-One Hire Management Software Launches for the Modular Building Sector 

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A new software system designed specifically for the modular and portable building sector has officially launched. HirePro gives modular hire companies a central platform to manage their building fleets with full visibility across every stage of the process. 

The software provides real-time fleet tracking, contract and order management and integrated customer records that replace manual systems. By bringing information into one place, HirePro helps businesses monitor their stock, identify any off-hire units and stay on top of renewals. 

Some of its key functions include: 

  • A live map to track the location of every unit in a fleet of buildings. 
  • Automated off-hire notifications so you never miss out on revenue. 
  • Revenue forecasting tools based on current and historic data. 
  • Full visibility of finances and orders. 
  • A secure central hub to store contracts, photos, client details and documents. 

“When we speak with modular hire companies, we find that a lot of them encounter the same issues.” Said Paul Scott, Founder of HirePro. “Paperwork, manual spreadsheets, and the mental load that comes with organising them are always mentioned.” 

“We created HirePro to take away those headaches.” 

“Our system gives teams complete control of their hire division. They get a complete picture that they can use to make smarter, more profitable decisions about the future of their business.” 

The platform is already being adopted by multiple modular hire companies. 

Gareth Foster, Managing Director at Paragon Space, said: “HirePro has allowed us to grow our hire division. It helps collate all the information and brings everything together. I am very impressed with the system, and it will certainly help us develop and be more organised.”

Lisa Coyne, Managing Director at Excel Modular, added: “It’s made tracking performance and revenue for each cabin easy and even enjoyable. HirePro has quickly become an essential tool for our hire department.”

HirePro is available for purchase now at £129+VAT per month. Businesses that sign up before the end of 2025 will receive an introductory 30-day free trial. 

For further details or to arrange a demo, visit hire-pro.co.uk. 

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NEW DATA REVEALS UK VAN MODELS WITH THE HIGHEST AVERAGE REPAIR COSTS

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  • New research reveals which vans cost drivers the most to fix, analysing average repair bills for engines, suspension, brakes and other key systems, while also ranking each model’s reliability. 
  • Nissan NV200 and Fiat Doblo Cargo rank as the most cost-efficient, combining low average repair costs with high reliability scores. 
  • At the other end of the scale, the Ford Tourneo Custom and Volkswagen Caravelle face steeper repair bills and poorer reliability ratings.

Van ownership isn’t just about the upfront price tag; it’s also about the long-term costs of keeping your vehicle on the road. Costly engine failures or gearbox repairs running into the thousands can turn owning a van into a financial headache.

Planning ahead pays off, whether by setting aside a repair savings pot or choosing a van with proven reliability. To help drivers make informed choices, the temporary van insurance experts at Tempcover have launched a new Van Repair Index, highlighting the UK’s most and least expensive vans to fix.

The study examined over 27 popular UK van models, from panel to passenger vans, combining independent data on reliability, average repair bills, and claim rates for major components like engines and gearboxes to show how repair costs vary across different makes and models.

Compact Vans Top the Ranking

The Nissan NV200 takes the top spot with an impressive Index Score of 89.9, thanks to its high reliability score of 9.1 and low average repair bill of £303.94. Compact, reliable, and affordable to fix when problems occur, it shows how smaller vans can help keep repair costs down.

Close behind is the Fiat Doblo Cargo, another compact commercial van, scoring 89.2 with the lowest average repair costs of £282.78. The Peugeot Partner follows with an index score of 63.7 and slightly higher average repair costs of £490.08, while the Mercedes Vito and Citroën Dispatch complete the top five.

Top 10 Best Performing Vans 

RankVan Make & ModelAvg Repair Cost (£)Reliability ScoreOverall Index
1Nissan NV200£303.949.189.9
2Fiat Doblo Cargo£282.788.989.2
3Peugeot Partner£490.087.863.7
4Mercedes Vito£436.787.161.8
5Citroën Dispatch£576.14860.5
6Vauxhall Combo£683.568.557.2
7Citroën Berlingo£569.717.354.4
8Peugeot Expert£561.597.254
9Volkswagen Caddy£557.197.153.1
10Volkswagen Caddy Maxi£468.075.346.2

Ford and Volkswagen Models Dominate the Worst-Performing List

The Ford Tourneo Custom and Volkswagen Caravelle rank among the most expensive vans to repair in the UK. The Tourneo tops the list with an average repair cost of £1,746.80, followed by the Caravelle at £1,408.59, with both vehicles also scoring the lowest reliability rating of 1.

Well known brands such as Volkswagen and Ford fared poorly overall, with both having 3 models each appearing in the bottom 10.

Top 10 Worst-Performing Vans

RankVan Make & ModelAvg Repair Cost (£)Reliability ScoreOverall Index
1Ford Tourneo Custom£1,746.8010.8
2Volkswagen Caravelle£1,408.5912.3
3Citroën Relay£1,262.0813.4
4Volkswagen Crafter£1,133.431.47.4
5Hyundai I800£970.991.19.2
6Ford Transit Custom£1,361.882.710.7
7Peugeot Boxer£1,092.822.110.9
8Volkswagen Transporter£1,411.033.312
9Renault Trafic£939.201.812.2
10Ford Transit£1,069.873.616.2

*The tables provide a full breakdown of the top 10 best and worst-performing vans based on their overall Index, a combined measure of reliability and repair cost-effectiveness. A higher index score indicates a more reliable and cost-effective vehicle.

Engine and gearbox problems drive the highest repair costs. For example, the Ford Transit Connect has the highest average engine repair bill at £3,614.93, alongside gearbox repairs averaging £1,066.06.

Compact Vans Lead the Way for Low Repair Costs

The study also revealed trends by van size. Compact models, such as the Nissan NV200 and Fiat Doblo Cargo, consistently rank among the best performers, offering low average repair costs alongside strong reliability. While some larger vans, like the Mercedes Vito and Citroën Dispatch, scored reasonably well, the data suggests that, in general, smaller vans are cheaper to keep on the road. 

Claire Wills-Mckissick, an expert in temporary van insurance at Tempcover, adds:

“Van repairs can be both costly and disruptive, often leaving drivers without the vehicle they rely on for work. That’s where short-term insurance becomes a vital safety net.

“With Tempcover’s flexible short-term van cover, you can get back on the road quickly in a borrowed or replacement vehicle while yours is in the garage. Whether it’s keeping a business moving or ensuring you can still take on jobs, temporary insurance provides the flexibility to stay mobile without being tied to a long-term policy, minimising downtime and keeping your work on track.”

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59% Increase in First Time Buyers Summer 2025  

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Summer of 2025 saw a 59% increase in first-time buyers getting on the property ladder compared to the same period in 2024, according to a report by Compare My Move who surveyed users purchasing a house with a conveyancing solicitor.  

 Average Percentage of First-Time Buyers 
Year Entire Year Summer Months 
2024 66% 64% 
2025 68% 69% 

Out of more than 12,000 buyers who used a Compare My Move conveyancer during the summer of 2025, 69% were first-time buyers. This marks an increase from 64% in summer 2024, showing a clear rise in those purchasing their first home. In fact, first-time buyers now make up the majority of movers, outnumbering those who’ve bought before. 

This trend isn’t limited to the summer months either, across the whole of 2025, 68% of buyers were first-time purchasers, up from 66% in 2024. However, the shift has been most pronounced during the summer, when first-time buyer activity reached its peak. 

Dave Sayce co-founder and managing director of Compare My Move, comments on why this increase has happened and why 2025 might be a better year to be a first-time buyer.  

“The summer of 2025 has been far more politically stable than the same period in 2024, when the General Election caused many potential buyers to delay moving or taking out mortgages due to uncertainty about the economy and housing market. 

Since then, there’s been a strong push to make homeownership more affordable for first-time buyers, supported by a significant drop in the mortgage base rate from last year’s highs. 

The government has also introduced mortgage guarantee schemes, allowing buyers to secure mortgages with smaller deposits, and committed to building more new homes. These factors, combined with lower borrowing costs, have made it easier for first-time buyers to get onto the property ladder. Looking ahead, it’s likely that next summer will see even more first-time buyers entering the market. Especially with new reforms that the government are proposing, we are going to see a first-time buyer boom.” 

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