The last year hasn’t been easy for the construction industry. With budgets under pressure and decisions taking longer than usual, plenty of projects have slowed down, and some haven’t moved forward at all. But the picture is beginning to shift. 

As we edge closer towards 2026, confidence is gradually returning. A clearer picture of where new developments will happen – and what kinds of buildings will take priority – is beginning to emerge. And that picture looks quite interesting. 

According to the latest Glenigan Construction Industry Forecast, much of this growth will come from sectors that rely heavily on high-quality shading and privacy solutions. Investment in healthcare and education is expected to rise as approved projects move ahead, and the hospitality sector looks set to grow as travel and tourism remain strong. 

Meanwhile, commercial construction is shifting away from large-scale new builds towards refurbishments and upgrades. These are projects that place great emphasis on performance, comfort, and design detail – all relevant to the shading industry. 

For us here at Yewdale, these changes point to a real shift in where and how we work. As the focus of new projects shifts, so will the need for blinds that do more than just shade a room. They’ll need to support patient wellbeing in healthcare settings, create better learning spaces in schools, and contribute to the overall experience in hospitality. And they’ll need to do all this while meeting higher expectations for quality, durability, and sustainability. 

Here’s how we expect the year ahead to take shape, and what those changes could mean for our customers and partners across construction and interiors.

Public investment is fuelling growth

One of the clearest signals from Glenigan’s 2026 forecast is the return of large-scale public investment, and with it, significant opportunities for shading solutions in healthcare and education.

After a difficult year, the UK government is finally putting some serious money behind essential infrastructure. In education, project starts fell by around 18% in this year, but that trend is already reversing. £6.7 billion in capital funding has been committed for 2025–26, and 100 school rebuilding projects are expected to start shortly. This activity is on track to accelerate further throughout 2026 and 2027, as major schemes move from the initial planning stages into execution and delivery.

The healthcare sector tells a similar story. Project starts were down by 24% in the first four months of 2025. However, increased NHS capital spending – up to £13.6 billion for the 2025–26 period – will help tackle the RAAC crisis and longstanding repair backlogs. Combined with the government’s 10-year NHS plan – Fit for the Future – that funding is expected to unlock a new wave of hospital, primary care, and mental health facility projects that will help the NHS reach even more patients. 

For blinds suppliers and installers, this means the potential for steady, reliable work in sectors where high-quality shading is absolutely essential. Hospitals require solutions that support infection control, protect privacy, and manage light and heat in sensitive environments. Schools need blinds that create comfortable learning conditions, reduce glare, and meet strict safety requirements. Being ready to deliver on those needs will be key to winning new work in 2026. 

Commercial work is shifting towards refurbishment

While public sector investment is driving new developments in this area, the commercial picture is a little more complex. After a challenging year for the sector, with office project starts down by 16%, Glenigan forecasts a 14% rebound followed by steady growth in 2026 and 2027. 

Instead of large speculative new builds, the focus is moving more towards refurbishment and fit-out projects. This is being driven by two major trends. Firstly, the rise of hybrid working. This has changed how much office space businesses need as well as how that space is utilised. Secondly, environmental standards which require older buildings to be upgraded to meet modern performance benchmarks.

This shift has important implications for the blinds sector. Retrofit projects often have shorter lead times and tighter budgets, but they also place greater emphasis on functionality, sustainability and comfort. Shading solutions that reduce solar glare, improve thermal comfort, and support greater energy efficiency (and with it, reduced bills) will play a big role in how buildings are upgraded.

Many refurbishment projects happen while buildings are still in use. Clients will therefore be looking for suppliers who can work efficiently and keep disruption to a minimum, allowing day-to-day operations to continue. For Yewdale and our partners, that means collaborating closely with contractors and facilities teams to provide solutions that slot easily into retrofit schedules and support project goals. 

Hospitality is set for strong, sustained growth

Another area showing momentum for 2026 is hospitality. As travel bounces back, demand for hotels and leisure spaces is growing steadily, and that means plenty of work ahead for construction and interior specialists. VisitBritain forecasts a 5% rise in visitor numbers and a 7% increase in spending over the next year, which is expected to translate directly into more investment across the sector. 

Crucially, this isn’t just a short-term boost. Improved consumer confidence translating to ongoing tourism growth is prompting operators to plan ahead by refurbishing existing spaces, expanding capacity, and creating new types of guest environments designed around comfort, experience, and energy performance. For suppliers, that opens up new doors to valuable, long-term partnerships. 

For Yewdale and our customers, this is a space to watch closely. Hospitality projects often place a strong emphasis on quality, reliability, and aesthetic integration. With more developments set for 2026, there’s a real opportunity to play a role in shaping spaces for global visitors. 

Faster approvals mean quicker turnarounds

Another trend worth noting is the speed at which projects are getting off the ground. Thanks to advances in planning technology, including GIS-based modelling, approval times on major developments have fallen by up to 80%. That, combined with a large backlog of already approved projects, means many schemes will move into the construction phase faster than in previous years.

For suppliers, this makes preparation crucial. Having documentation, product data and compliance information ready before projects are tendered will make it easier to respond quickly and secure contracts. In a faster-moving market, responsive suppliers will have a clear competitive advantage.

What this means for the blinds sector

The Glenigan forecast shows a construction landscape that’s changing in ways that create real opportunities for the blinds industry. Public investment will deliver a wave of healthcare and education projects where performance, safety, and reliability are essential. Commercial activity will shift towards refurbishment, with blinds playing a bigger role in energy efficiency and user comfort. And hospitality is shaping up to be an interesting area of focus, with the potential for big projects. 

For Yewdale and our partners, the message is clear: now is the time to prepare. That means strengthening relationships in the right sectors, and aligning product offerings with new priorities. 

After what can only be described as a bit of a ‘stop-start’ year in construction, the outlook is bright. And with the right focus, the blinds industry is perfectly placed to make the most of it.