We tell you to steel yourselves for the latest price rises in metal doors and windows, and explains how the schools market is on the up and up
In common with all other steel products, the cost of steel doors and windows is being affected by the ongoing increases in the basic price of steel, caused by unprecedented world demand. These prices have risen by up to 10% since the beginning of the year and further rises are anticipated.

Construction spending on education buildings grew 77% between 2000 and 2003 and was worth £5.13bn last year, according to DTI figures, with 72% publicly funded. The government's Schools for the Future programme and other schools' capital programmes will drive capital spending on schools alone to £5bn by 2005-6. Many PFI-funded school construction projects are now bundled together to encourage economies of scale. Packages will typically comprise alterations, extensions and new build projects. The figures below relate to new-build schemes.