As we move through the early months of 2026, it has been encouraging to reflect on just how strong the year has started for Trail Group. Jon Crosby, MD of Trail Group shares his thoughts.
I am pleased to report that we have secured a number of new contracts and projects across our core markets, creating real momentum as we approach the end of the financial year in April.
Some of this work had been anticipated towards the latter part of 2025, so we now have a clear focus on delivery. The delayed start for a number of projects is always a challenge but a positive one and our teams across the board are responding extremely well.
Approaching Pre-construction with a Renewed Focus
A key contributor to our robust commercial performance has been the strengthening of our pre-construction capabilities over the past 12 months.
Under the leadership of Chris Monk, we have expanded this team to include a full-time estimator and a dedicated business development specialist.
Alongside this, we have taken a fresh look at how we approach tenders – aligning commercial rigour with clearer messaging around our capabilities.
Combined with continued investment in our marketing and brand development, this more focused approach is delivering tangible results, with strong interest from both new clients and long-standing customers who continue to trust us with repeat work.
A Broader, Integrated Service Offering
Trail Group has also grown stronger structurally. Over the past year we have added new divisions and services to our portfolio, including Planned Maintenance and security solutions, allowing us to support clients with a broader, more integrated service offering.
This ability to deliver multiple disciplines under one group structure is increasingly important for estates and property managers who are under pressure to maintain safe, compliant buildings whilst achieving best value and consistency from their supply chain partners.
A Positive Outlook for 2026
We are seeing sustained growth in turnover and staff numbers and the outlook for the remainder of 2026 remains very positive. However, it would be unrealistic not to acknowledge the wider challenges facing our sector.
Skills shortages remain a significant issue across construction, fire safety and electrical services, with a particular lack of specialist trades such as commercial electrical engineers and technically-qualified passive fire safety specialists. Addressing this through recruitment, working with industry bodies and our training and retention programmes remains a priority for us.
Despite a cautious start to the year across other aspects of the construction sector – influenced by political change last year, budget uncertainty and clients understandably waiting for greater clarity following recent regulatory developments – confidence is returning.
Local authorities and other public sector clients are moving forward with clearer direction, and we are seeing reserved budgets convert into live programmes of work.
An Increasingly Diverse Sector Mix
Social housing continues to be a core market for Trail Group, but our sector mix is becoming increasingly diverse. We are delivering more work within the hotel sector and undertaking specialist fire-stopping projects in heritage buildings.
The rebranding and restructuring of Trail’s Fire and Security Division has been particularly impactful, with its turnover doubling as a result.
Most importantly, we continue to invest heavily in our people. Bringing new senior talent into the business has further strengthened management and Governance and positioned us well for the next phase of our organic growth.
With strong client relationships, a broader service offer and a committed, skilled team, I am optimistic that we are entering the rest of 2026 with confidence and momentum.