Aim of this survey

The Office for National Statistics (ONS) conducts the Quarterly Survey of Building Materials: Slate on behalf of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), who use the information for monitoring trends in the construction industries.

For the benefit of industry, and the public generally, building materials information is published by DBT in their Building materials and components: monthly statistics.

The survey is voluntary but your co-operation in completing the questionnaire would be appreciated.

What you need to know

To complete the survey, you will need the following information:

  • the production, deliveries, and closing stock of slate

All information you provide is strictly confidential.

Survey information

Selection criteria: UK trading businesses registered for Value Added Tax (VAT) and/or Pay as You Earn (PAYE)

Population: UK constructional and building material manufacturers

Sample: approximately 10

Frequency: quarterly

Dispatch dates

Quarter 1: 18 March

Quarter 2: 17 June

Quarter 3: 17 September

Quarter 4: 16 December

Return-by dates

Quarter 1: 8 April

Quarter 2: 8 July

Quarter 3: 7 October

Quarter 4: 7 January

Dispatch and return-by dates are a guide. They are subject to change due to national holidays and weekends.

Why you were selected

Your business has been selected from a directory of businesses in the UK, which are registered for VAT and/or PAYE or with Companies House. Your response ensures we represent your industry.

How to complete this survey

The Quarterly Survey of Building Materials: Slate has moved to our online Secure Data Collection platform.

We will write to you once we are ready for you to complete your survey online. Your letter will include a unique enrolment code and explain how to register and complete the survey.

Complete this survey online

If you need help

If your question is not answered above, you may be able to find the answer in the About ONS business surveys section.

You can call us on 0300 1234 931. Please quote the three-digit survey ID 071.

Er mwyn gwneud cais am ffurflen Gymraeg (to speak to someone in Welsh): 0300 1234 921.