The Master of the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants (WCoBM), Pippa Latham, attended the inaugural conference organised last week by the NMBS Finance Director, Julie Langford, to promote diversity and inclusion in our sector.

Elmhurst Energy has submitted its response to the Business Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) consultation on updating the 2015 Fuel Poverty Strategy for England.

Financial strength and flexibility were key to completing the purchase and lease back of Travis Perkins’ 600-plus fleet in just 96 hours.

Saint-Gobain Abrasives UK has relocated of its head office and distribution centre.

The HIP Apprentice of the Year competition kicks off in the new year and plumbing students are being asked to get their entries in now.

Building materials supplier CEMEX has partnered with BMD Transport to introduce trucks with non-tipping belt trailers on its clay supply route between Southam Quarry and Rugby Cement Plant. 

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has published its latest Key Performance Indicators Report, which provides a benchmark for trading performance in the UK independent builders merchants sector over the 12 months ending April 2019.

Branch staff and customers from MKM Builders Merchants recently joined forces to soak up a day’s training at Dunlop’s industry renowned Innovation and Technology Centre (ITC) in Stoke-on-Trent.

The workwear brand Dickies has launched a campaign celebrating the passion and skills of tradespeople who inspire others with their dedication and ingenuity.

A team of 11 members of Elliotts Builders Merchant's staff is getting ready to tackle a 640-mile cycle ride across France to raise money for Naomi’s House and Jacksplace.

Long-established local business, Thompson & Parkes, has launched its first retail shop serving the DIY market in Stourport.

MP for Bury St Edmunds, Jo Churchill, saw first-hand how the building materials industry can play a key role in delivering new homes for the area.

Builders Merchant JT Dove has neared the £60m milestone in revenue and is celebrating its 150th year in business.

RGB Building Supplies and Devon-based charity Amigos have received a very positive response to their appeal for donations of preloved tools. These will go on to help young Africans lift themselves and their families out of poverty.

A poll of tenanted households, conducted by YouGov on behalf of Safeguard Europe has revealed that renters living in the South are more likely to encounter damp and mould in their homes than those living in the North.

Stockgap has implemented a new recycling policy that means none of its waste goes to landfill.

A survey conducted for boiler manufacturer Worcester Bosch reveals the lack of regular maintenance and servicing by much of the UK's boilers.

The National Merchant Buying Society (NMBS) has announced the array of social activities that will be available to delegates at next year's All-Industry Conference in Sorrento, Italy.

For the first time, this year delegates will have access to a great networking tool that will help them to maximise their time at the BMF’s Annual Members’ Conference.

Martin Warnes, from Essex, has been crowned the 2019 UK Plumber of the Year.

On 31 August, the ten members of staff from Coomers took part in the Nuts Challenge: a 7km, 100+ obstacle course with lots of water, mud, and plenty of laughs.

Mark Cranston, 56, a former Police officer, started his collection in 2010 after looking for a doorstop for his garage door, according to STV.

Staff at the Queen Alexandra Dock branch of Travis Perkins in Cardiff received a letter from management last Friday announcing the coming closure, according to an anonymous member of staff.

NMBS is warning its members and suppliers to beware of fake emails claiming to be from the Buying Society, after an attempt was made to trick builders’ merchants into sending payments intended for NMBS into a fake account.

The Tudor Griffiths Group, in Ellesmere, has once again signed up to support the World Coracle Championships on the River Severn.

A merchant/supplier team of Chandlers and Cembrit staff members has won the 2019 Pavestone Rally.

Flame Heating Group founder John Savage has written to the leaders of the three main political parties urging them to scrap the 5% VAT rate on domestic energy as soon as the country departs from the European Union.

Aggregate Industries has opened its second ready mix concrete plant in Greater Manchester, in order to cater for rapidly growing demand in the area.

Plumb Inn, the plumbing, heating and bathroom specialists in Enfield, unveiled a new IPG flagship store last week in the presence of the Mayoress.

The builders’ merchant created arresting new signs and displays using SterlingOSB Zero its Charlton branch.

Pasquill, one of the largest suppliers of trussed rafters in the UK, is utilising digital design to better serve its customers.

SIG Roofing is embarking on modernising its branches across the UK, following major investment in its UK network, offering improved facilities and an increased offering.

Tobermore has announced it is extending its sponsorship of Ulster Rugby, with a new two year deal running until April 2021.

Young people attending the SPV Group’s brand new West Midlands training hub have given a donation from construction materials manufacturer TECHNONICOL a warm welcome.

A former World Boxing Champion is adding his weight to the reopening of a building supplies branch in Sheffield, following a £250,000 refurbishment and rebrand.

All of Elliotts' 13 branches now provide defibrillators for anyone who may need them.

The MDF and OSB wood panels manufacturer, MEDITE SMARTPLY, is touring its home market of Ireland this Autumn to demonstrated new products.

Infrastructure and Construction Minister Nadhim Zahawi MP will be giving a keynote speech at this year's UK Construction Week on 9th October at the NEC, Birmingham.

In addition to other green initiatives to lower its carbon footprint, Selco Builders Warehouse continues to invest in energy-saving LED lighting.

CMOStores.com has added a sixth portal to its family of online building material retail platforms, this one focusing on tiles and floors

On Sunday 1 September, members of Barnsley-based Naylor Drainage met with volunteers from Waves of Waste and the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust for a beach clean in Filey.

Quick Lane Europe, the fast-growing autocentre franchise, has an all-female team currently taking part in this year’s Pavestone Rally.

MKM Building Supplies has opened the doors to a new branch in Aberdeen, creating 20 jobs.

Europe’s leading shower designer and manufacturer, Roman, has further enhanced their manufacturing capabilities and capacity with a significant purchase of land and buildings.

As part of its drive to continually improve its customer service, Aliaxis has teamed up with BEC (Systems Integration) to create a bespoke software solution for the modernisation of its warehouse picking, order fulfilment and delivery logistics processes.

The work of the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) in supporting its members has again been recognised in the Association Excellence Awards.

North West builders’ merchants and supply chain solution Sovini Trade Supplies has joined The Cirrus Consortium Materials Framework.

Over 60 people faced the damp weather to take part in the 11th edition of Smith Brothers Stores' Annual Fishing Event on 14 June at Mallory Park Fisheries in Leicestershire.

Merchant Plumbase and manufacturer Polypipe have agreed a £10,000 sponsorship deal with IBO Super Featherweight World Champion, Terri Harper (picture centre).

James Burrell Builders Merchants has secured FSC & PEFC Chain of Custody Certification for its newest branch in Rotherham. This means that all 10 of the company's branches have now achieved the accreditation.