News

Duftons Plumbing & Heating Supplies opens two new branches

24 February, 2025

Duftons Plumbing & Heating Supplies has opened two new branches in the North East of England.

Blanchford Building Supplies closes abruptly after 87 years

Oxfordshire-based Blanchford Building Supplies closed down last week without warning after 87 years in business.

NMBS steps forward to support stricken Troy community

NMBS has stepped forward to offer immediate support to both independent merchants and suppliers affected by Troy going into administration.

Huws Gray donates tools to students

Huws Gray has donated kits of additional tools to 35 apprentices who are training with Mears Group, a provider of housing maintenance services.

NBP opens "super depot" in Hemel Hempstead

Northern Building Plastics (NBP) has opened its fifth "super depot", serving the south of England.

NMBS shows support to National Apprenticeship Week

NMBS stresses that apprenticeships are not just for the youngsters but a key to career progression for experienced workers too.

Long Rake Spar stalwart awarded Freedom of the City of London

Shane McCormick, National Sales Manager, is recognised for his dedication to the builders’ merchant industry.

Selco makes 500 apprentices pledge

The merchant is supporting the Builders Merchants Federation’s challenge for the industry as a whole to deliver 15,000 apprentices by 2030.

IKO partners with Simian to support the next generation of roofing professionals

In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, IKO has announced a new partnership with Simian, a training and consultancy provider in the construction industry.

TG Lynes boosts family leave staff entitlement

TG Lynes has increased its support for staff by improving its family leave policies.

Study reveals two-year decline in construction apprenticeships

Protrade’s 2025 State of Construction Report has revealed a 1.4% decline in new construction apprentices over the last year; this follows a 5% drop from the year before.

BMF exceeds apprenticeship target following Highbourne Group pledges

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has exceeded its Apprenticeship Pledge target with the commitment of two plumbing brands to create 1,200 new training opportunities.

Harlow Timber Group announces move to new location in Nottingham

Harlow Timber Group has announced it is relocating its Nottingham site to a new "Timber Centre" on the Teal Park Industrial Estate.

Builders’ merchant insolvencies spike in January 2025

The latest data analysis by Insight Data shows a dramatic spike in builders’ merchant insolvencies for January 2025 – an increase of more than 170%.

Breedon launches 2025 apprenticeship programme

Breedon Group has launched its 2025 apprenticeship programme, to provide career pathways into the industry for the next generation of skilled workers and leaders.

Troy UK placed into receivership

The supplier is currently considering the options available.

CITB supports nearly 9,000 construction firms with apprenticeship grants

This National Apprenticeship Week (10 – 16 February 2025), the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) reveals it has supported over 24,000 learners and nearly 9,000 employers with apprenticeship grants between April to December 2024.

BMF takes its message to Parliament

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) raised its concerns about the impact of impending changes to Inheritance Tax and National Insurance contributions at its annual Parliamentary Reception.

Timber import deficit falls to just 0.2%, latest figures show

Volumes of the main timber and panel products imports in the 11 months to November 2024 were very similar to 2023 volumes, down by just 0.2% (around 20,000m3) as we approached the end of the year.

PJH launches fundraising campaign for Macmillan

PJH has set itself a new fundraising target of £15,000 in its continued partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support.

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