Features

Inheritance tax worries – it’s not just the farmers

20 November, 2024

As wealthy land-owners protest against the government’s proposals to change inheritance tax, the merchant industry should be right alongside them, says Chris Hayward, CEO of the NMBS.

From foundations to skyscrapers: exploring apprenticeships in the construction sector

A growing number of construction companies are turning to apprenticeships to fill skills gaps and prepare the industry for a more sustainable future.

Stress Awareness Week: Employers have to fulfil legal duty

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is calling on employers to carry out their legal duty to prevent work-related stress and support good mental health at work.

Employers face stricter penalties for workplace harassment under new law

The Worker Protection (Amendment of Equality Act 2010) Act came into in effect on 26 October 26, mandating significant adjustments for UK firms in the prevention of workplace harassment. Given the industry’s unique challenges, Daniel McAfee, Head of Legal Operations at Lawhive, shares expert guidance tailored specifically for construction employers.

NMBS continues apprenticeship recruitment drive

NMBS has helped recruit over 150 apprentices across the independent merchant sector.

The BMA’s new President sets out an ambitious agenda

Craig Baker, the global Chief Innovation Officer at Kohler Company, takes over from Jason Parker, Managing Director at Thomas Dudley Ltd.

Civils & Lintels calls for greater government commitment to construction ahead of Budget

With the first Labour Budget in 14 years due to be delivered in just two weeks, Allan Wright, MD at Civils & Lintels, is calling on the Chancellor to announce tangible moves to bolster the construction and housebuilding sectors.

What do you include in your dream garden in 2025?

Trex has carried out research to discover what UK homeowners would include in their 'dream garden' and has compared this to what can be found in the 'average' UK garden.

Bearing the emotional weight

Sarah Bolton, CEO of the Lighthouse Charity, explains why its work to improve the wellbeing of the construction community is 24/7.

Arctic Hayes urges merchants to stock up on pipe freeze kits

As the heating season approaches, Arctic Hayes is urging builders’ merchants across the UK to ensure they are well-stocked with pipe freeze kits.

EPDs: Informed for better product choices

An Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) is an essential tool helping to better inform specification decision-makers when it comes to key product selections, explains Stuart Nicholson, Director of Roof Systems at Marley.

Software's role in the modern construction workforce

Software plays a vital role in 21st Century construction, helping modernise the industry, improve efficiencies, and deliver better project results.

Surfing the rising tide of diversity and inclusion

Chris Hayward, Chief Executive of NMBS, looks at how different approaches to diversity and inclusion in the builders merchants’ sector are starting to gain momentum, and the impact this could have on business.

Why lead is a better material for construction

Kyle Hazeldine, Sales and Marketing Manager at Midland Lead, explains why the construction industry should consider abandoning plastic alternatives and return to a wider use of lead as a building material.

Adapting and innovating to help the merchant sell

Craig Laing, Commercial Manager, at Ultratape, highlights some of the strategies it uses to increase brand awareness with both merchants and end user.

Critical mistakes for landscapers & gardeners to avoid during peak summer season

Kyle Eaton, of money.co.uk business bank, also offers some tips on how to avoid making such revenue risking errors.

Overseas workers are key to meet new housebuilding target

While he welcomes the government's plans to build 1.5 million homes over the next five years, Haman Manak, Procurement Director at Stanmore, warns that this housebuilding drive will fail without enough overseas talent in construction to get the job done.

The safety imperative – the role of businesses in injury prevention

David Williams, SVP Transactional Business at Schneider Electric UK and Ireland, explains how businesses can be empowered to create robust safety strategies and embrace a workplace safety culture with technology.

Five tips for future-proofing your company

To help construction companies future-proof their business and become more resilient to modern-day challenges, electric forklift specialists iLift are highlights five key strategies to help them ride out construction’s turbulent economic storm.

Construction firms confidence rises with new investments

More builders and SME construction firms applied for finance to support growth and development in the second quarter of 2024 than at any other time in the past 18 months.

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