Features

Eight months in, Labour has offered little but rhetoric

13 March, 2025

Ahead of the Chancellor’s upcoming Spring Statement, Dr David Crosthwaite, Chief Economist at the Building Cost Information Service, hopes to see the government take decisive action by approving key infrastructure projects, otherwise the construction sector risks further stagnation, with firms reluctant to invest in training and apprenticeships due to uncertainty over long-term viability.

Surveys show young people and parents have positive perception of construction but reservations remain

Surveys of 16-24-year-olds and parents, conducted by the Chartered Institute of Building, explore perceptions of the industry as well as what influences careers choices.

Closer collaboration to mitigate tough conditions

Russell Roof Tiles is calling for closer collaboration between merchants and manufacturers.

Solid foundations: getting to the heart of productivity

Steve Goodburn, a Director at mdj2, observes that those who maintain a customer-centric approach to productivity effectively walk their trade customers to the till, ensuring that every step of their experience aligns with their needs and expectations.

Shining a light on women in construction

Ahead of Women in Construction week (3-7 March), Joanna Mulcahy, Commercial Director of Murphy's, and Lighthouse Charity Trustee, shares her aspirations for the industry.

EPDs: the key tool in your sustainable arsenal

Marley breaks down the different types of EPDs and how they can be used to offer greater environmental reassurance for building projects.

Why you should enter the Builders’ Merchants Awards

Winning an award at the longest running, all-industry awards ceremony is a prestigious achievement. It is a mark of excellence, endorsed by a judging panel of peers from across the sector.

Roofing: Weathering the storm of climate change

With recent changing and dynamic weather conditions, Russell Roof Tiles is urging the sector to consider climate more than ever before, and the impact it may have on roofing specification.

Integrity at the heart of our success

The biggest and best industry awards return at the end of the year, with a core theme that shows an overriding commitment to honesty, ethics and doing the right thing.

How your business could benefit from the new Procurement Act

Rob Rees, Divisional Director of insurer Markel Direct, explains what the new Act means for SMEs and shares advice on how to increase chances of success when bidding for government contracts.

Fernco calls for national flood defence strategy

Following this week's announcement by the government of £2.65 billion investment in UK flood defences, Lee Pashley, Fernco Managing Director, calls for it to "invest in the now as well as the future".

MMC and more builders are needed to achieve government aims, says Actis

Increasing the percentage of offsite-constructed homes and encouraging more young people to embrace a career in construction will be key components in enabling the government to implement its planning reform aims, says insulation specialist Actis.

How do you stop squeaky floors?

Travis Perkins explains how to implement solutions to restore peace in your home.

Winter working at height dos and don'ts

Mark Robson, Product Manager at Werner, offers tips to stay safe while working at height this winter for merchants to share with their customers.

Informed decisions provide better outcomes

Construction software specialist, RedSky IT, offers some insights to transform construction supply chain management in 2025.

Protect your forklift fleet and personnel whatever the weather

From choosing suitable tyres for the conditions to ensuring forklifts and the people working around them are highly visible, easily actionable and practical measures can enhance staff welfare and maintain lift truck efficiency during the winter months, say Toyota Material Handling

Expert insight: facilities management 2025 trends and predictions

Jason Instrell, Industry Lead at SFG20, shares his insights regarding how the facilities management industry will continue to evolve in 2025 and the changes he believes will be particularly impactful for those working in the industry.

Fixing the future

BMN talks to James Robinson, Sales and Marketing Director of Samac Fixings, about trends and innovations shaping the screws professionals rely on.

Driving growth, innovation and member success in 2024

IBC Buying Group outlines the new features and benefits the group has introduced for its members in 2024, as well as new appointments for the team and its first member research project.

Shining a light into the darkest corners

Chris Hayward, CEO at NMBS, explains the role merchants and suppliers can have in reducing modern slavery and how NMBS can help.

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