After a hard-fought battle on social media, farmers have been declared Swarfega’s Toughest Trade for the third time, with farmer Andy Ransome emerging as the 2023 winner. The competition, launched in February, invited tradespeople from across the country to submit photos of their most challenging tasks for a chance to …

 New research into water leak insurance claims, which cost UK insurers £2.5 million a day, has revealed how the increased use of plastic push-fit pipework is one of the most common causes for claims. The research, published by the Copper Sustainability Partnership (CuSP) and the Alliance for Sustainable Building Products …

Stockgap has announced the launch of its striking new brand identity which will be rolled out this Spring in a comprehensive programme including a new logo, packaging, marketing and merchandising materials. The eye-catching new identity and branding has been designed to reflect the distributor’s continued commitment to merchant customers and …

The Residential Services division of Lampton Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of the London Borough of Hounslow, has awarded a £36 million contract to Travis Perkins Managed Services for the procurement of building maintenance materials and services. The contract, which will run for up to six years, subject to agreement, …

MKM has launched a training program for staff seeking to become mental health workplace responders for their colleagues. Part of the merchant’s wider work in tackling poor mental health in the construction sector, MKM is aiming to put more than 70 staff through the FAQ Level 2 Award in Mental …

Mannok and FLSmidth are celebrating the successful implementation of the FUELFLEX® Pyrolyzer, a new combustion system which has almost eliminated the use of fossil fuel in the most carbon intensive stage of cement production at Mannok’s plant, reducing 240 tonnes of carbon emissions per day, whilst significantly reducing NOx emissions. …

M.K.M Building Supplies Limited, the UK’s largest independent builders’ merchant, has announced full year results for the period ended 30th  September 2022. Highlights: • 24% increase in annual revenues to £818m (2021: £658) • 7.3% increase in profits, in line with expectations, to £91m • 12 additional branches added during …

Sustainable block manufacturer, Lignacite, has taken the initiative to fast-track its journey to net zero by switching its on-site plant vehicles to HVO fuel. With diesel being the company’s biggest source of carbon emissions, it is estimated that this move will slash its carbon footprint by an impressive 440 tonnes …

Hanson UK has progressed to the due diligence and negotiation phase in its bid to install carbon capture technology at its Padeswood cement works in Flintshire through the Government’s Phase-2 cluster sequencing programme. The announcement represents another important step forward for the construction sector in its ambition to reach net …

Polypipe Building Services celebrates combined 500 years of experience under one roof as staff retention helps combat labour market shortages As an employment trends survey by the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) reveals, three-quarters of UK businesses are experiencing difficulties filling vacancies, Kent-based drainage system company Polypipe Building Services is …