The consumer launch of the Get Britain Building Campaign this Friday has been given a boost now that the possibility of 5% VAT on home repairs and maintenance work has moved a step closer.

Marley Plumbing and Drainage will have a prominent presence at the Home Building and Renovating Shows this year.

Marshalls' Pallas combined block and flag paving range now comes in three vibrant colours - mid grey Granite, red and blue.

Builders merchant group Wolseley have fallen out of the FTSE 100 share index as housebuilder Taylor Wimpey is promoted back into the FTSE 250 index.

European finance ministers have agreed that that member states may set their own rates of VAT on a range of sectors. The move could see the rate in the UK reduced to 5% for home maintenance and repairs.

EHS International, the air conditioning and electrical products people, have appointed Keith Tomlinson as their new sales & marketing director, brought in to expand their product range throughout the building and merchant industry.

Kingspan Insulation have published a new product selector which simplifies the process of choosing the right insulation product.

Tile adhesives, grouts and finishing products manufacturers Dunlop Adhesives have introduced new grout selector packs.

Building adhesive and sealants people Everbuild Building Products have moved the promotional activity for their PinkGrip Dry Fix up a notch with the launch of a 2minute film on YouTube.com.

The chairman of the Construction Products Association, Adrian Barden, has written to Lord Mandelson to warn of more major industry job losses and to urge him to ensure the government delivers the construction programmes it has already committed to.