Hanson Building Products have published a new pocket-sized guide to their full range of aggregate blocks as a handy reference guide for builders and builders merchants.

Applications from builders for building new homes dropped by more than 50% in the third quarter of 2008, compared with the same period last year, according to the National House Building Council.

Edward Naylor, chief executive of Naylor Industries, has been voted 'People's Champion' in the prestigious CBI Human Capital Awards.

Interbuild - the UK's largest building show - opened its doors yesterday with environmental campaigner David Ballamy officially launching The Village, the show's sustainable construction showcase.

The Builders Merchants Federation has a new merchant member: The Deepings Trading Company, a new builders' merchant based in Market Deeping near Peterborough.

Bailey Buildbase, the builders merchants in Coventry, celebrated their move to new merchant premises by presenting the winner of a competition to win a Ducati Superbike with his prize.

Combilift Ltd, best known for its wide range of 4-way forklifts, has launched the Combi CB, which will be on show in Hall 5, stand D165.

Hoppings Softwood Products have continued their policy of investment in modern efficient machinery with the installation of a new machine at their Epping depot.

Builders merchant employees Kerry Duckworth from Kirkby Building Supplies and Andy Ankers from JT Dove have walked off with this year's Apprentice of the Year awards from the Builders Merchants Federation.

A £13 million deal to buy unsold homes off the market was announced this week, as part of the Government's programme of action to tackle the housing market crisis.