Paint manufacturers Akzo Nobel are shedding 3,500 jobs worldwide by 2011 as part of a cost-cutting drive.

The UK's manufacturing sector shrank in September at the fastest rate since the early 1990s.

The management team of Crown Paints have today completed the multi million pound buy-out of the business from parent company, Akzo Nobel.

Dulux Trade Diamond Matt and Weathershield have been used to transform three cattle barns into luxury accommodation in Norfolk.

ACO Water Management's StormTank has an 'open-sided' design to overcome the problems of restricted access and vulnerability to silt blockage, associated with modular storm water management systems.

Economic growth this year is not likely to be much more than 1%, according to the bank of Scotland, speaking at the inaugural merchant industry Credit Crunch Forum last week.

Plumbers merchant PTS today opened the first of their Renewable Energy branches which will show customers and visitors the range of renewable products and technology available now and in the future.

Vaillant Group have announced two key new appointments to the Heatline and Vaillant brands.

Andy Howland has returned to GEZE UK as sales director, after three years with Royde & Tucker. He takes over the role from Jules Quested-Williams, who leaves to start up her own business.

Builders merchants buying group the National Buying Group have added another member, specialist insulation distributors W Madden, based in Leeds.