Grafton Group have issued a pre-close period trading update for the year ended 31 December 2007. However, the final results for 2007 will be announced on March 10.

With the possibility of a much wetter climate across the UK in the future, builders can make their lives far easier by choosing products with care - such as Egger UK's Weyroc Protect, a flooring board which is BBA certified for 42 days exposure to the elements.

The Irish group saw their share price drop €3.4 to €9.95 - the biggest drop since 1990 and the first time the price has dipped below €10 since 2005.

A-Plant have found a winner of their competition to design this year's corporate Christmas card for them: 12-year old Amelia Dickinson, daughter if a mobile fitter at the company's Rotherham depot.

Sales of building materials at builders merchants throughout the country were up by 0.9% for the three months August to October 2007, when compared to the same three month period in 2006, according to figures just released by the Builders Merchants Federation.

Budget supermarket chain Aldi, have launched their own range of power tools under the Power Craft brand.

Thompson Building Centres will be distributing hundreds of presents this festive season to local hospitals, hospices and care homes.

Midlands Builders and Timber Merchants, Carver (Wolverhampton) Ltd, main sponsors and underwriters of the Carver Wolverhampton City Marathon, recently presented almost £25,000 raised from this year's event to four charities.

Travis Perkins have reported strong figures in their trading update ahead of the close of their financial year on December 31, but warn of a slowdown in 2008.

Cemex has denied reports that they are to cut 10% of their workforce worldwide, while one UK firm has also announced some job losses may be imminent.