Eighteen teams from the world of heating and plumbing competed in a day of fierce physical activity on Saturday 6th October as part of the PTS Grizedale Challenge.

Bournemouth-based builders merchant Sydenhams have announced the acquisition of FHC Hire Centres Ltd.

Travis Perkins have announced that subsidiary company Wickes Building Supplies Limited, has agreed to acquire seven stores from Focus (DIY) Limited and Payless DIY Limited for a total of £4m.

For Howard Brothers Mica Hardware replacing their table saw with a Koolkut KK 12 vertical panel saw from Sagetech Industries has freed up space and enhanced the service they can offer to their customers.

Major investment in production facilities has enabled Castle Cement to become the UK's lowest emitter of carbon dioxide per tonne of cement, say the company, at a level 5% better than the UK industry average.

Malvern-based independent builders merchant County Building Supplies has launched a brand new environmental showroom.

Eurocell Profiles have won a prestigious Derbyshire Business Award from a shortlist of four finalists. The award was presented at a gala dinner at Chatsworth House earlier this month.

National housebuilder Bloor Homes has chosen Potterton as its sole supplier of boilers across all regions for the next two years.

The October issue of BMJ will be on your desks at the beginning of next week (postal strike allowing!) and is packed with industry news, features and comment about the topics that most affect your business.

Everyone knows how much hard work trade shows can be. It's great to make contacts, see products and catch up with old friends, but four days walking the halls, milling on stand and solid smiling takes its toll without a break. So this year BMJ and BuildersMerchantsJournal.net are going to remedy that.