The government is hoping to crack down on cowboy builders as it seeks views on its plans to give local authorities more power to prosecute for illegal and botched jobs.

The Bathroom Manufacturers Association have brought together a diverse group of speakers for this year's Bathroom Conference.

Triton are targeting savvy homeowners and property developers with a new television sponsorship campaign, which, say the company, makes them the first shower manufacturer to hit the small screen for some time.

Pavestone has announced the acquisition of the Bekstone brand and manufacturing operation from aggregates and building materials company Ennstone Breedon.

"Business is booming" say 14-strong builders merchant UGS, having just hit £2m in sales at their Ipswich depot only a year after it opened.

Howarth Timber Building & Supplies have joined a new ethical partnership scheme, which encourages greater social responsibility within the hard landscaping market.

City Plumbing Supplies launched a three-month trade points promotion yesterday which will allow customers to collect reward points when they buy selected products. These will then be converted into Marks & Spencer or Thresher Group vouchers and posted to the customer in time for Christmas.

The construction materials company has reported sales of €908.4m for the six months to June 30 - an increase of more than 34%.

Specialist Group supplies an extensive range of ironmongery from Suffolk latches to heavy duty hasp and staples.

Brett Martin's new development strategy focuses on "providing a drainage range which drives benefits in a commodity market," say the company.