The Construction Products Association has downgraded its Winter forecasts, expecting overall construction output to rise by just 1.7% in 2026, a significant drop from the 2.8% growth forecast in October. The slowdown in activity in key sectors has persisted and in the largest sector, private housing, there is little to …

The Pallet LOOP has strengthened its senior leadership team with the appointment of Dan McKane as business development director, bringing more than 20 years of commercial and manufacturing experience across the UK construction and building materials sector. McKane joins The Pallet LOOP from the Soprema Group, where he held a …

John Newcomb, currently CEO of builders merchants trade association the Builders Merchants Federation is to step up to the new role of Executive Chairman from October 1, as the organisation recruits a new CEO. The new Executive Chair role replaces the existing non-executive position, and will combine governance responsibilities with …

Independent family-owned builders merchant group Lawsons has donated materials to help people in Jamaica whose homes and livelihoods were destroyed by a hurricane. Hurricane Melissa wreaked devastation across Jamaica from 21st October to November 4th 2025.  The CEO of Trizone Electrical Services Ltd, Tazio Heath, is a long-term contractor to …

How sharper than a serpent’s tooth it is To have a thankless child Alas, poor Jenrick. I knew him; a fellow who likes the spotlight. Having been bested by Kemi Badenoch in the race for leadership of the Conservative Party – doing rather better than many predicted – Robert Jenrick …

Specialist drainage merchant Drainfast is to open a new depot in Doncaster, from the start of February. The strategically located depot will significantly extend the company’s reach across the North of England, allowing it to better support civils and groundworks contractors throughout Yorkshire and Lancashire, including major construction hubs such …

Civils & Lintels, part of the Huws Gray group of companies, has opened its first-ever national training academy at its ‘London Civils’ site in Hayes, near Heathrow. Developed in partnership with leading manufacturers including ACO Water Management, Fernco, Marshalls, and A.Proctor Group, the academy is intended to be a truly …

Builders’ merchant Huws Gray has bought the Thornbridge timber merchants in Ayr from the administrators of its parent company the National Timber Group. Eddie Hernon, managing director at PDM Huws Gray, said: “Following our recent investment in our flagship timber mill in Grangemouth, the expansion of our timber merchanting capabilities …

I yearned for warmth and colour, Which I found in Lancelot Heat pumps, solar panels and gas boilers 1: Insulation: 0. The Warm Homes Plan has been released, finally. At its heart, the Warm Homes Plan is about future-proofing the UK’s housing stock: making homes warmer, cheaper to run and …

The Government unveiled the long-awaited Warm Homes Plan today (January 21), pledging £15bn over five years to help households cut energy bills, boost renewable heating and expand renters’ rights. First announced in 2024, the plan aims to lift one million people out of fuel poverty and spark a “rooftop revolution” …