Neil Donaldson is to retire from timber specialist, James Donaldson & Sons, after 45 years with the business, as he hands over the reins to the sixth generation. Having joined the firm in 1975, after graduating from Heriot-Watt University, Donaldson’s first official role was as a sawmiller, before moving into …

A trading update issued this morning (July 28) by Travis Perkins plc shows that of its four divisions, only Toolstation has shown growth in like-for-like sales in the first half, a clear benefit of the strong DIY sales through the UK lockdown period. For the first half year, merchanting sales …

Power tool manufacturer Makita has expanded its range of LXT cordless tools with the launch of the DPB183Z and DPB184Z Brushless Portable Band Saws. Compact and lightweight (the DPB183Z weighs just 3.3kg and the DPB184Z weighs 3.6kg), the saws are easy to manoeuvre around tight working spaces. Angled specifically for …

Power tool manufacturer Makita has expanded its XGT 40V Max range of cordless power tools with the launch of four new brushless angle grinders and the CF001GZ 40V Max ‘Swing Fan’. To maximise on-site productivity, the GA022GZ, GA023GZ, GA028GZ and GA029Z brushless angle grinders have been designed to withstand frequent …

Apologies to all those readers whose eagle eyes spotted that the wrong grid was published with the crossword in the July issue of BMJ. The correct image is below and the whole correct page is available to download here: The correct version is now on the digital issue available via …

The new Boutique Collection from Stelrad Radiators offers a comprehensive, premium range of living space, kitchen and bathroom products. It includes familiar products such as Caliente, Concord and Column, but also new ranges Como, Lecco and Silhouette as well as new additions and designs for established styles like the Concord …

Builders merchants trade association the Builders Merchants Federation has announced that all full members of the h&b Buying Group will become BMF members from 1 August 2020 after the two organisations agreed a group membership. There are currently 61 h&b full Members in BMF membership and the remaining 23 will …

Builders merchants are among the companies employing more than 100,000 people that have signed up to support the Construction Leadership Council’s Talent Retention Scheme, launched on Friday (July 24). The Construction Talent Retention Scheme is a not-for-profit programme, backed by Government, business organisations, professional institutions and construction unions. The online portal …

Independent builders merchants buying group h&b, is offering to extend its existing 2020 trading agreements with the majority of suppliers for a further year. This backing of key suppliers will allow them to plan production and investment and help secure jobs as the UK continues to emerge from lockdown. h&b …

Following the launch of RGB Building Supplies’ Tools for Africa appeal in January, the builders merchant is thanking trades and the community for helping to donate 15 bulk bags full of preloved tools which have been passed to South West-based charity Amigos. Amigos works closely with another UK charity called Work Aid, which will now refurbish the donated items before sending …