Fiona Russell-Horne

Group Managing Editor across the BMJ portfolio.

War is hell

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Nothing except a battle lost can be half so melancholy as a battle won I’m returning to a topic I’ve not touched on for a while, because there hasn’t seemed much to say apart from, how is this still going on? Let me start by going off at a tangent. …

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The material difference

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I do not wish women to have power over men; but over themselves I had a longish journey the other day, so downloaded a few podcasts to keep me going. As you do. One of them was an episode of BBC’s Women’s Hour. I picked this particular episode because it …

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Margins and output growth for Ibstock as brick deliveries improve

Ibstock Plastic Packaging

Revenue at brick maker Ibstock rose for the six months to June 30 2025 to £193m from £178m but pre-tax profits were down to £8m from £12m. The half-year results report shows material growth in the key markets, especially the new-build residential market, with UK brick deliveries in the period …

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Good people doing good things

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No man is an island, entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main. The sun may be shining, the  days may still be long enough for a cheeky sundowner in the pub beer garden after work, but, flick onto the BBC News …

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Wrekin launches enhanced solution to grate theft

Wrekin Products launches new 250kN MultiGrate to combat ironwork theft

An easy-to-install temporary solution to keep roads open and safe when vital s have been stolen or damaged, has been enhanced by civil engineering expert Wrekin Products has launched a heavier duty version of its Multigrate gully grate product after increased demand from contractors and local authorities needing solutions to …

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Lords appoints new P&H COO

Mark Webber COO PH Division Lords Group Trading plc

Lords, the builders and plumbers merchant group, has appointed Matthew Webber as Chief Operating Officer for the Group’s Plumbing and Heating division, with effect from 2 September 2025. He will also join the Group’s Operating Board. Webber has over 20 years’ experience in the HVAC sector with supplier and manufacturer …

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BMJ INDUSTRY AWARDS 2025: FINALISTS REVEALED

BMJ INDUSTRY AWARDS Finalists Revealed

  The list of Finalists in the 2025 BMJ Industry Awards, the industry awards programme that’s voted on by the industry, has been revealed. The winners will be revealed at the BMJ Industry Awards Lunch on September 25th at the Leonardo Royal Hotel Tower Bridge, in London. Tickets and tables …

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A question of planning

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Venus, anxious for her son’s affairs, New counsels tries, and new designs prepares Everyone loves a soundbite. Especially those in politics. Remember Greenest Government Ever, Build Back Better, Take Back Control and Get Brexit Done? Now we have another one courtesy of the Deputy Prime Minister’s planning reform, er, plans. …

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Construction growth drivers remain, despite risk rise says CPA

Total construction output is forecast to rise by 1.9% in 2025 and 3.7% in 2026, matching projections from Spring.

Total construction output is forecast to rise by 1.9% in 2025 and 3.7% in 2026, matching projections from Spring. The Construction Products Association is forecasting that total construction output will rise by 1.9% in 2025 and 3.7% in 2026, matching projections from its Spring Forecasts. The growth drivers will be …

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Strong first-half boosts Forterra expectations but two divisions to close

Forterra 3

Building materials manufacturer Forterra saw a stronger than expected first half of 2025, with revenue of £195.1m up 20.4% compared with the same period a year ago. The increase was driven by strong volume growth and a slight increase in selling prices. Pre-tax profits dipped for £9.9m for the six …

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