Builders and plumbers merchant group Travis Perkins posted a £123m pre-tax loss for the first half of 2018, thanks to its DIY-chain Wickes. Across the group as a whole revenue grew by 4.4% to £3.36bn in the six months to June 30 2018, compared with the same period a year …

Timber importer and supplier SCA Timber is changing its name to SCA Wood The SCA Group has six business areas: wood products, forestry, pulp, paper, energy and logistics. The common name ‘SCA’ clearly integrates all business areas into a unified SCA Group. The company name change from SCA Timber Supply …

I mean the bare necessities That’s why a bear can rest at ease With just the bare necessities of life It’s all too easy to just focus on one’s own industry but, as numerous BMF and NMBS conferences have shown us, there are lessons to be picked up from outside …

Independent Birmingham-based builders’ merchant EH Smith has told its local MP that reducing emissions and easing traffic congestion drove the decision to open a new branch in Birmingham city centre. Chairman John Parker told Roger Godsiff MP for Birmingham Hall Green that the new store in Brighton Road, Balsall Heath …

Builders merchants could have to pay £1bn extra VAT post-Brexit if a suitable customs agreement is not reached. That was the warning issued today (July 19) by builders merchants trade association, the Builders Merchants Federation. The BMF says that, if builders merchants are forced to pay 20% VAT upfront on …

Independent builders and plumbers merchant group Bradfords saw turnover rise by 19% in the 2017 to 2018 financial year, taking it over the £150m mark for the first time. The company puts the rise down to its expansion and continued investment in staff. It now has 42 builders merchant businesses, …

Cheshire Mouldings has new sales support for builders merchants across its new flooring and internal door ranges, as well as its existing stairparts, joinery and mouldings lines. Designed to help merchants maximise the return on branch space, the display stands feature product samples that demonstrate finish and quality, together with …

Civils and engineering specialist merchant, Keyline, part of the Travis Perkins group,  has opened a new specialist branch in Leeds. The 3.5-acre site will provide an increased product range to customers in the surrounding area, from small tools to 1.5 tonne diggers. The company investment of over £1m to date …

Wienerberger, the wall, roof, and landscaping supplier, has launched Load Builder, designed to help builders’ merchants manage their brick stock and storage space with a quick and easy to use online tool. Using Load Builder, merchants can create a bespoke load by mixing and matching products from a wide selection …

Cry God, for England, Harry and St George  Gareth Well, that was fun. For a few short, glorious days, it looked as though the unthinkable was about to happen. Ahh those sweet few weeks. The sun was shining, the wheel had yet to fully come off the Government’s Brexit plans, …