The Government is to consult on the possible prohibition of combustible cladding systems being used on high-rise buildings like the Grenfell Tower, housing minister James Brokenshire has announced. His statement to Parliament is despite the official review of building regulations, led by Dame Judith Hackitt, not recommending such a ban. …

East Anglian builders’ merchants Kent Blaxill gathered together 14 backpacks for the charity, Mary’s Meals to probide one good meal every school day to some of the world’s poorest children. Statistics show that children learn better when eating regularly and by providing a much-needed daily meal in school, Mary’s Meals meet the immediate needs …

Northern Irish bathroom and plumbing specialist, Bassetts has opened a branch in Enniskillen. The company recently completed a £2 million investment in its branch network and has generated three new jobs for the local area with the opening of the Enniskillen store. Bassetts now has a regional presence in all …

High Wycombe-based Flex-R has opened a second UK depot in Huddersfield as part of its ambitious growth plans. The company – which supplies EPDM materials for flat roofing to both merchants and directly to roofers – has opened the new depot on Old Fieldhouse Lane, as it is ideally positioned …

The winning merchants, people and brands in the inaugural BMJ Industry Awards were awarded at the celebration lunch at The Brewery in Chiswell Street, London on Friday May 18th. Over 350 people gathered to see hosts Claudia Winkleman and Alan Dedicoat and BMJ Editor in Chief Fiona Russell Horne open …

Speciality flat roofing product manufacturer Whitesales has launched a new promotion designed to boost sales of its rooflights. A little Jack Russell terrier, called Rufus, is fronting Whitesales’ campaign introducing a new online rooflight selection tool. He will be promoting monthly prize draws for merchants and contractors from 28th May to …

Merchant lightside buying group PHG presented its 2018 supplier awards at Carden Park Hotel following a day of golfing and track driving. Over 240 guests attended the awards dinner and collectively raised £3,335 for WaterAid, a charity they have supported for the last three years. PHG chairman, David Pochin said: …

Timber importer and distributor Snows Timber, part of the Bradfords Group, has opened a new national sales office in Towcester, Northamptonshire. Snows has moved its regional sales offices to a central location to provide customers with a streamlined, consistent service. The facilities in Pury Hill Business Park, Towcester will be …

Setcrete,  manufacturer of high-performance flooring products , has appointed Peter Wilson as the brand’s Business Development Manager. He will be responsible for developing the Setcrete brand through the builders’ merchants channel and associated markets. Wilson brings with him many year’s experience in account management, having worked for a number of high profile …

 Andrew Harrison and David Kilburn, two of the most influential leaders in the builders’ merchant industry, are to speak at the BMF Young Merchants Conference at the NEC, Birmingham in October. Harrison, Deputy CEO – Plumbing and Heating at Travis Perkins and Kilburn Executive Chairman of MKM Building Supplies will …