All life long, the same questions, the same answers. Smile, they said, for things can always get worse. So they smiled, and low and behold, things got worse. I’m not, as it happens, talking about the news from across the Atlantic this morning. That I can’t deal with right now. …

Simon Cowling has joined IBC Buying Group as its new head of business development. He has many years of experience working in the building materials industry, most recently at Heidelberg Materials UK. He has extensive market knowledge and a proven ability to create long-lasting relationships with colleagues, clients and industry …

SIG Roofing has further strengthened its senior management team by appointing Gary Smith as divisional sales director – north. With over twenty years of construction sales experience, including over ten years of specialising in roofing products, Smith brings a wealth of market knowledge and experience to his new position, joining …

Lords, the independent builders merchant group, is to open a new branch for its George Lines, civils materials and construction solutions operation, in Maidstone, Kent in early January 2025. Located on a 1.4 acre brownfield site within Aylesford Business Park, development of the new George Lines branch is already underway …

Alsford Timber and Builder’s Merchant’s marketing manager,  Joni Beal,  has been appointed as the new Sector Chair of  the BMF’s Marketing Forum. With a deep interest in brand strategy and passion for helping companies to understand the strength that cohesive marketing can add to their business, Beal won the BMF Marketing …

Independent plumbing and heating merchant Williams Trade Supplies Ltd will join plumbing, heating and bathroom buying group PHG from January 1 2025, with the integration process work starting now. Williams Trade Supplies is a trade only merchant with over 50 branches across the UK, and regional fulfilment centres in Fareham, …

With innovative technical features, the new collection of functional work jackets from Snickers includes a lightweight and packable jacket for flexibility on site through chilly days; a waterproof parka to withstand the elements; and a robust insulated style to provide warmth and durability in the most demanding conditions.   Each …

Insulation manufacturer Isover is switching to reusable pallets, partnering with circular economy pallet supplier, The Pallet LOOP. The change follows the successful launch earlier this year with Isover’s sister company British Gypsum, which became the first building materials manufacturer to move to the circular pallet reuse scheme. Both  sit under …

Transformational, circular economy, pallet reuse scheme The Pallet LOOP – part of BSW Group – has appointed a Merchant Account Manager. Rob Devonshire joins the business to help onboard merchant branches to The Pallet LOOP and ensure they are making the most of the circular economy scheme, which is helping …

Group revenue at builders merchant group Travis Perins was down 5.7%, for the three months to September 30, a fall driven by the group’s Merchanting segment. There was a more robust performance from Toolstation, where revenue rose 2.9% in the UK and Benelux like-for-like sales were up 9.6%. The loss-making …