Plumbers merchant Plumb Centre, part of the Wolseley Group, has opened a new branch in the centre of Swindon, Wiltshire. The new state-of-the-art trade counter, on the Elgin Industrial Estate, was opened by local Mayor, Councillor Imtiyaz Shaikh, who said: “I was delighted to officially open Plumb Centre Swindon. It’s …

National builders’ merchant Jewson has launched its first Transport Hub, at its Craigentinny branch in Edinburgh, which will deal with all customer deliveries for Edinburgh and the surrounding areas from 6am every day. Customers can continue to place orders online, over the phone or in store from any of Jewson’s …

UK imported timber levels rose in July for a second consecutive month, according to figures released by timber trade organisation TDUK.  Imports for July, the latest month for which data is available, were higher than in July 2023. Import volumes grew by 0.5% in June 2024, followed by 2.9% in …

Builders merchant and heating/plumbing products distributor Lords has completed the sale and lease back (15-year tenure) of its 1.52-acre George Lines branch at Heathrow. The site was originally purchased for £6.3m back in Jan’23 when Lords acquired George Lines. £3.1m of the £7.1m proceeds will repay the outstanding considerations owing …

The opening of three branches, and a focus on long-term growth and  maintaining a robust balance sheet helped independent family-owned and run builders merchant LBS maintain sales at £87m for the year ended December 31 2023. Operating profit dropped slightly year on year thanks to a concerted effort to retain …

The building materials sector turned yellow on September 20th – MaddiesDay – to raise money for, and awareness of, the Maddie Rose Campaign. Among the inititaives were a team from specialist civils merchant Keyline, who took to the streets of London on September 20 for a very special game of …

Words have no power to impress the mind without the exquisite horror of their reality A quick trip down memory lane into Year 8 Science. Bear with me reader. When you drop a stone into a pond, how far the ripples last, how far they go, and how ,well, rippley …

Scottish independent builders merchant Thistle Timber & Building Supplies has  opened its new branch covering East Lothian in Dunbar, part of its growth strategy. . Thistle are an established leader in the supply of landscaping, building and roofing materials. Their substantial investment in Dunbar will allow their collection service in …

Plumbing and heating  membership group The IPG held its Trade Local Day 2024, reinforcing the vital role of independent plumbing stores and bathroom showrooms. Held on September 9th, this annual event is part a campaign that encourages tradespeople to shop locally and connect with fellow professionals. It showcases the breadth …

Builders merchants Bradfords, and Jewson, as well as landscaping supplier Talasey were the top winners at the BMJ Industry Awards 2024, on Friday (September 27), winning three, two and two awards each, respectively. The event was held at the Grand Connaught Rooms, in Covent Garden, hosted by TV presenter Mark …