GDP figures published today (January 29) by the Office of National Statistics, highlight that the UK economy grew by 0.7% in the fourth quarter of 2013; however, construction declined 0.3% over the same period.

Distributor of kitchen, bathroom and heating products, bcg, has appointed Steve Egerton as its new marketing manager.

Plumbers merchant Plumb Center has set up Scotland's first HETAS-accredited renewables training academy.

The Brick Development Association has strongly rejected claims by the Royal Institute of Surveyors (RICS) that a fall in UK Construction Output is due to shortage of bricks.

The UK Green Building Council has responded to a speech Prime Minister David Cameron is to give today (January 27)promising to scrap environmental guidance.

Ideal Boilers' Logic+ boiler has won Product of the Year for the Household Boiler category, which was announced at the 10th anniversary ceremony in Trafalgar Square on 23 January.

Independent builders merchant Kent Blaxill has appointed a new manager for the Bury St Edmunds branch.

Trade paint brand Leyland has hit the bullseye by linking up with newly-crowned PDC world darts champion Michael van Gerwen.

Ten-25 Software, provider of trading and stock management computer systems to builders merchants, has appointed Ian Oldrey as its new managing director.

Scottish materials supplier Brick & Stone has secured a £275,000 financing deal from Lloyds Banking Group to help it capitalise on the up-turn in the construction industry.