The UK market for bricks in 2009 was almost half what it had been in 2007, according to a new report out this week.

Brett Martin Plumbing & Drainage is now offering twinwall fittings that are BBA certified for use with any other manufacturer's polyethylene twinwall BBA approved pipe.

Ray Stafford has been appointed as managing director of independent plumbers merchant Williams & Co.

Whilst the industry is grateful for the help in yesterday's Budget, the measures will only go a short way towards alleviating problems, says Mike Leonard, director of the Modern Masonry Alliance.

Yesterday's Budget was a disappointing one in terms of kickstarting the Green Deal retrofit programme, according to builders organisation the Federation of Master Builders.

Plumbers merchant Plumb Center has welcomed the Budget announcement by George Osborne of an additional £2bn for the Green Investment Bank.

Trade-only builders merchant Selco has renewed its sponsorship of the Masters Cup tournament for ex-profressional footballers.

Irish builders merchant Grafton Group plc has appointed Paul Roche as renewables director.

Enertech Group, the owner of the Nu-way burner division and the CTC renewable brand, has appointed Nick Whitwell as its new chief operating officer.

Kohler Mira has promoted Liz Hazeldene to the newly created post of business director - commercial.