Independent trade-only plumbers merchant Williams & Co has opened a new branch today (October 25).

Plumbers merchant chain Plumb Center has described parts of the Chancellor's Comprehensive Spending Review as "a welcome and positive step in terms of the green agenda".

Select Products has promoted Marc King from national sales manager to sales director.

Alpha Heating Innovation, has appointed Jerry Studden as managing director, replacing Cliff Jones with effect from 1 October 2010.

Nigel Loble has joined independent East Anglian builders' merchant Kent Blaxill as plumbing and heating development manager.

Sandtoft, has appointed Andrew Lawton as sales director.

Horstmann Controls, the home heating controls expert has promoted Paul Lovegrove to director of sales and marketing.

The National Housing Federation has criticized the Government's decision to cut the affordable housebuilding budget by 60%.

The Construction Products Association breathed a very small sigh of relief yesterday at the news that the Comprehensive Spending Review cuts to public sector construction spend are expected to be £3.5bn less than was announced at the time of the Emergency Budget.

The UK housing crisis will be exacerbated by the cuts announced in yesterdays Comprehensive Spending Review, according to the Federation of Master Builders.