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.

Yorkshire independent builders merchant Merritt & Fryers has been working with a local further education college to promote traditional building skills.

Travis Perkins has joined forces with Wrexham County Borough Council to improve its repairs service for council tenants.

Students at Birmingham City University have taken part in a special competition run by balustrade specialist Richard Burbidge.