A year after it closed Trade Depot, B&Q parent Kingfisher plc is investing £26m in a new trade-focused operation.

Independent builders merchants buying group, National Buying Group LLP, has launched a bespoke, multi-business, electronic trading hub.

Tool hire firms, including branches of builders merchants Jewson and Travis Perkins, have been forced to remove DIY equipment from their shelves after an investigation revealed safety faults in more than half the items hired.

Cortexa, the provider of electronic training for the builders merchant industry has launched an e-learning package for the Boiler Scrappage Scheme.

Independent builders merchant buying group Cemco Merchant Network has awarded Hanson Cement as supplier of the year 2009.

Kingfisher increased sales and profits thanks to showroom sales at its B&Q subsidiary and the trialling of a new format

Building chemical and adhesives manufacturer Cementone has launched a new tanking system.

Today's Budget speech will limit stamp duty for first time buyers to purchases over a quarter of a million pounds, the BBC believes.

Paint manufacturer Crown Paints has appointed Joe Devitt, to the newly created position of group commercial director.

As anticipated, Chancellor Alistair Darling has doubled the limit for stamp duty for first-time buyers from £125,000 to £250,000.