Total mortgage lending of £143.7bn in 2009 was 43% down on 2008's levels, but slightly above forecasts, according to the Council for Mortgage Lenders.

The takeover of Cadbury by American Kraft has fuelled rumours that more UK companies, including Travis Perkins, could be eyed up by overseas companies.

The Federation of Master Builders says that the building industry is still in recession, despite today's ONS figures confirming that the UK has just come out of recession.

Plumbers merchant Graham, sister company of builders merchant Jewson, has thrown itself behind the boiler scrappage scheme with a dedicated website.

Heating manufacturer Heatrae Sadia has launched a new website.

Roper Rhodes Group, the independent supplier of toilet seats, bath panels and bathroom furniture, has launhcde a new brand aimed at the trade customer.

Radiator manufacturer Heatline has launched a new tubular steel radiator range which offers a stylish and elegant solution for both classic and contemporary interiors.

The new Selborne solid fuel stove from Dimplex is DEFRA-approved for woodburning in UK smoke control areas, with a high efficiency of up to 82%.

The eLIX tap by Carron Phoenix is designed for developers wanting to meet level 3 of the Code for Sustainable Homes.

Builders and plumbers merchant group Wolsleley is looking for a new UK managing director with the departure of Rob Marchbanks, the European CEO who was also the UK business' md.