The latest figures from the Plumbing & Heating Merchant Index (PHMI) report, produced by MRA Research, show adjusted like-for-like value sales for May 2026 through specialist plumbing and heating merchants were up +1.3% compared to May 2025. Like-for-like volume sales were down -8.0%, while prices increased +10.1% year-on-year. With one less …

The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report, published by MRA Research in July, shows May 2026’s total like-for-like value sales (adjusted for trading days) were essentially flat, at -0.1% lower than May 2025. Like-for-like value sales were down -1.2% compared to the previous 12-month period (June 2024 to May …

Selco Builders Warehouse has announced Noah’s Star as the third finalist of its 2026 Community Heroes initiative. The nomination recognises the charity’s dedication and support for families of prematurely born and sick babies across Birmingham. The charity was selected from amongst the applications from June by a panel including celebrity judge …

Hannah Spencer, MP for Gorton and Denton, visited Henshaws Roofing & Building Supplies in Denton, their third branch in Greater Manchester, as part of the BMF’s industry and parliament programme. Spencer was welcomed by marketing manager Rachel Shelley, branch manager Kevin Doyle and Brett Amphlett from the Builders Merchants Federation. …

Showerwall has appointed Gareth Griffiths as commercial director. Griffiths, previously key account manager at Showerwall, will now take the lead on shaping how the Newcastle-under-Lyme based manufacturer and supplier can best support its growing network of UK customers. His appointment follows the departure of Katie Cope, who has been head …

FM Mattsson Group has entered into an agreement to acquire Bristan Group Limited. The acquisition of the brassware supplier complements the FM Mattsson Group’s existing UK and Ireland business Aqualla, strengthening their position in consumer-led bathroom products. Fredrik Skarp, CEO of FM Mattsson Group, comments; “The acquisition of Bristan is …

Bradfords Building Supplies CEO, David Young, has welcomed Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s proposed plans to place greater emphasis on technical education. The plans propose courses linked to local industries, apprenticeships and vocational routes aimed at tackling skills shortages and reducing the number of young people not in education, employment or …

Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s housing ambition must be matched by supply chain resilience, according to a recent comment from Huws Gray Partnership Solutions. Managing director Lyndon Johnson outlined the businesses hopes for Burnham’s premiership, looking at the supply chain infrastructure needed to realise his ambition of supercharging the building of …

STARK Building Materials UK has appointed Jan Green as chief commercial officer. In her new role, Green will focus on strengthening STARK UK’s partnerships with suppliers and ensuring they have the support, insight and visibility needed to succeed in an evolving and challenging market. She will work across STARK UK …

Ronal Bathroom Group has appointed Ethan Phillips as regional sales manager for Kudos Showers, covering Wales and the south-west of England. Philips joins the business after a decade as a plumber, followed by four years in sales within the bathroom industry. Ethan will report directly to Mark Batley, national accounts …