News

Builders and plumbers merchant group Grafton Merchanting GB is launching its new-look online training academies this month.

Heating and plumbers merchant group BSS has "no intention" of becoming a heavyside builders merchant, despite its purchase yesterday of UGS, the Banbury-based drainage, civils and heavyside merchant.

Birmingham builders merchant HRA Builders Merchants has been fined £11,585 including costs, following an inspection by officers from Birmingham City Council for building a dangerous mezzanine floor.

Independent builders merchant buying group Cemco has expanded with the addition of plumbers merchant Stuart Plumbing & Heating Supplies Limited to its ranks.

The UK construction industry carried on declining in the last quarter of 2009, according to the latest Construction Trade Survey published today.

More residential property developers are expecting to build 'family' homes rather than properties suitable for first time buyers, according to research by property specialists, movewithus.

Ideal Standard and the Bathroom Manufacturers Association urged the government to launch a toilet scrappage scheme at an NHIC discussion on Part G at the House of Commons today.

Middlesborough builders merchant Joseph Parr (Middlesborough) has joined the Business Backing Darlington Club, which could see the merchant's logo on the club shirts next season.

The Federation of Small Businesses has joined the call for the rate of VAT on construction work to be cut to 5%.
The small trader representative body says that this should take some of the pressure off small businesses.

Any builders merchant or plumbers merchant business wishing to support the industry charity The Rainy Day Trust can contact the charity for a free collection tin for trade counters.