News

The BMF (Builders Merchants Federation) Winter Forecast Report confirms a stagnant market for building materials sales in the second half of 2025, and does not expect significant growth in the first quarter of 2026.   After a promising start to the year, Q3 2025 proved challenging for building materials sales, prompting …

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has welcomed the government’s plan to raise the Business Property Relief threshold for Inheritance Tax from £1.0m to £2.5m when it is introduced as part of the Finance Bill in April 2026. The increased allowance will enable spouses or civil partners to transfer up to …

  Landscaping, building, and roofing provider Marshalls will be the headline sponsor of the BMF All Industry Conference in 2027. Marshalls is recognised for its product development, aimed at contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future. BMF CEO John Newcomb, said: “We are delighted to confirm Marshalls as the …

UK timber prices have fallen about 5% during the last quarter of 2025, the first decline in two years, thanks to improved supply from sawmills and Scandinavian imports. Homebuilders are cautiously optimistic that the easing in timber costs could reduce overall build expenses, though energy and labour costs remain high. …

Tool and equipment supplier Draper Tools has announced it has acquired two new brands, Van Vault and Defender Lighting. Both brands were formerly part of Toolstream Ltd which entered administration on December 11 2025. Van Vault is a supplier of vehicle and on-site security storage solutions, while Defender operates within …

Marley has partnered with TOUGH TO TALK, a charity dedicated to breaking the stigma around mental health struggles in men. The partnership is the latest extension of Marley’s annual Winter Wellness campaign, which will see the business extend the support it offers to construction workers around safe working practices, and …

Premier Forest Products has acquired engineered timber specialist National Timber Systems, previously part of National Timber Group England, which went into administration in late November. The acquisition safeguards 160 jobs at NTS, with plans to grow this number to 250. National Timber Systems supplies national and regional housebuilders, as well …

Copper manufacturer and supplier Lawton Tubes is investing £25 million in improvements across the business deep into 2026 to help futureproof the firm in the face of an ever-changing industry. The company is undertaking a major transformation programme in a bid to boost employment across all areas of the business, …

Northampton-based building materials manufacturer Forterra matched the £22,462 raised by its colleagues over the course of 2025, to contribute a grand total of £40,677 towards Cancer Research UK. The donation was raised through several fundraising activities, including the Beaune Challenge, a 534-mile cycling challenge undertaken by group planning manager Ian …

Ducklington FC, who play in the Witney & District League Division One, have been sponsored by Travis Perkins for the 2025-26 campaign. George Townsend, player manager of Ducklington, said: “We were searching for a new kit for this season, which is a big expense for a local football team. Several …