News

The largest builders merchants group in the south of the UK has been formed today with the merger of Grant & Stone Group and Independent Builders Merchant Group. The new group has 123 branches, revenues in excess of £500 million and over 1,700 employees. Its reach extends from Cornwall to …

Bowed, but not quite broken, Bryan Clover, CEO of the industry charity the Raindy Day Trust, hobbled over the line at the end of his mammoth 84-mile non-stop hike from Bath to Reading. He managed the 84 mile trek in 32hours, 42minutes, a full 16 hours ahead of the targeted …

Over 800 delegates and 280 exhibitors descended upon the Coventry rena last week for the return of the  NMBS Exhibition, the first major industry event to take place post-pandemic. On 8th and 9th September 2021, the NMBS Exhibition brought together representatives from businesses across the merchant industry at the Coventry Building …

Toolstation, has launched a new TV advert, designed to celebrate the skills of key tradespeople across the UK and remind viewers of the tough tasks they face. The latest iteration of the Tools & More brand campaign, which was launched in March this year, shows a female electrician being called out …

Demand for building materials is ‘higher than ever’ but a disruption in supply chains and rise in the price of materials could lead to a construction crisis. That’s according to Andrew Huxley, the managing director of concrete block manufacturer Besblock, who believes the industry needs to find a solution and …

Further growth and acquisitions are on the cards for roofing giant Marley, which has unveiled plans to float on the Stock Exchange. The £150m revenue business, based in Burton, Staffordshire, has been owned for the last two years by private equity firm Inflexion. Marley has grown to a  share of …

It is with heartfelt sorrow that BMJ writes of the tragic death of Maddie Durdant-Hollamby, marketing executive for Keyline. Maddie, the treasured daughter of Steve and Rachel Durdant-Hollamby, was a lovely, vibrant, talented young woman who was growing into her construction industry marketing career. In a tribute, her parents said: …

The failure of the Green Homes Grant Scheme highlights the need for a long-term strategy to green the nations homes, says the Federation of Master Builders in response to the National Audit Office’s report on the Green Homes Grant Scheme. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the Federation of Master Builders (FMB), …

Sutton Coldfield’s Andrew Mitchell MP  has visted the newly opened branch of  builders merchant Travis Perkins in Minworth. The brand new 2.25 acre site includes a tools and plant hire section, up to 50 different types of bricks and an extensive landscaping display. Boasting  extensive bricks, timber and blocks, it …

Builders merchants are being urged to get involved with the ‘Big Brew’ – a new national campaign to highlight the mental health crisis in the construction sector. The Big Brew will start on 1 October and will encourage tradespeople to connect and talk over a cuppa in a bid to …