News

A major new charity initiative for the construction industry, Race for Change, has officially opened for entries. Focused on the twin themes of inclusivity and global water scarcity, the event will see 20 teams compete in a unique four-day race across Europe in June 2026,  all in support of vital …

Construction activity is likely to contract 2.5% in 2026, according to the Construction Products Association. Unsurprisingly, much of this is down to the current conflict in the Middle East and its potential impacts on the UK economy and construction industry. The CPA’s latest set of forecasts, released this morning (May …

Builders merchants Collier & Catchpole has launched Collier Hire, a tool hire service built for the trade & DIY. As part of this new service, the merchant has expanded its team with two new team members; hire manager Ben Moor and tool fitter Mike Reid. The new service includes ground …

Trade kitchen supplier Howdens has launched a new group apprenticeship programme for kitchen sales designers across major UK cities including Leeds, Newcastle, Sheffield, Liverpool and Manchester. Apprentices will learn as part of their regional cohort and will join classroom sessions, with direct learning from Howdens experts including lead kitchen sales …

MP for Bradford East, Imran Hussain, visited Joseph Parr in Broomfields as part of the BMF’s ongoing industry and parliament programme. Touring the 2-acre site on Manchester Road, the former deputy leader of Bradford Council was welcomed by managing director Michael Beaumont, branch manager Jack Morris and Brett Amphlett from …

Builders merchant Jewson is set to launch its new Alnwick branch this May. The new site at Lionheart Enterprise Park South, opening May 4, features a drive-in loading bay, an extended range of timber products stored undercover, a dedicated bathroom selection centre, paint-mixing facilities and a bigger product range than ever …

The latest figures from the Plumbing & Heating Merchant Index (PHMI) report, published by MRA Research, show like-for-like value sales (adjusted to remove the impact of trading days) for February 2026 through specialist plumbing and heating merchants were -0.4% lower than the same month in 2025. Like-for-like volume sales were …

The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report, produced by MRA research,  shows February’s total like-for-like value sales (adjusted to remove the effect of trading days) were -4.3% lower than the same month in 2025. With no difference in trading days, total unadjusted value sales were also -4.3% lower, with …

Bathroom distributor PJH has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Macmillan Cancer Support through 2026 following another year of staff fundraising. In 2025, PJH colleagues raised £8,077 through a variety of charity initiatives, with the company matching the total, bringing the overall contribution to £16,154. Building on this momentum, PJH has …

Kitchen specialist Magnet has joined the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF). Earlier this year, the company transitioned to a standalone UK business under new ownership, a move set to aid the expansion of its B2B partnerships. BMF CEO John Newcomb, said: “We are delighted to welcome Magnet to the BMF.  We …