News

Building materials distributor, Harris & Bailey, has introduced Podfather logistics software to boost its customer service levels. The distributor seeks to reduce its environmental impact and improve operational efficiency including route planning and optimisation tools and electronic Proof of Delivery features. Podfather has already enabled a reduction in paper usage …

Trade kitchen supplier Howdens has opened a new depot in London’s Waterloo Located at Howdens, Arches 149-152, Newport Street, London, SE11 6AQ, the new opening has created five new local jobs, and includes services such as the company’s free home measure and design service, Template and Fit solid surface worktops …

National Plastics has Launched its ‘Butty & Brew Trade Tour’, offering free breakfast for Tradespeople across the UK Taking place from 7:30am -10:30am, the Butty & Brew catering van will be stationed outside National Plastics branches in Ilkeston, Scunthorpe and Chester, offering local trades a free breakfast and hot drink for …

  Data Yard, the industry-owned data pool established by BMF and NMBS, has marked its first anniversary with the announcement of its 11th shareholder, MKM Building Supplies. Data Yard’s mission is to streamline the sharing of product information between suppliers and merchants by providing a centralised, secure platform that improves …

Independent builders merchant buying group NBG has announced the appointment of Chris Hayward as its new Non‑Executive Chair from 1st July 2026. As former CEO of NMBS, Hayward has been a long‑standing supporter of the independent merchant community and will bring deep sector knowledge, strategic insight and a highly collaborative …

South London Travis Perkins branch manager, Richard Galloway, is taking on the almost 1,000-mile cycle from Land’s End to John o’Groats over two weeks to raise money for Alzheimer’s Society. The 59-year-old has been working at Travis Perkins for the last 28 years in various positions, and is a keen …

Roofing provider BMI UK & Ireland, has reinforced its flat roofing division, introducing enhanced support for the distribution sector. The new team structure provides increased focus and resources for flat roofing, ensuring expertise is dedicated specifically to the sector. This renewed focus is designed to improve education, consistency, and product …

Builders merchant Jewson, part of the STARK group, has launched a petition to get Britain’s building and into positive economic growth. The petition, #LetsGetBritainBuildingNOW, calls on the government to; provide financial incentives for people to buy or improve their homes, implement a simpler planning consent process, and incentivise careers in …

Timber supplier Premier Forest Products has confirmed the full relaunch of the National Timber Systems (NTS) Sheffield manufacturing site, following its acquisition of NTS out of administration at the end of 2025. The temporary shutdown of the 25,000 sq ft facility has enabled an operational reset at the Sheffield site, …

Family shareholders of Lawsons Group have transferred 51% of Lawsons Holdings Limited into an independent ethical trust, as a gift with no cash consideration. The gift has been made by chairman John Lawson, 93, who has led the business for 70 years and who previously held a 50% shareholding. Founded …