News

Ibstock begins operations at Yorkshire facility

Ibstock's new £50m Horizon Ceramic Façade Manufacturing Facility.

Ibstock’s new £50m Horizon Ceramic Façade manufacturing facility, located on their Nostell site in West Yorkshire, is now moving into the second phase, progressing from a construction site into formal commissioning. This marks the beginning of operations at the ceramic façade manufacturing facility, with Ibstock aiming to continue to ramp …

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Samsung Climate Solutions opens Chertsey training facility

Samsung Climate Solutions newest training facility in Chertsey

Samsung Climate Solutions has opened its newest training facility in Chertsey, catering to installers and merchants in the south of the country, complementing their Manchester Training Centre which opened in 2024. Samsung is aiming to train around 1,000 installers at its Surrey centre over the next year, expanding its training …

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NMBS looks back on the fall of Troy

nmbs 1

When major UK buying group Troy (UK) Limited went into administration six months ago, NMBS stepped forward to offer immediate support to both independent merchants and suppliers within Troy’s member community. Since then, 159 of Troy’s members have now successfully moved to NMBS. Almost 140 former Troy suppliers have now …

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New BMF Report sets the standard

New BMF Report Sets the Standard

The Builders Merchant Branch of the Future, a comprehensive report sponsored by the Builders Merchants Federation, is designed to set new standards for the trade customer experience for the next decade. The report, written by industry expert Steve Collinge, is co-sponsored by the BMF and the global strategy consulting firm …

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Jewson supports community outreach strategy

Jewson, part of the STARK group, is supporting local communities across its nationwide branch network.

Builders merchant Jewson, part of the STARK group, is supporting local communities across its nationwide branch network, donating vital funds and resources to initiatives around the UK. Jewson Croydon recently sponsored a new playground installation at Quest Primary School, and Jewson Aylesbury supported apprentices at Aylesbury College, kitting them out …

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Crown Paints lists ‘Britain’s most valuable buildings’

Crown Paints launches campaign to save UK community centres

In the lead up to World Mental Health Day on October 10, Crown Paints is highlighting five community centres, as part of a call for urgent investment to stop closures of these vital mental health lifelines. It comes as a nationwide survey of 2,000 adults revealed that over a third …

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Plumbing volumes down but prices up in July, says PHMI

PHMI July 2025 Report

The latest figures from the Plumbing & Heating Merchant Index (PHMI) report show total value sales for July 2025 through specialist plumbing and heating merchants were up +4.1% compared to July 2024. Volume sales dropped -2.1%, while prices rose +6.3% year-on-year. There was no difference in trading days. Month-on-month, July …

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MKM agrees 10-year lease extension at Hull

MKM agrees 10-year lease extension at Hull

MKM, the builders’ merchant celebrating its 30th birthday this year, has secured a 10-year lease extension on its site on Stoneferry Road, Hull. The agreement extends MKM’s total lease commitment at the 3.6-acre site to 21 years, underlining the critical role the site plays, including acting as the company’s central …

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Murdock Builders Merchants adds first Home Centre

Murdock Home Centre

Northern Irish builders merchant Murdock Builders Merchants has opened its first Murdock Home Centre at The Junction, Antrim. The Home Centre combines a full-service builders merchants branch with a retail-focused space for DIY enthusiasts and homeowners. The project has created 22 new jobs in the local area, and brings an …

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Stelrad awarded Ecovadis Gold Medal

Stelrad awarded Ecovadis Gold Medal

Radiator manufacturer Stelrad Radiators has been awarded a Gold Medal in the 2025 EcoVadis assessment. The EcoVadis Platform is designed to enable companies to manage their ESG – environmental, social, governance risks and drive impacts by guiding the sustainability of companies and supply chains. Participant companies can assess their performance …

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