News

Independent Kent builders merchant Youngs Timber and Builders Merchants, has invested in new delivery vehicles that are greener, more versatile and efficient than ever before, as part of the company’s plans for further growth of its operations. Family owned- and run Youngs has depots at Dymchurch, Biddenden, and Folkestonea and …

More timber was imported to the UK in the first quarter of 2021 than at any time since before the financial crash, according to the latest Timber Trade Federation statistics. Q1 2021 solid timber and panel product import volumes were 23% higher than Q1 2020, nearing almost 3 million cu …

Bathroom distributor Ideal Bathrooms has increased its available warehouse space after moving to a new site. The company will remain on the Wakefield 41 Industrial Estate, in West Yorkshire, but in a new distribution centre that is 18,000sq ft larger than its former site. The move will help the firm …

Robert Sansom, chairman of Nottingham-based independent merchant group Frank Key, has announced his decision to retire after more than 50 years in the industry. The management team, comprising of Sansom’s eldest daughter, Victoria, son, Ben, son-in-law, Richard Meeks, and James Norton, Group managing director, will collectively lead the business forward.  …

Specialist civils merchant Jewson Civils Frazer has opened a new branch in Buckley, North Wales. On Pinfold Industrial Estate, the new location is next-door to sister company Minster, the specialist insulation, dry lining, partitions, roofing and ceilings solutions distributor and builders’ merchant Jewson. The co-existence of the three businesses in …

Three leading figures from different parts of the building materials industry will come together in an Industry Forum at the BMF Young Merchant Conference at the NEC, Birmingham on 6 October. Shanker Patel, CEO of the Lords Group of Companies, Krystal Williams, managing director of Pavestone, and Edwin de Silva …

Four out of 10 Travis Perkins branches don’t have sufficient cement to supply their customer demands. That’s according to chief operating officer Frank Elkins, who told Construction News that cement shortages were unlikely to ease before the end of the year. With lead times on bagged cement extended from around …

Plumbing, heating and bathrooms membership groupThe IPG has welcomed its 200th Member – Thompson & Leigh. Glenn Fisher,  IPG’s managing director said: “It’s encouraging to see new members joining the group on a regular basis, in reaching our 200th member we are demonstrating our commitment to the great British independent business. …

Adam Wolniewicz, from the Chichester depot of builders and timber merchant Covers is aiming to raise £2,000 for charity by playing 72 holes of golf during the longest day of the year – Monday 21st June. With two friends, Anthony Hill and Tommy Hill, Wolniewicz will be walking more than …

Building products manufacturer Forterra has created a short film about the tireless work of its London Brick archivist, Andrew Mortlock. Mortlock, who, prior to becoming the archivist,  completed 45 years of service for the company after starting as a messenger in 1967, is one of four generations of his family …