News

Independent family- run plumbing and heating merchant Beggs & Partners, headquartered in Northern Ireland, has bought the Just Add Water bathroom showrooms in Barnet and Buckhurst Hill, along with the former Fayers Plumbing & Building Supplies operations at both locations. The company said the move strengthens its position as a leading …

Plumbers merchant UK Plumbing Supplies has bought the Enfield branch of North London-based 140-year old building and plumbing merchant Fayers Plumbing & Building Supplies after the latter entered administration. The joint administrators of Fayers are Sarah Cook and Andy John of FRP Advisory Trading Limited. The  plumbing, heating, sanitaryware, and …

Builders merchant Lawsons Group has called on the government to introduce Fair Tax Mark accreditation as a requirement for all companies bidding on public sector construction and housebuilding contracts. The call comes as the £180m-turnover business secures reaccreditation with the Fair Tax Mark, an independent certification recognising organisations committed to …

Steel reuse experts Cleveland Steel & Tubes (CST) have released a new guide designed to make it easier for builders’ merchants to supply reused steel. The free booklet provides a practical guide on how to specify reused steel, how to ensure it complies with relevant building regulations, and even offers …

Wolseley has launched RenewablesPro, a free support system for installers working in renewables. Available from June 23, the new service is part of Wolseley’s Renewables Centre and is designed to support installers beyond their initial training, so they can take on renewables work with more confidence. RenewablesPro offers instant quoting, …

Plasterboard manufacturer  Knauf UK & Ireland has set up a new partnership with Reconomy Connect to enhance its plasterboard take-back service and manage plasterboard waste. Plasterboard is highly recyclable, with both its gypsum core and paper layers capable of being reprocessed. Despite this, plasterboard waste on construction sites often exceeds …

Two builders merchants have had employment cases relating to non-compete clauses heard at the High Court. Stark Building Materials was successful in its claim against a former procurement executive who joined rival MKM. However, Huws Gray  failed in its attempt to get a judge to enforce a six‑month non‑compete clause …

Howarth Timber & Building Supplies has been named as one of The Sunday Times Best Places to Work 2026, in partnership with WorkL. The annual awards celebrate organisations that excel in employee experience, highlighting businesses that have demonstrate high levels of workplace satisfaction, inclusivity, professional development, and leadership. The award …

Robert Price Builders’ Merchants has announced the acquisition of the business assets of Philip Jones Timber Products. Founded in 2003, Philip Jones Timber Products is a supplier of bespoke timber products throughout Blaenau Gwent and the wider South Wales region. The business will continue operating from its sawmill and yard …

It’s back! The Pavestone Rally 2027 has officially launched, and is open for entry. Arguably, the building materials industry’s most fun fundraising event, the Pavestone Rally 2027  takes place from 8th – 13th September 2027. It starts in Paris and ends in Ljubljana, Slovenia, via Geneva, Locarno and Bolzano. The …