Construction charity Band of Builders has completed its 50th project, on its 10th anniversary, in partnership with trade kitchen supplier Howdens. More than 30 volunteer tradespeople from Band of Builders (BoB) helped renovate the home of Ipswich builder James House and his family. House had built the exterior shell of the two-storey …
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After 67 years of service, working for four generations of the same family, Barry Loughran has retired from A. Perry Ltd at the age of 82, having joined as a factory apprentice in 1959. Loughran rose to become a factory supervisor, a role he held for many years. At 65 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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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 …
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