News

The UK construction sector saw its sharpest decline in more than five years in October, thanks to weakening order books, political uncertainty, and client caution. The latest data from the S&P Global UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index™ showed that total construction output contracted at the fastest rate since May 2020, …

A Birmingham-based builders merchant has opened a design centre featuring the largest accessible commercial brick display in Britain, and the biggest showcase of bricks in Europe. EH Smith Architectural Solutions, part of the EH Smith Group, has opened the landmark Digbeth Design Centre in a sensitively restored 150-year-old industrial building …

Travis Perkins, supplier of building materials to the building and construction industry, has supplied materials to a Remembrance tribute created by The Shepshed Community Poppy Project, a crocheting group in the East Midlands. The Shepshed Community Poppy Project saw more than 300 people come together over the last year to …

Renewables Centre, part of Wolseley Group, has launched a new Domestic Ventilation Systems course in partnership with NAPIT and ventilation manufacturer Airflow to support tradespeople working across heating, plumbing and electrical sectors. This new course equips installers with knowledge in installation, inspection, testing and airflow calculations, helping them deliver systems …

The UK construction products manufacturing industry gained little traction in the third quarter of 2025, according to the Construction Products Association’s latest State of Trade Survey. Whilst there was growth in sales volumes reported over the quarter for both heavy side and light side manufacturers, the survey shows that, on …

JPS has opened its new Glasgow AVAIL Housing Hub, supporting housing providers, contractors, and the wider community across Glasgow. The new hub, located in Unit 1, 221 Bernard Street, Glasgow, features a dedicated meeting space designed for use by customers, community partners, and third-sector organisations. In addition, George Boyd will begin …

ForgeFix, distributors of fixings, fasteners and associated products, has announced that it is working with Sheffield Wednesday FC’s Community Programme (SWFCCP) to help bring about greater opportunity and business experience for young people in the Sheffield area.  SWFCCP is the football club’s charitable arm, established to support the development of …

Buying Group NBG has rewarded its top suppliers and most engaged merchant Partners at its annual conference and awards, held this year at the Crowne Plaza in Glasgow.       The winners and highly commended companies are: Brick & Block Supplier of the Year: Forterra Building Products. Highly commended: …

The Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) and Heat Pump Association (HPA) have published updated guidance to help heating and plumbing professionals maintain safe, efficient and long-lasting heating and hot water systems in UK homes.  The document, ‘Maintaining a Healthy & Efficient Domestic Heating & Hot Water System’, was developed …

Toolstation continued its role as a leading award sponsor of the 2025 Young Builder of the Year Awards organised by Youthbuild UK. The Young Builder of the Year awards are an annual celebration of young people, between the age of 14-24 years old who, despite facing a range of challenges, …