News

Air conditioning manufacturer Daikin welcomed 45 Year 5 pupils from Meadow Green Primary School in Wythall to its Birmingham Training Academy on July 13, giving the children a chance to explore science and engineering outside the classroom. The visit is part of Daikin’s commitment to supporting education and building stronger connections …

Building materials distribution conglomerate SIG wants to improve its operating profits to £50m by the second half of 2008. It plans to save £100m via a combination of business simplification, disposals, business improvement and working capital optimisation efficiency drive as the market continues to struggle. In a trading update the …

The BMF (Builders Merchants Federation) has been shortlisted for the Best Trade Association Award for the second consecutive year in the Memcom Excellence Awards. The Memcom Awards recognise innovation and creativity in UK Trade Associations and Professional Membership Organisations. Best Trade Association is one of two Memcom category nominations the …

New findings from Workhouse Creative Agency’s Built for the Trade report has revealed that much of today’s trade marketing is failing to connect with audiences. The report found that 86% of tradespeople say brand content can influence purchasing decisions, but only half believe brands are getting it right. The research, …

Drainage and water supply manufacturer Polypipe Building Services has donated materials to Valley Invicta Primary School in Aylesford to help reinvigorate its playground. The donated pipes and pallets were used to create interactive water features for the children, responding to the school’s wider fundraising initiative to improve its play facilities. …

MRA Building Market Reports (MRA Reports) has published its latest update on the general builders’ merchant market. The UK Builders’ Merchants Pulse & Forecasts report includes a quarterly Pulse survey of builders’ merchant confidence, sales expectations and issues, which found that merchants’ biggest problem in Q2 2026 was supplier price rises, …

Rising fuel, labour and operating costs across the logistics sector risk creating renewed inflationary pressures that could feed through to businesses and consumers according to new analysis from Logistics UK.  The warning comes as the business group publishes its annual Manager’s Guide to Distribution Costs 2026, which shows vehicle operating costs …

Independent south-east builders merchant Lawsons Group delivered a ‘resilient performance’ in the six-months to December 31 2025, it was revealed today (July 15). It was the first such announcement since the group changed its ownership structure in March, by transferring a majority shareholding in the business to the newly established …

A strike by workers at a Northern Irish builders merchant has ended after the company, Haldane Fisher in Newry, and the Unite union agreed terms. According to the BBC, around 40 staff at the Carnbane premises had been on strike for the past five weeks. In a statement, a spokesperson …

Civil engineering product manufacturer Wrekin, alongside its subdivision Geoworks, has opened a new customer experience centre. The Civils Hub, adjacent to Wrekin and Geoworks’ headquarters in Lichfield, offers users an opportunity to get hands-on with a full range of ductile iron, steel and geosynthetic products. As well as displays that …