News

New Press Brake machine installed at Leeds Pland factory

ADDITIONAL PRESS BRAKE MACHINE INSTALLED AT PLAND FACTORY IN LEEDS

Stainless-steel product manufacturer, Pland Stainless, has invested in another Press Brake for its Leeds manufacturing facility. The new 3m machine now sits neatly alongside two existing Press Brake machines, a 4m and a 3m, which have been relocated to a new area on the shop floor to improve workflow. The …

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LKAB partners with Real Green Concrete

LKAB Minerals and Real Green Concrete have signed a strategic partnership agreement focused on developing and scaling cement-free concrete solutions using OPC-free binder technology and materials produced in the UK.

LKAB Minerals and Real Green Concrete have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), establishing a strategic partnership focused the development and supply of low-carbon, cement-free concrete solutions. With the industry working towards carbon-neutral concrete by 2050, this partnership will explore and develop solutions that help remove reliance on OPC while …

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BMJ Industry Awards 2026 – VOTING IS OPEN

BMJ Industry Awards

The BMJ Industry Awards 2026 – the only merchanting awards that is decided by a popular vote – is now open for voting. The nominations and entries have been checked and verified, and the online voting portal can be accessed here. The industry is invited to make its choice from …

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Grant Celebrates 30th Anniversary with 90s Roadshow

Grant UK celebrates 30th anniversary

Following the company’s official birthday in May, Grant UK is holding a 90s themed 30th Anniversary Celebrations Roadshow  throughout June, July and August. Two display vans will be visiting merchant branches throughout England, Scotland and Wales. Grant UK’s Sales Team aim to bring 90s nostalgia to the doorsteps of lots of customers. …

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MRA reports positive outlook for UK decking market

MRA reports positive outlook for UK decking market

A new report by MRA Building Market Reports estimates the value of the UK market for decking materials at £174m in 2025, at Manufacturers’ Selling Prices (MSP). This is a substantial increase compared to its pre-pandemic level. Following an inevitable spike in demand in the early stages of the pandemic, …

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PHMI reports sales drift down in Q1

PHMI

Figures published by the BMF (Builders Merchants Federation) in the Plumbing and Heating Merchants Index (PHMI) have highlighted the impact of price and volume on overall sales value in the first quarter of 2026. Total value sales in Q1 2026 were marginally lower than in Q1 2025 at -0.1% as …

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BMBI reports challenging conditions in Q1

BMBI

Sales figures released in the latest BMF Builders Merchants Building Index (BMBI) have reported falling sales in the first quarter of 2026, leading to a downward revision of growth forecasts for the coming year. Year-on-year total value sales in Q1 2026 declined by -3.2% compared with Q1 2025, with no difference …

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STARK UK launches real-time delivery update service

STARK Building Materials UK (STARK UK) has launched a digital delivery tracking service, providing real-time updates on orders.

STARK Building Materials UK (STARK UK) has launched a digital delivery tracking service, providing real-time updates on orders. Launched as part of STARK UK’s ‘trusted deliveries’ strategy, the new service informs customers of a two-hour delivery window before sending a second update, narrowing it to a one-hour slot, with a …

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Construction manufacturers report ‘sharp decline’ in sales

brick stocks

Manufacturers supplying the construction sector have been hit by a sharp decline in sales, according to new research published by inventory management specialist Unleashed. The latest quarterly Manufacturing Health Index report, based on data from more than 600 UK firms, highlighted that small and mid-sized firms in the category saw …

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PHG crowns supplier winners

PHG Supplier Awards Group Image

Ideal Heating was the overall winner of at the PHG Plumbing Heating Group Annual Supplier Awards held at Carden Park Hotel in Chester on May 21 2026. The event brought together 268 guests from the plumbing, heating and bathroom sector, including 199 supplier representatives and 63 PHG representatives. PHG now …

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