News

The latest figures from the Plumbing & Heating Merchant Index (PHMI) report, produced by MRA Research, show adjusted like-for-like value sales for May 2026 through specialist plumbing and heating merchants were up +1.3% compared to May 2025. Like-for-like volume sales were down -8.0%, while prices increased +10.1% year-on-year. With one less …

The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report, published by MRA Research in July, shows May 2026’s total like-for-like value sales (adjusted for trading days) were essentially flat, at -0.1% lower than May 2025. Like-for-like value sales were down -1.2% compared to the previous 12-month period (June 2024 to May …

Yesterday the Government announced policy reforms to promote technical skills training as part of the education system. Huws Gray CFO Jon White was interviewed on BBC Radio 4’s Today Programme, and discussed how Government support can provide more career opportunities within the construction industry. White proposed reforms to the Apprenticeship …

Selco Builders Warehouse has announced Noah’s Star as the third finalist of its 2026 Community Heroes initiative. The nomination recognises the charity’s dedication and support for families of prematurely born and sick babies across Birmingham. The charity was selected from amongst the applications from June by a panel including celebrity judge …

Hannah Spencer, MP for Gorton and Denton, visited Henshaws Roofing & Building Supplies in Denton, their third branch in Greater Manchester, as part of the BMF’s industry and parliament programme. Spencer was welcomed by marketing manager Rachel Shelley, branch manager Kevin Doyle and Brett Amphlett from the Builders Merchants Federation. …

FM Mattsson Group has entered into an agreement to acquire Bristan Group Limited. The acquisition of the brassware supplier complements the FM Mattsson Group’s existing UK and Ireland business Aqualla, strengthening their position in consumer-led bathroom products. Fredrik Skarp, CEO of FM Mattsson Group, comments; “The acquisition of Bristan is …

Six independent builders merchants have been nominated for this year’s BMF  Merchant Engagement Award. The shortlisted companies are Bradfords Building Supplies, EH Smith, Harlow Timber Group, IBMG, MGM (Timber) Scotland, and Tippers. The award highlights and celebrates merchant companies that are helping to drive the industry forward through their sector …

Bradfords Building Supplies CEO, David Young, has welcomed Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s proposed plans to place greater emphasis on technical education. The plans propose courses linked to local industries, apprenticeships and vocational routes aimed at tackling skills shortages and reducing the number of young people not in education, employment or …

Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s housing ambition must be matched by supply chain resilience, according to a recent comment from Huws Gray Partnership Solutions. Managing director Lyndon Johnson outlined the businesses hopes for Burnham’s premiership, looking at the supply chain infrastructure needed to realise his ambition of supercharging the building of …

Builders merchant Travis Perkins has celebrated with one of its colleagues who has 60 years with the business under his belt. Jim McCarty started working for the company in July 1966 as a 16-year-old and he still works full-time at Travis Perkins’ Trowbridge branch. The company he joined was independent …