News

Two independent builders merchant and plumbers merchant buying groups  are to collaborate for a new marketing alliance to drive business and bring in more customers. The IPG, which supports independent plumbing stores and bathroom showrooms, and IBC, which represents independent builders’ merchants, will continue to serve their distinct member bases …

STARK Building Materials UK has announced that Dean Pinner has  joined the group as managing director (Contracts Division) for Frazer and Minster, having worked in the building materials supply industry for 35 years. Pinner has extensive leadership across supply chain, sales, and specification. he was mostly recently at the Travis …

Harlow Timber Group in Long Whatton hosted a constituency visit from Amanda Hack MP for North-West Leicestershire to demonstrate how the timber supply chain is evolving to support house-building and commercial development. Organised by the Builders Merchants Federation, the visit saw Hack welcomed by Harlow Timber Group managing director Neil …

Plumbers merchant group Wolseley Group is launching Renewables Centre, a new nationwide initiative to support heating professionals in the renewables market. Offering a fully integrated solution, Renewables Centre combines accredited training, MCS-certified design, installation support, and access to high-quality renewable products, all in one place.  It will operate as a …

Builders merchant Northern Building Plastics’ held a two-day trade event at its new Hemel Hempstead super depot last week (15-16 April ) with a range of suppliers putting on product demonstrations and advice sessions. The Hemel Hempstead super depot marks NBP’s first physical presence in the South of England and …

At present, the materials supply chain is functioning well and product availability is generally good, although several regions reported challenges with aircrete and insulation blocks and certain timber products, including CLS, carcassing and battens. That’s according to a statement made by the co-chairs of the Construction Leadership Council’s Material Supply Chain …

A brand-new Iveco van worth £30,000 was the first prize in a competition from merchant buying group H&B, in partnership with  key dry lining supplier Knauf Drywall. The promotion was available to all H&B  merchant members nationwide, including the Development Group. To qualify, H&B member customers had to spend a …

Sustainable wood-based panels manufacturer MEDITE SMARTPLY, has taken on the headline sponsorship and active participation in the 2025 Doddie’5 Lions Challenge – a 555-mile charity cycle across Ireland in support of the My Name’5 Doddie Foundation. Managing Director Chris King will take on the endurance challenge, riding alongside over 50 …

Rebecca Adlington OBE, Team GB’s successful female swimmer, will be the keynote speaker at the 2025 BMF All Industry Conference in June. Winning two gold medals on her Olympic debut in Beijing in 2008 at just 19 years old, Adlington also broke the world record for 800m.  She became the first …

The deadline for entry to the BMJ Industry Awards 2025  has been extended to MAY 12. You have just under two weeks to get your nominations and entries in for the only merchant awards programme that truly reflects the opinions of the industry, because it’s voted for by the people …