News

After a hard-fought battle on social media, farmers have been declared Swarfega’s Toughest Trade for the third time, with farmer Andy Ransome emerging as the 2023 winner. The competition, launched in February, invited tradespeople from across the country to submit photos of their most challenging tasks for a chance to …

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has written to the Mayor of London expressing its concern that Greater London may become a no- go area for many SME builders and other trades following the introduction of the expanded ULEZ zone in August. The Ultra-Low Emission Zone is set to be expanded …

Alsford Timber Ltd, the South East based Timber and Builder’s Merchant, has announced a major investment in its branding, which includes a new logo, website address, marketing materials plus fleet and service updates. The investment in their 19-branch estate, and production mill at their Erith Head Office, reflects the company’s …

 New research into water leak insurance claims, which cost UK insurers £2.5 million a day, has revealed how the increased use of plastic push-fit pipework is one of the most common causes for claims. The research, published by the Copper Sustainability Partnership (CuSP) and the Alliance for Sustainable Building Products …

The new BMJ app is now available for download via the App Store or Google Play. Simply search ‘Builders Merchants Journal’, click download and you will have access to every issue of the magazine delivered straight to your IOS or Android device. With fast page navigation and an enhanced reading …

The 2023 BMJ Industry Awards is the only merchant industry awards where the winners are decided by the industry itself. To ensure that everyone gets a chance to enter, we have extended the deadline for entries until the end of April. It’s really easy to enter. Simply go to the …

More than 40,000 colour options – and almost 200 different types of paint – are now available for same-day delivery across London, after leading decorating and DIY specialist Leyland SDM partnered with Gophr. Painters and decorators now have access to an astonishing array of colours and finishes, available within just …

Training and employee development were high on the agenda when Secretary of State for Work and Pensions Mel Stride MP visited Bradfords Building Supplies’ Moretonhampstead branch on Friday. The MP for Central Devon learned how the builder’s merchant continues to invest in and develop its people, having first started operating …

RGB Building Supplies has selected Children’s Hospice South West as its charity partner for 2023-24, and will be organising branch-wide fundraising events throughout the next 12 months. Children’s Hospice South West, founded in 1991, provides care for children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their families, including respite and …

Timber importers, builders and plumbers merchant Haldane Group has appointed Peter Hindle MBE to the position of Regional Chairman at the company’s operations in England and the Isle of Man. Hindle’s four decades’ experience in the merchant industry  include Managing Director of Jewson, CEO and General Delegate of Saint-Gobain in …