News

BMF: Spring budget “missed opportunity to get Britain building”

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The Builder’s Merchant Federation’s (BMF) CEO, John Newcomb, has expressed his disappointment with the chancellor’s Spring budget. He explained that the budget is a “missed opportunity to get Britain building again”, and is designed to buy short term electronical support as opposed to promoting the long-term economic success of the …

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IBC celebrates achievements

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Builders merchant buying group IBC held its biennial member and supplier awards and exhibition at the end of last month, with Mannok and Toolbank taking home the two supplier awards, and Pay;less DIY picking up the top member prize. Held at the Whittlebury Hall Hotel near Silverstone, venue for the …

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Building manufacturers on stronger footing for 2024

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Building and construction manufacturers have rebounded from the supply chain challenges of 2022, with a jump in profitability – according to the latest Manufacturers’ Health Index. The report stated that manufacturers generated £2.51 for every pound invested in inventory, up from £1.80 in the previous quarter. Like most of the …

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Selco relaunches £12k community giveaway

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Selco Builders Warehouse has announced its re-launch of its popular Community Heroes competition; the merchant awards communities and charities with the chance to improve their facilities by winning a share of a £10,000 prize. It is the fourth time the leading builder’s merchant has supported good causes across the country …

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Former BBC journalist takes hotseat at BMF Conference

Justin Webb

The Builders Merchant Federation (BMF) has announced Justin Webb will share his insights on the political landscapes of the UK and America at the BMF Annual Conference, which takes place in September. As a former BBC North America editor, and the first British journalist to be granted a full television …

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Weak market conditions slash Travis Perkins profits

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Builders merchant group Travis Perkins posted a slight drop in revenue and a slump in operating profits for the year ending December 31 2023, a financial period described as “a challenging year in weak market conditions”. The unaudited full-year results, released this morning (March 5) show overall sales down 2.7% to £4.86bn, with operating profits …

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Dulux Academy trains 299 across National Apprenticeship Week

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Dulux Academy trained an impressive 299 apprentices across this year’s National Apprenticeship Week. It designed four, free, bespoke online workshops which specifically align with this year’s National Apprenticeship Week theme ‘Skills For Life’, to provide apprentices with valuable skills and knowledge to further their careers and help futureproof the industry. …

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BMF appoints new chair of Transport and Distribution Forum

Alan Harvey

Alan Harvey, group transport director for Harlow Timber Group has been appointed as sector chair of the BMF’s Transport and Distribution Forum. Harvey began his career in 1985 joining the British Army’s Royal Corps of Transport, which became the Royal Logistics Corps in 1993.  Over his 25-year career in the …

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Siniat achieves CCPI mark

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Lightweight construction manufacturer, Siniat, has announced that four of its product sets have been verified by the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) mark. It explained that its partition systems with 30, 60, 90 and 120 minutes of fire resistance have been verified against the CCPI, which was developed by …

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Peter Shilton to open MKM’s 125th branch

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MKM Building Supplies has announced it is opening its 125th branch, in Colchester, Essex; its branch will open in March and will create 20 jobs. The branch, which will be opened by former England goalkeeper Peter Shilton, will be headed up by branch directors Neil Robinson and Shaun Webb, both …

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