News

Beesley & Fildes, the independent builder’s merchant with 11 branches across the North West, has opened a dedicated, one stop plumbing and heating department at its Widnes branch, the first of its kind to serve the area’s trade needs. The new facility incorporates clearly branded and signposted displays that easily …

 MKM, the independent builder’s merchant, is putting power to proactively improve a building’s energy performance into the hands of installers and consumers with the release of its own U-Value Calculator.    Users of the MKM U-Value Calculator, which helps to determine the rate of heat loss through a building’s envelope, …

Pitched roof tile manufacturer, Russell Roof Tiles, has invested over £3 million in the last two years in projects at its Lochmaben site that aim to increase its operational efficiencies, with a new ridge tile plant becoming the latest investment. The £750,000 major upgrade is taking place at the firm’s …

Forterra, is celebrating International Women’s Day (8th March) with HR Director, Shahbaz Idriss, who recently appeared in the Cranfield School of Management Women to Watch list. International Women’s Day recognises the achievements already made and the continued need to support women and underrepresented groups to have fairer opportunities. This year …

The Fareham branch of the independent distributor Encon and Nevill Long, is the latest to become a Fire Protection Centre, adding to the business’s growing network of fire protection branches. This latest development means nearly half of Encon’s nationwide branches are now dedicated centres, supporting customers on projects across the …

Builders reveal a very limited impact of consumer price inflation and rising cost of living on their current and future workload according to a survey by largest group of independent builders merchants in Southern England. The extensive survey by the Independent Builders Merchant Group, IBMG, of small to medium sized  builders reveals continued …

The BMF has confirmed that David Berry, Chairman of the Fortis Merchant Group and MD of C&W Berry, and Mike Ward, Territory Director UK and Ireland at Wavin will take part in the Industry Forum, at the BMF All Industry Conference, in Istanbul in June. An accountant by profession, David …

Following the announcement that Saint-Gobain Building Distribution UK has becomes part of STARK Group A/S, former CEO Mike Newnham has stepped down. Newnham has been replaced by John Carter. Carter has been working in the building materials merchant and distribution business for more than 40 years. He has worked his …

Construction industry charity CRASH recently took on a project with Ashgate Hospicecare in North Derbyshire. CRASH helped the hospice build a brand-new entrance to their Grade II listed building. The new entrance meant people with accessibility needs could attend the hospices day services, without having to pass via the in-patient …

Grafton had a successful year and is reporting a strong financial result ahead of market expectations.  Despite macro-economic challenges in its markets, the Group continued to perform well with operating profit close to last year’s record result against a less favourable market backdrop. Operational Highlights        Excellent performance in distribution businesses …