News

Global demand for cement will fall this year for the first time in 25 years, according to Lafarge's chief executive.

Builders merchants across the UK are throwing themselves behind the Get Britain Building Campaign, encouraging their suppliers and customers to back the campaign and promoting it wherever they can.

An MP who is also a builders merchant is calling upon the government to cut VAT on housing maintenance and refurbishment to 5%.

Irish building materials giants CRH are believed to be considering becoming the partners of builders merchant group Wolseley in a joint venture for the latter's American arm, Stock Building Supplies.

Pre-tax profits at insulation and roofing materials group SIG fell by 73.4% to £33.1m on sales which were 24% ahead at £3bn.

Lintel manufacturers Catnic, part of steel maker Corus, have announced a number of trading agreements with merchants and builders.

Hundreds of people have lost their jobs after Shropshire-based building firm Wrekin Construction Group went into administration.

Purmo, the radiator people, have announced their sadness at the death of their colleague Peter Brooke, who died from a heart attack at the wheel of his car last month. He was 58.

The recession in construction has caused 33 jobs to be lost at the head office of Lincoln builders merchants Jackson Building Centres.

The rate at which UK house prices are falling increased in January, but not by as much as the Nationwide or Halifax figures, according to the government's house price index.