News

The Energy Savings Trust has sent out all 125,000 vouchers to householders under the English Boiler Scrappage Scheme which launched in January. The scheme has now closed to new applicants.

A year after it closed Trade Depot, B&Q parent Kingfisher plc is investing £26m in a new trade-focused operation.

Independent builders merchants buying group, National Buying Group LLP, has launched a bespoke, multi-business, electronic trading hub.

Tool hire firms, including branches of builders merchants Jewson and Travis Perkins, have been forced to remove DIY equipment from their shelves after an investigation revealed safety faults in more than half the items hired.

Cortexa, the provider of electronic training for the builders merchant industry has launched an e-learning package for the Boiler Scrappage Scheme.

Independent builders merchant buying group Cemco Merchant Network has awarded Hanson Cement as supplier of the year 2009.

Kingfisher increased sales and profits thanks to showroom sales at its B&Q subsidiary and the trialling of a new format

Chancellor Alistair Darling's decision to cut stamp duty for two years for most first-time buyers in his last Budget before a general election has been largely welcomed by many in the construction industry.

The Chancellor's last Budget before the election contained few surprises, either good or bad. Below is a summary of the announcements.

The Construction Products Association described today's Budget as 'overtly political', while the Federation of Master Builders is disappointed it didn't adequately deal with the lack of mortgage finance.