Tag Archives: merchants

The building materials sector has committed to developing future talent with the launch of the Maddie Rose Foundation, the industry-led charity designed to support young people seeking rewarding careers across merchanting and manufacturing. Officially unveiled during the Maddie Rose Yellow Tie Dinner on 28th May, the Foundation represents the next …

Tradeaze founder Jack Hopkins talks to Fiona Russell Horne about how he scaled up from delivery by bike to raising £3m and scaling 3,000 drivers. From bike courier to national platform, Jack Hopkins is aiming to reshape how builders’ merchants approach their delivery options. Tradeaze, the on-demand delivery platform for …

The BMJ Industry Awards 2026 – the only merchanting awards that is decided by a popular vote – is now open for voting. The nominations and entries have been checked and verified, and the online voting portal can be accessed here. The industry is invited to make its choice from …

Andrew Lenton, Director of Business Development at Pipe Centre, explores the changing role of merchants in supporting contractors and SMEs to deliver more efficient, lower-carbon outcomes through better repair and maintenance practices. As the construction and building services industry continues to evolve in line with decarbonisation goals, contractors and facilities …

The deadline to enter the 2026 BMJ Industry Awards is closing this Friday. To be in with a chance of winning one of the most sought-after awards this September, go to www.bmjindustryawards/enter and nominate your choices now. It’s the easiest thing to do; there are no lengthy submissions statements required, …

The pace of business has increased rapidly, and the need for vigilant, yet speedy and accurate credit checks has kept up. Fiona Russell Horne looks at one option for merchants. Builders’ merchants have long been thought of as the industry bankers. Customers open up credit accounts and take their goods …

Hand tool manufacturer KNIPEX has released new research on what plumbers want from merchants. The findings, pulled together from surveys, focus groups and merchant visits across the UK, claim 61% of plumbers say quality is their main priority, with just 9% putting price first. The research also highlights that trade …

Claire Rotheram, founder, Out-Do Marketing When the construction and merchant sectors face pressure, many companies pull back on visibility. But a quiet brand doesn’t sell. And in a marketplace defined by noise, uncertainty, and fierce competition, one agency continues to prove that strategic marketing isn’t a cost – it’s the …

What happened down in the dungeons between you and Professor Quirrell is a complete secret, so, naturally, the whole school knows. This is an industry that prides itself on the strength of its relationships. On the close working relationships between merchants and other merchants, between suppliers and other suppliers – …

Who seeks, and will not take, when once ’tis offer’d, Shall never find it more I bought a new kettle and toaster the other day. Bear with me, gentle readers, for this will, I promise become relevant. When the existing one decided to die after three years – falling, of …