Also in the News...

• UK best young plumbers urged to pipe up

  The HIP Apprentice of the Year competition kicks off in the new year and plumbing students are being asked to get their entries in now.

• CEMEX introduces non-tipping trailers for clay supply

  Building materials supplier CEMEX has partnered with BMD Transport to introduce trucks with non-tipping belt trailers on its clay supply route between Southam Quarry and Rugby Cement Plant. 

• BMF KPI Report shows industry’s resilience to political uncertainty

  The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has published its latest Key Performance Indicators Report, which provides a benchmark for trading performance in the UK independent builders merchants sector over the 12 months ending April 2019.

• MKM optimises customer service capabilities with bespoke Dunlop training

  Branch staff and customers from MKM Builders Merchants recently joined forces to soak up a day’s training at Dunlop’s industry renowned Innovation and Technology Centre (ITC) in Stoke-on-Trent.

• Dickies bows to the trades

  The workwear brand Dickies has launched a campaign celebrating the passion and skills of tradespeople who inspire others with their dedication and ingenuity.

• Elliotts team to cycle across France for local children’s hospice

  A team of 11 members of Elliotts Builders Merchant's staff is getting ready to tackle a 640-mile cycle ride across France to raise money for Naomi’s House and Jacksplace.

• Thompson & Parkes opens new DIY retail shop in Stourport

  Long-established local business, Thompson & Parkes, has launched its first retail shop serving the DIY market in Stourport.

• MP "keen that merchants play their part" in better housing after branch visit

  MP for Bury St Edmunds, Jo Churchill, saw first-hand how the building materials industry can play a key role in delivering new homes for the area.

• Record revenue for 150 year old firm

  Builders Merchant JT Dove has neared the £60m milestone in revenue and is celebrating its 150th year in business.

• Tools for young Africans to build the future

  RGB Building Supplies and Devon-based charity Amigos have received a very positive response to their appeal for donations of preloved tools. These will go on to help young Africans lift themselves and their families out of poverty.

• Survey shows North-South damp divide

  A poll of tenanted households, conducted by YouGov on behalf of Safeguard Europe has revealed that renters living in the South are more likely to encounter damp and mould in their homes than those living in the North.

• Stockgap goes greener and saves money

  Stockgap has implemented a new recycling policy that means none of its waste goes to landfill.

• Survey reveals bad state of nation's boilers ahead of Gas Safety Week

  A survey conducted for boiler manufacturer Worcester Bosch reveals the lack of regular maintenance and servicing by much of the UK's boilers.

• NMBS announces exclusive Conference activities

  The National Merchant Buying Society (NMBS) has announced the array of social activities that will be available to delegates at next year's All-Industry Conference in Sorrento, Italy.

• What’s App-ening at the BMF Annual Conference?

  For the first time, this year delegates will have access to a great networking tool that will help them to maximise their time at the BMF’s Annual Members’ Conference.

• Essex plumber triumphs in nationwide competition

  Martin Warnes, from Essex, has been crowned the 2019 UK Plumber of the Year.