Introduction: Meeting the challenge

Advertisers increasingly demand positive proof of publishers' claims and reject unsubstantiated hype and rhetoric. They want the facts.

Companies placing advertising demand that a magazines' editorial is qualitative, relevant and has variety and depth.

They want topical news stories, technical articles, business and financial reports, legal viewpoints and full details of manufacturers' products and merchants support services.

They require proof that the publication is circulated to their prospective merchant stockist/distributor customers and they want proof that it is read by them.

They want the highest Audit Bureau of Circulations PROFILE audit certification, regular monthly issues and a track record of research, development and success in a changing and still challenging market.

They also want to promote their products and services in a successful magazine. The facts and figures clearly prove that only Builders' Merchants News can satisfy all advertisers' demands.

Summary of Media Facts

Fact. Builders' Merchants News including supplements published the equivalent of 772 pages A4 equivalent editorial pages during the period January 2007 to December 2007 214.75 pages (+38.5%) more than its nearest competitor.

Fact. Builders' Merchants News according to independently assessed research, was the first choice magazine for readers in all types of merchants and at all levels of decision making.

Fact. Builders' Merchants News has been awarded the prestigious Audit Bureau of Circulations ABC PROFILE certificate. (July 2006 to June 2007)

Fact. Builders' Merchants News published 489 A4 equivalent display advertising pages during the period January 2007 to December 2007. 170.25 (53.4%) more than its nearest competitor.

Fact. Builders' Merchants News published 14592 s.c.c, + of semi display advertising which represted a market share of 68% during the period January 2007 to December 2007.

Fact. Builders' Merchants News published 5619 s.c.c, of recruitment advertising placed in builders merchants magazine from January 2007 to December 2007. This represented 62% of all recruitment advertisements placed and was 60.50% more column centimetres than its nearest competitor.

Fact. Builders' Merchants News researches and reacts to changing merchant demands and now publish The Essential Guide to Bathroom Products and The Essential Guide to Heating Products.

The Merchants Market

The supply and distribution of building materials and products is big business £9 billion worth of big business.

It is a business we understand and it's a business that Builders' Merchants News is totally committed to.

In the last ten years Merchants have had to respond positively to difficult trading situations by improving their business methods, making prices more competitive while protecting margins and redefining and increasingly, retail customers.

Stock purchasing decisions are fundamental to customer demand. That is why builders merchants continue to achieve 'hands on' relationships with their trade and increasingly, retail customers.

They offer expert technical and specification advice, they provide costings and design services, on site visits and trade credit facilities to account holders.

Whether a mixed commodity merchant' a specialist, a single independent outlet or a major multiple branch merchant, all stock and process thousands of product lines and sell into all areas within the newbuild and repair and maintenance markets.