Features

The future of plastering: why human skill will always matter

17 November, 2025

Following The Times’ coverage on jobs most and least at risk from automation, plastering was recognised by Microsoft as one of the UK’s safest professions in the world of AI. Sam Blacknell, Head of Skills and Partnerships at British Gypsum and Isover, part of Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions, explores why even in a digital era, the future of construction will always depend on people.

Seven key trends set to impact material handling in 2026

Warehouses, transport hubs and fulfilment centres will be under immense pressure to perform in 2026. But what are the key trends and influences driving change? Craig Davenport, Sales Director at Rushlift, sets the scene.

Wolseley and the role of specialist brands

John Hancock, COO at Wolseley, explains the company's strategy of using multiple specialist brands to reach targeted parts of the construction sector.

Enabling the branch of the future with better logistics operations

Andrew Tavener, Head of Fleet Marketing EMEA, Descartes, unpacks the BMF recent report on the Branch of the Future. He explains that more effective customer communication tools, routing and telematics technology for deliveries and drivers, and electronic proof-of-delivery tools can enhance the entire buying experience for all generations and kinds of merchants as they support all tradespeople and construction project needs.

Maintenance matters: how to keep door hardware running smoothly

David Knollman, Brio Business Development Manager at Allegion UK, provides a how-to-guide outlining the essential maintenance and care steps for sliding and folding door applications.

Afterservice: The hidden advantage

Darren Binns, National Sales Manager, Jefferson Tools, explains why afterservice defines lasting success.

Let people bloom – and innovation will too

Elsie De Nys, Global Director of Brand and CSR at Yanmar Compact Equipment, explains why difference – not sameness – builds stronger companies, cultures and outcomes.

Inclusion starts with… knowing the difference

Chris Hayward, CEO, shares why NMBS has embedded inclusion as a central pillar within its culture.

Talasey’s composite-to-site fencing reminder to merchants as storm season begins

The supplier is championing its range as a robust alternative to wooden fence panels due to its ability to withstand strong winds and bad weather.

Marketing insights from the BMF Forum

Ben Shelley, Marketing Manager at BMN, tells of the unique opportunity he had recently to spend half a day at the latest BMF Marketing Forum, surrounded by marketers from across the industry.

Wilo issues heating circulation pump reminder to avoid genuine safety risks

The manufacturer is reiterating the need to prioritise safety and reliability over short-term convenience or cost savings.

‘Skill, baby, skill’ is needed to support ‘build, baby, build’ initiative

The National House Building Council (NHBC) has warned that the government's target to ‘build, baby, build’ 1.5 million homes by 2029 is at risk without urgent skills push.

The BMBI experts’ Explainer Guide to UK Building Markets - Q2 2025

Following the release of the Q2 report, the BMBI experts react to the picture it provides of how 2025 is shaping up.

Four tips to boost cross-sales

To help merchants turn missed opportunities into measurable growth, Keith Johnston, Business Development Director at DART Tool Group, shares four practical strategies for building more connected, customer-focused merchandising that drives basket size and convenience.

Working smart in the summer heat: Essential advice for merchants to pass on

Garry Gregory, Packed Products Director at Tarmac, shares timely guidance on how to work safely and effectively during the warmest months of the year.

Supporting success: A complete guide to hiring an apprentice

Based on its own experience, Travis Perkins highlights the reasons for offering apprenticeships and how to go about it.

What happened to the one stop shop?

Keith Johnston, Business Development Director at DART Tool Group, highlights how joined-up merchandising captures missed revenue.

Keeping gardens healthy and homes protected through unpredictable weather

Carine Jessamine, Group Marketing and Digital Director at Travis Perkins, share advice to help property owners protect their outdoor spaces and roofs from extreme heat, heavy rain, and strong winds.

How strategic logistics unlock the schools summer works window

Vikki Horn, Senior Category Manager at Pipe Centre, believes the solution to the challenges presented by the yearly estival rush for upgrades and maintenance taking place across the UK’s educational estates lies in treating logistics not as an afterthought, but as a strategic enabler.

The race for heat pumps by 2028: the blockers to achieving government targets

The UK Government has committed to a target of 600,000 installations of heat pumps a year by 2028, which is part of the nation’s journey towards Net Zero. However, renewable heating specialist Ryan Willdig at Heatforce thinks that this target is unrealistic and there are multiple blockers in the way, stopping the nation from achieving this figure.

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