Features

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

2 October, 2025

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.

Jewson's Regional Managing Director for Wales and Central England reflects on his journey so far

After five months in the role Kieran Griffin also looks at the evolving landscape of STARK Building Materials UK, two years into its new chapter.

Inside the Lighthouse Charity helpline

Ewan Paton, Helpline Supervisor at the Lighthouse Charity, who recently became the face of the helpline, shares his personal experiences and insight into the work the team delivers and the many ways they support our community every day of the year

MKM’s continues commitment to lower carbon operations

Builder’s merchant expands sustainability strategy across the business.

Russell Roof Tile: Raising the roof for continued carbon reduction

As the construction industry continues to grapple with the carbon reduction targets outlined in the Government’s Construction 2025 Strategy, roof systems manufacturer Russell Roof Tiles says it remains a pioneer with continued innovation in this arena.

Home improvement plans present opportunity for industry

New research reveals the growing trend to “improve, not move” will provide opportunities for building materials manufacturers, suppliers and merchants.

WhatsApp warning to merchant sector

Paul Gandar, Founder of Stitch AI*, warns builders' merchants staff about the dangers of using personal messaging apps to talk to customers.

Construction PMI continues to flounder

Atul Kariya, Head of Construction and Real Estate at MHA, asks is there any light at the end of the tunnel?

Navigating construction supply chain challenges in 2025 and beyond

Construction and property specialist Watts respond to the news that Donald Trump's import tariffs will soon be hitting the UK.

Is exclusively supplying the independent sector worth it?

Samac shares its experience of exclusively dealing with independents merchants, and why the business decided to do this.

Eight months in, Labour has offered little but rhetoric

Ahead of the Chancellor’s upcoming Spring Statement, Dr David Crosthwaite, Chief Economist at the Building Cost Information Service, hopes to see the government take decisive action by approving key infrastructure projects, otherwise the construction sector risks further stagnation, with firms reluctant to invest in training and apprenticeships due to uncertainty over long-term viability.

Surveys show young people and parents have positive perception of construction but reservations remain

Surveys of 16-24-year-olds and parents, conducted by the Chartered Institute of Building, explore perceptions of the industry as well as what influences careers choices.

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