News

Plumbing and Heating February value sales down year-on-year

29 April, 2025

The latest figures from the Plumbing & Heating Merchant Index (PHMI) report show total value sales for February 2025 through specialist plumbing and heating merchants were down -1.2% compared to February 2024.

Handyman Centre closes after 51 years

An established independent merchant in Tewkesbury is among the latest victims of the difficulties faced by the industry.

P&H Top 100 event boosts funds for chosen charities

A gala dinner for the Top 100 Plumbing & Heating Merchant Achievers raised £5,000 to support the work of its nominated charities: Variety, the Children’s Charity, and The Educational Frontier Trust (TEFT).

Russell Roof Tiles opens Training & Innovation Hub

With continued dedication to training and product investment, Russell Roof Tiles has opened its first Training & Innovation Hub, in Burton on Trent.

Survey shows most UK construction workers trust AI and automation to keep them safe

More than three-quarters (78%) of frontline construction workers in the UK trust AI and automation to keep them safe at work, amid wider concerns about potential job losses, according to new research.

GRS secures full membership of Ethical Trading Initiative

GRS Building Products has become a full member of the Ethical Trading Initiative (ETI), an alliance of companies, NGOs and trade unions working to advance human rights in global supply chains.

CPA revises growth forecasts slightly down

Excluding the potential impacts of the recent U.S. tariff disruption on the global and UK economies, the Construction Products Association’s Spring Forecasts show that construction output is only expected to recover gradually.

Lack of government support is causing the skills crisis, say contractors

According to a survey commissioned by Siniat, almost three quarters of industry professionals see the lack of government support as the main reason for the widening skills gap.

Construction industry insolvencies still on the rise

New data published by the Insolvency Service shows that there were 367 construction insolvencies in February 2025.

Lords sells four sites for leaseback

Lords has entered into an agreement with Gempoint 2000 Limited for the sale and leaseback of four of its properties for £13.1 million.

Adaptavate and SigmaRoc to scale low-carbon tech in global construction

This agreement is part of Adaptavate’s successful £2.7 million pre-Series A funding round, which included participation from Skreenhouse Ventures by SigmaRoc.

Mixed bag for materials sales, reports CLC group

John Newcomb, CEO of the Builders Merchants Federation and Peter Caplehorn, CEO of the Construction Products Association, co-chairs of the Construction Leadership Council’s Material Supply Chain Group, offer an update on the materials supply chain.

Wolseley Group announces launch of Renewables Centre

Wolseley Group has announced the launch of Renewables Centre, a nationwide initiative to support heating professionals thrive in the renewables market.

Rebecca Adlington booked for BMF All Industry Conference

Great Britain’s most successful female swimmer has been confirmed as the keynote speaker at the Conference in Barcelona in June.

Russell Roof Tiles spends £100K on energy efficient upgrade

The purchase of a Borche Injection Moulding Machine fast-tracks its production processes at its dedicated plastics facility.

Keyline becomes UK’s first civils merchant to achieve PAS 2080 accreditation

The accreditation is a global standard for effectively managing and reducing carbon emissions throughout the lifecycle of projects.

Lighthouse Charity’s record breaking support for the construction community

Over £5 million of charitable support and helped provide a lifeline to 5695 families.

Jewson launches Project Estimator service

Jewson has launched Project Estimator, an estimating service to help builders and tradespeople save time in the planning stages of their projects, win more work and save money on materials.

MKM kicks off 2025 ‘Check Your Tools’ campaign

MKM is teaming up with The OddBalls Foundation, Toolbank, and DeWalt to raise awareness of testicular cancer - encouraging tradies and the public to ‘talk tackle’ and stay informed.

Jewson reports "surge" in sustainable building materials sales

Jewson has reported strong sales across its sustainable product range in the last 12 months, with purchases of renewable heating systems up 60% compared with last year.

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