News

Builders’ merchant insolvencies rise by a third

19 November, 2025

The latest results from Insight Data reveal the number of businesses shutting shop rose from 12 in September to 16 in October.

Bradfords warms to expanded Boiler Upgrade Scheme

The merchant believes the move sends a powerful signal that could drive the widespread adoption of low-carbon heating solutions.

Coalition warns Chancellor of the Exchequer over proposed changes to Business Property Relief

Last year the Builders Merchants Federation and five other construction bodies put signatures on the letter to the Prime Minister warning that the move will impact family businesses across the sector hard.

Travis Perkins and Tarmac complete Big Brew tour

The two brands joined forces this year to help tackle the mental health challenges facing workers in the sector.

City Plumbing supports DIY SOS across the UK

City Plumbing, part of Highbourne Group, has supported the BBC’s DIY SOS programme with product donations worth more than £10,000 for recent big builds in Leicester, London, Southampton, and the Children in Need special in Cheshire.

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero to provide key update

The announcement on the heat pump installer workforce will take place at elementalLONDON this week.

Direct Heating Group returns to growth

The company's omni-channel model, combining e-commerce, physical locations, and trade sales, has driven both market share and margin gains.

Stelrad continues to deliver a strong operational performance

The business remains on track to achieve growth in adjusted operating profit and margin expansion year-on-year.

Travis Perkins and Selco invest in BMDS Data Yard

Building Materials Digital Services Ltd (BMDS) has gained support from Travis Perkins and Selco Builders Warehouse as external shareholders.

Wolseley report highlights opportunities and challenges in heat pump transition

Wolseley Group has published a new report highlighting both the scale of the UK’s transition to heat pumps and the real opportunity this presents for the installer community.

National Timber Group files for adminstration

The move provides the Sheffield-headquartered timber distribution company with short-term protection from creditor action.

Travis Perkins branch donates materials to dog rescue centre

St Francis in Cornwall is undergoing a makeover which will allow it to keep dogs in its own kennels.

JPS donates over £1,000 in tools to Manchester apprentices

Jewson Partnership Solutions (JPS) has donated more than £1,000 worth of tools to three apprentices from Wythenshawe, Manchester, to help them kickstart their careers.

Travis Perkins relocates Northampton store

The Northampton branch of Travis Perkins has relocated after nearly four decades in the same place.

Full year 2025 expectations at Marshalls unchanged

Group revenues up two per cent year-on-year despite current market conditions.

STARK Group delivers stable net sales and underlying earnings in a historically challenging market

The Nordics continued to deliver growth in net sales and EBITDA – German market moved into reverse.

Builders Merchants Federation adds online recruitment service to BMCareers

The dedicated “Search for Jobs” tab provides instant access to all current job vacancies.

EH Smith Architectural Solutions opens landmark Digbeth Design Centre

The world’s largest commercial brick display opens in the heart of Birmingham.

Premier Forest pioneers corporate parenting programme for care leavers

An initiative developed by Premier Forest Products is being hailed as a model for how businesses across the UK can transform the futures of care-experienced young people.

Builders Merchants Federation wins two Excellence Awards

The trade body won the Best Member Engagement Award for a second consecutive year, and a silver in the Best Awareness Campaign category.

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