The latest figures from the Plumbing & Heating Merchant Index (PHMI) report show like-for-like value sales (adjusted to remove the impact of trading days) for February 2026 through specialist plumbing and heating merchants were -0.4% lower than the same month in 2025. Like-for-like volume sales were down -4.1%, but prices increased +3.9%. There was no difference in trading days.
Russell Roof Tiles welcomed inspection managers from the National House Building Council (NHBC) in an interactive, hands-on training session recently, helping address the UK’s house-building skills shortage.
MKM Building Supplies has launched its first dedicated eCommerce mobile app, giving trade customers and DIYers a quicker and easier way to browse products, manage accounts and place orders straight from their phone or tablet.
National Federation of Roofing Contractors (NFRC) has launched Cut the Dust, a major new industry-wide campaign aimed at tackling the dangers of respirable crystalline silica (RCS) dust exposure across the roofing sector.
Daniele Moretti, General Coordinator of 4BILD, an Italian network for the distribution of building materials, will present an Italian perspective at the BMF Annual Members' Conference in September, sharing his organisation’s experience across Northern Italy.
The NMBS Exhibition took place the Coventry Building Society Arena on 15-16 April 2026, bringing together merchants and suppliers with a focus on networking, commercial opportunities, and sharing industry knowledge.
Russell Roof Tiles has supported the Shropshire, Staffordshire, and Cheshire Blood Bikes (SSCBB) since 2016, raising £71,000. As a result, the charity has purchased a new motorbike named in honour of the company.
Selco Builders Warehouse staff will compete in “Race Across Selco”, a fundraising initiative to raise money for its charity partner, Cancer Research UK, and Selco Community Heroes.
Parker Building Supplies, Chandlers Building Supplies, and Fairalls Builders Merchants have announced a community challenge giving local organisations a chance to win £2,000 worth of landscaping materials.
A survey undertaken in March by MRA Reports showed that just under four in five specialist roofing merchants are experiencing problems with product availability and long lead times.
Wienerberger UK & Ireland has delivered the first pilot of its Trades of Tomorrow programme, a three-day initiative designed to help care-experienced young people explore careers in construction while responding to the industry’s long-term skills challenge.
