News

New BMF report sets the standard for trade customer experience

7 October, 2025

The Builders Merchant Branch of the Future, a report sponsored by the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF), is designed to set new standards for the trade customer experience for the next decade.

P&H merchants July value sales still rising, but volumes are down, finds PHMI

The latest figures from the Plumbing & Heating Merchant Index (PHMI) report show total value sales for July 2025 through specialist plumbing and heating merchants were up +4.1% compared to July 2024. Volume sales dropped -2.1% though, while prices rose +6.3% year-on-year. There was no difference in trading days.

Murdock opens its first Home Centre, in Antrim

Murdock Builders Merchants has opened its first-ever Murdock Home Centre, in Antrim, marking a new chapter for the company.

Forgefix’s Bessemer Park facility becomes BMF Centre of Excellence

ForgeFix has announced that its new facility at Bessemer Park in Sheffield has officially been named a Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) Centre of Excellence.

Report finds a quarter of tradespeople plan to retire in next five years

The UK is facing a growing trade skills shortage, with one in four tradespeople planning to retire within the next five years, according to Screwfix’s 2025 Voice of the Trade report.

Building costs to increase by 15% over next five years, forecasts BCIS

Building costs will increase by 15% over the next five years to 3Q2030, while tender prices will rise by 16% over the same period, according to the latest construction forecast data from the Building Cost Information Service (BCIS). New work output is expected to grow by 18% between 2025 and 2030.

Newport builders’ merchant family take on Cardiff half marathon for cancer charity

Family-run builders merchants J&A Phillips, located in Newport, is celebrating the efforts of business owner Michael Birch and his son Jonathan, who completed the Cardiff Half Marathon on Sunday 5th October.

Alsford cycling team raises over £10,000 for charity

Staff from Alsford Timber & Builder’s Merchant have raised over £10,000 by completing a cycling challenge.

UK construction output falls at slowest pace for three months

The latest Construction PMI report, for September, shows that the downturn in construction activity may be slowing down as it was the least marked since June.

Genuit Group acquires Davidson Holdings

The purchase complements Genuit Group’s existing portfolio and strengthens its position in the UK Repair, Maintenance and Improvement market.

Stark UK opens its den to building material innovators

This October, Stark Building Materials UK (Stark UK) is inviting contacts from businesses and individuals who are developing solutions that could help the trades and the wider building industry.

LBS group welcomes "robust balance sheet" in 2024, despite slashed profit

LBS group has published its accounts for 2024 that show a significant fall in profit despite sales growth.

City Plumbing reports surge in heat pump training with regional disparities

New research from City Plumbing shows how plumbers and heating installers across the UK are stepping up to meet the demand for low-carbon heating.

City Plumbing to offer low-cost solar training for installers

City Plumbing has announced subsidised solar PV training in conjunction with renewable energy training specialist, GTEC Training.

IBMG goes pink to support Breast Cancer Now

IBMG has announces the launch of ‘Project Pink’, a new initiative aimed at raising funds and awareness for Breast Cancer Now.

Jewson report reflects growth of sustainability market

New research from Jewson suggests more than half (54%) of builders and tradespeople are winning more work by offering services linked to sustainability.

CIC publishes second annual impact report

The Construction Inclusion Coalition (CIC) is pointing to the successes of its Elevate Women network and fledgling mentorship programme as an indication that peer-to-peer collaboration holds the key to creating more inclusive workplaces and improving employee retention within construction.

SEMA launches racking inspector verification tool

The Storage Equipment Manufacturers Association (SEMA) has made it even easier for warehouse owners and managers to check the credentials of a racking inspector with the launch of its SARI Verification tool.

Wolseley announces supply chain investment in renewables transition

Wolseley Group has announced a significant investment in its supply chain, aimed at enhancing its ability to meet rising demand for low carbon heating solutions and providing proactive support to customers navigating the energy transition.

BMF concludes exceptional fundraising year at Members’ Day

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) concluded an exceptional fundraising year at its Members’ Conference and Awards in September.

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