News

Roofing experts meet apprentices in drive to close skills gap

16 February, 2026

BMI UK & Ireland toured 14 colleges across the country, sharing valuable career guidance and industry expertise with aspiring roofers.

Kitchen retailers report highlights tough trading conditions, but optimism remains

A new report from kitchen and appliance distributor LDD UK has revealed that nearly half (46%) of independent retailers reported a decline in sales over the past 12 months.

Key sponsors confirmed for BMF All Industry Conference 2027

The BMF has announced that all Key Sponsorships for the BMF All Industry Conference 2027 have been taken,16 months before the event in June next year.

PROSPECTManager receives unexpected visit from the White House

The portal hosts a family of prospecting databases spanning UK building materials, specification, building, and home improvement markets.

Breedon re-opens its Sligo quarry in Ireland as part of strategic expansion

The development marks Breedon’s tenth quarry in the Republic of Ireland.

Apprenticeship programmes deliver for Travis Perkins

Travis Perkins as hailed its apprenticeship programme as the “backbone” of its extensive training initiatives.

NMBS confirms return of its All-Industry Conference in 2026

Broadcaster and entrepreneur Jake Humphrey will be taking on the role of host.

Lighthouse Charity and Ripple Suicide Prevention announce partnership

The Lighthouse Charity and Ripple Suicide Prevention are launching a new partnership to drive positive change across the construction sector.

Rhino Trade Insurance and Band of Builders announce partnership

Rhino Trade Insurance and Band of Builders have announced a new partnership, united by a shared commitment to supporting tradespeople and the wider construction industry.

Over half of construction workers feel “too old” to retrain, new research finds

The UK construction industry is displaying high levels of skills confidence, yet internal barriers are preventing the widespread adoption of apprenticeships needed to secure its future talent pipeline.

Reputation of apprenticeships on a knife edge

BESA director criticises government announcements and worries about their future long-term.

Howdens opens 16 new depots

Howdens has opened the doors to 16 new depots since December, creating 85 new jobs.

Jewson relaunches St Austell branch in celebration of Cornish trades

Nearly 700 attendees gathered to get a first look at everything on offer.

Builders’ merchant market forecast to grow 11% by 2030

MRA Reports predicts that future growth is expected to be slow and gradual between 2026 and 2030.

Kilpboard Money launched to help businesses get paid faster

The integrated payments solution embeds payments directly into business workflows, helping turn payments into a driver of growth.

Wickes raises £1 million for suicide prevention charity in nine months

Wickes has raised over £1 million for suicide prevention charity Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM), nine months into their two-year partnership.

Lakes highlights importance of growing industry talent

In celebration of National Apprenticeship Week, Lakes is shining a spotlight on the vital role apprenticeships play in developing future talent for the bathroom manufacturing sector and addressing the industry-wide skills gap.

Data Yard advances Industry Product Data Standards

In its role as a Strategic Partner, Klipboard will actively participate in Data Yard’s advisory groups.

Applications open for BMI's Apprentice of the Year competition

BMI UK & Ireland has opened applications for its 2026 Apprentice of the Year competition, inviting the next generation of roofing apprentices to apply.

A difficult end to 2025 for construction product manufacturers

Demand from construction was clearly held back by uncertainty over the late Autumn Budget during the quarter.

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