News

NBG supports BMDS Product Data initiative

1 September, 2025

Key personnel will work with BMDS data specialists to support the operational and marketing aspects of the IDP while also having a presence on the board.

Sales increase at builders' merchants for second quarter

Builders Merchants Building Index reveals positive news but the outlook is far from certain.

BMF announces shortlists for Building & Marketing Excellence Awards

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has announced the names of those in the running for three awards for individuals working in BMF member companies who are making an exceptional contribution to the building materials sector.

Long Rake Spar unveils new mobile bagging unit

Decorative aggregate supplier Long Rake Spar has unveiled a £350,000 mobile bagging unit to help meet increased demand.

SDR joins Construction Inclusion Coalition

Specialist Driver Resourcing (SDR), the temporary driver agency dedicated exclusively to the builders’ merchant and building materials sector, has officially joined the Construction Inclusion Coalition (CIC) as a strategic partner.

Cowal acquires Neilson’s Joinery Superstore

Cowal Building and Plumbing Supplies has acquired building and joinery merchant, Neilson’s Joinery Superstore.

Huws Gray Group team conquers Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge for charities

A team of over 30 staff members from the Huws Gray Group has completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks Challenge, climbing the three highest mountains in Yorkshire to raise funds for Mates in Mind and CRASH.

Breedon Group completes £3.5m upgrade to Norfolk plant

Breedon Group has completed an extensive modernisation programme of its Longwater Asphalt Plant near Norwich.

P&H merchants Q2 value sales up, finds PHMI

The latest Plumbing & Heating Merchant Index (PHMI) report shows Q2 2025 total value sales through specialist Plumbing & Heating merchants were up +2.0% compared to Q2 2024. Volumes sales were down -2.3% as prices rose +4.5%. With one less trading day in the most recent period, like-for-like value sales were +3.7% higher.

Wolseley refreshes five Pipe Centre and Climate Centre branches

Wolseley has refurbished five of its Pipe Centre and Climate Centre branches across the UK, with the aim to deliver improved customer environments and supporting colleagues with modern, fit-for-purpose facilities.

Epicor joins BMDS Data Yard as founding shareholder

Epicor has become one of the first external shareholders in Building Materials Digital Services Ltd (BMDS), the industry-owned venture developing the Data Yard — a centralised Industry Data Pool (IDP) designed to accelerate data quality, compliance and sustainability across the UK construction ecosystem.

Fakro GB marks 25 years with Thames celebration

Fakro GB celebrated 25 years in the UK aboard a private Thames cruise, with London’s iconic river providing the backdrop for the evening.

Talon announces new supply arrangement for Northern Ireland merchants

Talon Manufacturing has announced it will be directly supplying merchants in Northern Ireland, in the hope of delivering greater efficiency and service continuity.

Crown Paints’ golf day supports Mind

Crown Paints has hosted a golf day fundraiser in support of its official charity partner, Mind, with around £20,000 going towards mental health initiatives across England and Wales.

BMF nominated for three Excellence Awards

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has been shortlisted in three categories of the Association Excellence Awards, which celebrate the essential work that trade bodies, unions, and professional organisations undertake on behalf of their members to ensure their voices are heard and their causes are championed.

PJH employees step it up for Macmillan

Employees at KBB distributor, PJH have been going the extra mile in support of Macmillan Cancer Support, the company’s chosen charity for 2025, with two of them raising more than £1,700 through gruelling endurance challenges.

City Plumbing launches solar hubs

City Plumbing, part of Highbourne Group, has created a network of dedicated solar hubs across England and Scotland to help installers get what they need, faster, and keep solar projects on track.

Merchant insolvencies rise in July as market pressures mount

According to the latest analysis from construction industry marketing specialist Insight Data, builders’ merchant insolvencies jumped by 57% from eight in June 2025 to 14 in July.

Breedon expands south west operations with acquisition of Tor Multimix

The acquisition reflects FTSE 250-listed Breedon’s ‘making a material difference’ purpose.

Drayton invests in new training van for nationwide tour of merchants

Drayton has unveiled a new mobile training van that will embark on a tour across the country this year.

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