bmn-brand-logo

Author Profile

Nicolas Chinardet

Nicolas Chinardet

Articles by Nicolas Chinardet

Construction

BMF slashes building materials sales forecast for 2026

15/06/2026

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has downgraded its baseline forecast for 2026 from +2.3% to -1.8%, citing geopolitical uncertainty, subdued consumer confidence and weak economic conditions as reasons for the change.

Merchants

Haldane-Fisher workers go on strike at Newry site

11/06/2026

Workers at Haldane Fisher’s store in Newry, Northern Ireland, have turned to strike action in a dispute over pay.

Merchants

Southern Sheeting brings in AI to turn buyer conversations into revenue

04/06/2026

Southern Sheeting, the East Grinstead roofing and cladding merchant, has implemented AI-powered conversation analytics across the hundreds of customer calls it handles every week.

Merchants

Jewson signed as new Lincoln City sponsor

03/06/2026

Jewson has signed a new sponsorship agreement with Lincoln City, following the club’s promotion to the Sky Bet Championship.

Trade Bodies

Record-breaking rugby star named as BMF conference keynote speaker

02/06/2026

Maggie Alphonsi MBE, one of the best-known names in women’s rugby, who helped England win a record-breaking seven consecutive Six Nations crowns and the 2014 World Cup, has been announced as the keynote speaker at the BMF Annual Members Conference and Awards in September.

Merchants

MKM backs launch of social housing repair material supplier

01/06/2026

A new independent business backed by MKM, Solvanta, has been launched with the aim to challenge and improve how materials are supplied into the UK’s social housing sector.

People

Huws Gray appoints new Operations Director for Plant & Tool Hire

01/06/2026

Huws Gray has announced the appointment of Jon Mugridge as Operations Director for Plant & Tool Hire.

Merchants

Merchants Q1 volume sales down year-on-year as Iran war hits pause

27/05/2026

The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report reveals Total Builders Merchants like-for-like value sales for Q1 2026, adjusted to remove the impact of trading days, were -3.2% lower than Q1 2025. Like-for-like volume sales were down -8.1%, with prices increasing +5.4%.

Suppliers

Construction manufacturers see sharp revenue drop in Q1

27/05/2026

Construction manufacturers have seen a sharp decline in sales, according to new research, reflecting a wider drop in business confidence due to the war in Iran.

Suppliers

Hottest May day for 80 years sparks insulation reminder

26/05/2026

With the UK experiencing its hottest day in May for more than 80 years this Bank Holiday weekend, insulation specialist Actis is repeating its reminder that some insulations reflect heat, keeping buildings cool, while others make homes unbearably hot.