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Disappointing end to 2025 for P&H merchants image
Disappointing end to 2025 for P&H merchants
11 March, 2026
The latest Plumbing & Heating Merchant Index (PHMI) report shows like-for-like Q4 2025 value sales, adjusted to remove the impact of trading days, were +0.7% higher than the same period in 2024. Like-for-like volume sales decreased by -3.3%.
Insite warns of catastrophic HGV driver shortage image
Insite warns of catastrophic HGV driver shortage
Insite has warned of a looming catastrophe for UK businesses as a growing HGV driver shortage emerges following the loss of crucial driver training funding.
Screwfix reaches trade apprentice milestone image
Screwfix reaches trade apprentice milestone
Screwfix has funded over 50 trade apprentices through its partnership with flexi-job apprenticeship agency, TrAC.
Survey shows generational shift in perception of construction image
Survey shows generational shift in perception of construction
New research from Draper Tools confirms that the construction sector is in the midst of a generational shift. With interest in trade apprenticeships growing and Gen Z starting to favour hands-on careers over traditional university debt.
Breedon sees profit and revenue growth in challenging markets image
Breedon sees profit and revenue growth in challenging markets
Breedon Group plc has published its audited results for the year ended 31 December 2025, which show "a better, stronger business, primed for growth".
ForgeFix and Jewson join forces to 'Screw Prostate Cancer' image
ForgeFix and Jewson join forces to 'Screw Prostate Cancer'
ForgeFix has announced that Jewson has become the latest industry giant to support its ‘Screw Prostate Cancer’ campaign.
Survey: 41% of merchant expect sales increases in Q1 image
Survey: 41% of merchant expect sales increases in Q1
MRA Building Market Reports has released its latest quarterly update on the general builders’ merchant market, which provides updated forecasts for 2026 to 2030 in the context of changing market events and new figures released in the past three months - as well as merchants’ responses to MRA’s quarterly sentiment survey of builders’ merchant branches.
Keylite acquires two Whitesales ranges as part of new partnership image
Keylite acquires two Whitesales ranges as part of new partnership
Keylite Roof Windows, part of The Keystone Group, has acquired the Em.glaze and Ray.lux flat glass rooflight ranges from Whitesales, as part of a multi million pound growth strategy for the company.
Grafton Group to acquire Cygnum Holdings Limited in Ireland image
Grafton Group to acquire Cygnum Holdings Limited in Ireland
Acquisition complements Chadwicks' trade portfolio and supports faster, more efficient delivery of new homes.
SFA Saniflo Invests in growth image
SFA Saniflo Invests in growth
Larger premises and new training centre unveiled.
BMF launches registration for Annual Members Conference image
BMF launches registration for Annual Members Conference
This year’s conference programme looks to the future, taking the forward-thinking theme “Digitise, Diversify, Decarbonise”.
Growtivation acquires TDP’s landscape and geotextile division image
Growtivation acquires TDP’s landscape and geotextile division
Landscaping and building materials supplier Growtivation has acquired the landscape and geotextile fabric division of TDP.
Painting a new future image
Painting a new future
UK paint brands pilot groundbreaking leftover paint return scheme.
East London Travis Perkins branch triples in size image
East London Travis Perkins branch triples in size
The new site is three times larger than the previous location and includes a brand-new Benchmarx Kitchens & Joinery showroom.
Mural in support of Lighthouse Charity unveiled image
Mural in support of Lighthouse Charity unveiled
Lighthouse Charity, Willmott Dixon and artist Rob Fenton have unveiled a mural at Staffordshire’s new student village in support of men's mental health.
Selco renews sponsorship of Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport image
Selco renews sponsorship of Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport
Selco Builders Warehouse has renewed its partnership with title-winning Laser Tools Racing with MB Motorsport in the Kwik Fit British Touring Car Championship for a second consecutive season following its strong debut in 2025.
UK timber imports fall 2.2% in 2025 despite some growth image
UK timber imports fall 2.2% in 2025 despite some growth
Total UK timber and panel product imports reached 9.1 million m³ in 2025, representing a 2.2% decline compared with 2024, according to the latest Timber Development UK (TDUK) figures. While the overall figure indicates a reduction in volumes, the data also highlights a number of areas where imports grew during the year.
BMI widens access to Apprentice of the Year competition image
BMI widens access to Apprentice of the Year competition
BMI UK & Ireland is now accepting video entries for its annual Apprentice of the Year competition, promoting a more inclusive and flexible application process.
Howdens announces sponsorship of Charlie Manby image
Howdens announces sponsorship of Charlie Manby
Howdens has entered into a sponsorship agreement with darts player Charlie Manby.
New research shows worker shortage threatens to bottleneck material sales image
New research shows worker shortage threatens to bottleneck material sales
Dart Tool Group's recent Construction Regions Risk Report shows that the significant workforce shortfall could slow stock turnover, cash flow and project completion.
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