News

Draper Tools generates over a half a million kWh of clean energy

16 December, 2025

Draper Tools has just received its annual Wrap Report from solar intelligence and installation company Absolar,

Howdens opens three depots in Ireland

Howdens has announced the opening of three new depots in the Republic of Ireland.

Total Roofing joins NBG for stronger deals and practical support

By joining the well-established buying group, the merchant will now benefit from competitive deals with leading Suppliers.

Murdock Group acquires Donegal Town Hardware & DIY

The Murdock Group, owners of Murdock Builders Merchants and Brooks Timber & Building Supplies, has announced the acquisition of Donegal Town Hardware & DIY Ltd.

JPS supports Cash for Kids’ Mission Christmas campaign

Jewson Partnership Solutions (JPS) is supporting Cash for Kids’ Mission Christmas campaign, pledging to raise funds to ensure that no child goes without a gift this festive season.

Lighthouse charity lunch raises £270,000 for construction families

The Lighthouse Charity’s fundraising and networking event at the Westminster Park Plaza, raising nearly £270,000 for the construction community.

Shadow Minister to speak at BMF events

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has secured Andrew Griffith MP, the Conservative Shadow Secretary of State for Business & Trade, to speak at two of its events in 2026.

NIBE strengthens Scottish distribution

Partnership to enhance heat pump availability, speed and service across Scotland from January 2026.

GRS takes full ownership after share buy back

Construction materials specialist GRS has bought back the 23.7% stake in its business held by Tarmac for an undisclosed sum.

Plumbing and heating sales down but volumes up in Q3

The latest Plumbing & Heating Merchant Index (PHMI) report shows Q3 2025 total value sales were -1.3% lower than the previous quarter.

W.Howard invests to expand product range

W.Howard has completed investment in and restructuring of its manufacturing facilities to prepare for the launch of its subsidiary, W.Howard Pillo.

New milestone for Heidelberg Materials' CCS plans at Padeswood

Heidelberg Materials UK has signed an engineering, procurement and construction management (EPCM) contract with Mitsubishi Heavy Industries and Worley.

Downturn in merchants' sales in Q3 2025 underscores growing pessimism, finds BMBI

After two positive quarters, figures released in the latest BMF Builders Merchants Building Index (BMBI) show a small decline in sales performance in the third quarter.

Howdens staff run, walk and cycle to raise £80,000 for Movember 2025

Hundreds of staff at sites in Raunds, Howden and Runcorn undertook a 24-hour challenge to collectively to reach 3,000 miles.

Builders' merchant insolvencies show modest decline in November 2025

Regional analysis highlights that Scotland was hit hardest, accounting for 20 per cent of all reported failures.

Timber imports nudge upwards during Q3 of overall week year

New timber import figures covering Q3 2025 reveal an ongoing mixed picture for the sector, with year-to-date volumes still trailing 2024 but showing some signs of improvement as the year progressed.

PMI reports steepest downturn in UK construction output for five-and-a-half years

All three construction sub-sectors saw the greatest fall in activity since May 2020.

STARK UK’s Homes for Nature campaign supports bats in hibernation

Schools and local groups are being invited to join the second phase of its initiative to build bat boxes.

Huws Gray invests in historic Grangemouth site

The refurbishment has focused on transforming the sales office and kitchen, along with a large training and meeting room.

Sustainability gaining traction

The third Builders Merchants Federation Sustainability Report highlights the need for greater customer engagement to maintain progress.

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