BUILDERS’ MERCHANTS’ value sales were down 4.7% in February compared to the same month a year ago, according to the latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report. Volume sales also dropped -7.5%, while prices increased +3.1%. With an extra trading day this year, like-for-like sales were down -9.2%. Year-on-year, eight of the twelve categories sold more than February 2023 with Workwear & Safetywear (+18.3%) the leading category. Miscellaneous (+10.2%) and Decorating (+6.2%) also did better than merchants overall. But two of the largest categories – Timber & Joinery Products (-6 ..read more

WHEN IT COMES to home maintenance, the roof is often out of sight and out of mind —until a problem arises. From leaks that create interior damage to missing shingles that compromise the aesthetic and functionality of your home, roofing issues can quickly become a source of stress and financial strain. However, with the right knowledge and a proactive approach, many common roofing troubles can be effectively managed or even avoided. In this blog, we’re going to explore the top six roofing hacks that homeowners can use to save time, and money, and avoid the headaches often associated with roof m ..read more

SOME OF the biggest construction clients have today signed up to decarbonising infrastructure projects. The Construction Leadership Council (CLC) and Minister for Industry and Economic Security, Alan Mak have brought together the organisations to sign up to Five Client Carbon Commitments – pledges which will help the sector to achieve net zero. The Five Client Carbon Commitments are: Procure for low carbon construction and provide incentives in contracts. Set phase out dates for fossil fuel use. Eliminate the most carbon intensive concrete products. Eliminate the most carbon intensive steel p ..read more

Snickers Workwear will help you stay smart, cool and protected this summer. PROFESSIONAL TRADESMEN and women in the UK often assume our climate is not hot or sunny enough to cause harm. But even on overcast days there can be enough UV radiation to damage skin. That’s why Snickers Workwear’s working clothes and accessories for the coming months combine superior comfort and protection for working on site in the summer. Stay Protected This Summer There’s new Sun Protection caps, shirts, shorts, trousers and jackets that deliver enhanced freedom of movement and ventilation, plus lightweight workwe ..read more

ALWAYS fancied a kickabout at a Premier League stadium? Tradespeople now have the chance, thanks to a charity football tournament raising money this summer. The tournament will take place at Stamford Bridge stadium, the home of Premier League giants Chelsea on the 25 May from 09:00-12:00. Hosted by IronmongeryDirect, it will be the UK’s first ever inter-trade football tournament, with teams representing several occupations. The theme of Mental Health Awareness Week 2024 (13-19 May) is movement, and the campaign aims to highlight the benefits of exercise on people’s wellbeing. There are 48 ..read more

THE ROOFLIGHT Association is providing guidance on the fire rating requirements for rooflights in buildings. The Rooflight Association’s new Quickguides provide information for each of the four devolved UK nations. They cover the current fire rating classification requirements for internal walls and ceilings, and roof coverings, which apply to rooflights. They also include guidance on the allowances and restrictions relating to the use of thermoplastic rooflights. Rooflights and Fire Regulations Rooflight Association Director and Technical Committee representative Stuart Middle, said: “Th ..read more

THE UPWARD trend of company insolvencies continued in March, according to the latest figures from the Insolvency Service. Although company insolvencies in England and Wales in March 2024 were 1,815, 17% lower than in February 2024 (2,177), the numbers remain on an upward trajectory. Over the year to March 2024, companies entered insolvency at a rate of 55.8 per 10,000 companies. This was an increase from the 53.5 per 10,000 companies that entered insolvency in the 12 months ending 31 March 2023. Construction Insolvencies Construction has the highest industry rate of insolvencies in the latest ..read more

THE UK’s construction industry is facing a skills shortage that will “make 2007’s War for Talent look like a water fight”. That’s the warning from a construction and engineering recruiter, alerting that the industry will need to hire around half a million people to meet demand. Simon Harris, MD at Randstad UK, says demand will come from mega construction projects already underway in the UK and new projects. The projects yet to begin include water infrastructure developments ¾ Lower Thames Crossing, the expansion of the National Grid, and the Stonehenge Tunnel ¾ as well as the imminent resurgen ..read more

ONDULINE, the lightweight roofing systems specialist, has donated roofing solutions to help renovate the animal housing at Stepney City Farm in East London. The donation includes materials and labour to re-roof all of the farm’s animal buildings, providing a comfortable environment for the inhabitants and ensuring they are protected from the elements. New Roof for Animal Housing As part of Kingspan’s Planet Passionate Communities programme, a team from Onduline spent a day at the farm installing the roofing systems, as well as assisting with various farming tasks. In order to create a non-disr ..read more

A £3.5 MILLION scheme to replace the roof of The Cresset, a community hub and theatre in Peterborough is now underway. The project is being carried out by Lindum Group. The construction company is replacing most of the ageing flat roof with a new pitched standing seam structure, along with reroofing several of the remaining flat roofs while also improving the building’s drainage system. Lindum says it expects to be onsite at the venue in Rightwell until March 2025. The work is part of a £5.1m project to secure the long-term future of The Cresset building, which was made possible by a grant fro ..read more