NEWSROUND Slower activity impacts TP year end
Builders merchant group Travis Perkins has reported full year revenue of £4.56bn, down 0.9% on last year, as subdued construction activity continued to weigh on its Merchanting operations.
The second half of the year however, delivered clearer signs of improved trading momentum and early progress in rebuilding market share. The Group reported an operating loss of £97m, compared with a £2m profit in 2024. This reflects £222m of adjusting items, including impairments relating to Toolstation Benelux, CCF and
Marshalls sees return to growth
Marshalls plc, the building products manufacturer, has announced its results for the year ended December 31 2025. The group reported a return to revenue growth, and delivered adjusted profit before tax in-line with market expectations. Chief executive officer, Simon Bourne, commented: “We have acted decisively to strengthen Marshalls’ foundations as part of our ‘Transform and Grow’ strategy.
“These actions have resulted in a sharper focus on execution
MKM opens 143rd branch in Luton
Builders’ merchant, MKM Building Supplies, opened its 143rd branch, in Luton on March 30. The new branch, located on Dallow Road, will offer a full range of building materials, alongside dedicated plumbing and heating facilities and kitchens and bathrooms, giving customers access to both structural materials
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selected Merchanting branches, as well as the sale of Staircraft and wider restructuring actions. Only £8m of these items were cash related.
Group like for like revenue edged up 0.3%, supported by a sharper commercial proposition in H2 that helped offset operational disruption earlier in the year. Adjusted operating profit fell to
£133m, down from £152m in 2024, reflecting lower margins in the Merchanting segment and increased promotional activity. Merchanting delivered flat like for like revenue for the year, with 0.5% volume growth fully offset by 0.6% sales price deflation. Overall Merchanting revenue declined 1.7%, reflecting the divestment of Staircraft (0.7% impact) and one fewer trading day (0.6%).
Despite the subdued backdrop, the division saw a marked improvement in the second half. As the Group adjusted to its new Oracle system and regained
growth while adjusted profit before tax was in line with the guidance set out in July last year. “In Landscaping Products, we have made significant progress on our near-term improvement plan and put the building blocks in place to support a material increase in operating margins. In Roofing and Building Products, we have continued to position the business to capture regulatory and infrastructure-led demand.
with greater emphasis on delivery and commercial discipline alongside more value-driven activity across the business. We are not simply waiting for a cyclical recovery. As a result, the business has returned to revenue
and finishing products. Branch development director at MKM Building Supplies, Dan Mansfield, said the new branch reflects the company’s focus on local knowledge, experienced teams and straightforward service.
“Luton has a really strong trade community and a huge amount of building activity, so it’s a brilliant place for a new MKM branch. “The team we’ve brought together know the town well
Our strategic direction remains unchanged, and our immediate focus is on executing against our plan with greater discipline, in order to deliver sustainable, profitable growth over the medium term.”
commercial rhythm, management introduced a series of targeted actions aimed at restoring competitiveness. These included promotions in plasterboard, PIR insulation and class B bricks, alongside sales driven incentives and renewed investment in customer facing roles to lift service levels.
Group overheads remained broadly flat year on year, with cost inflation and higher employer national insurance contributions largely offset by proactive cost management. The business also undertook significant restructuring of central and regional roles during 2025 to streamline operations and protect margins.
Lords advances on Bury St Edmunds
Builders merchant Lords Builders Merchants has opened a joint branch with sister company Advance Roofing Supplies in Bury St Edmunds.
and have worked in and around the area for many years, and that local experience helps us shape the branch around what customers need.”
This closely follows the opening of the company’s Edinburgh branch, Fort Kinnaird, on March 9.
The 1.6 acre branch was formerly a Kent Blaxill site, and its 13 staff have more than a century of experience between them. The branch has undergone a comprehensive modernisation and will offer customers extensive stock availability on-site, enhanced by the access to Lords’ suppliers. Lords CEO Shanker Patel, said: “We are delighted to welcome the Bury St Edmunds branch and employees into the Lords family and to build upon the strong trading heritage that has served this community for over 40 years.
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net April 2026
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