NEWSROUND


Buttle’s adds HSS Hire in Leighton Buzzard branch


Buttle’s builders’ merchants in Leighton Buzzard has taken a huge step forward by partnering with HSS Hire to deliver a ‘one-stop’ shop for tradespeople.


The Leighton Buzzard branch in Grovebury Road becomes the first of two sites to launch HSS Hire, with Enfield due to follow in August.


Managing director Ian Church said: “We’re delighted to partner with HSS to offer our customers the best possible choice of building supplies and a one shop solution from Buttle’s. We identified a gap in the Buttle’s offer, both companies share the same service ethos, and therefore they were the obvious choice for us.”


AG invests in quality, innovation & sustainability


Paving and Building products manufacturer AG ihas created a new state-of-the-art, Health, Safety, Environment and Quality (HSEQ) centre at its Head Office in Fivemiletown. AG operates a robust integrated HSEQ management system which is fully accredited to the internationally recognised standards; ISO14001, ISO45001 and ISO9001. A key part of the investment was the incorporation of design and testing capability to build prototype products prior to release into the factories for production.


Ivor Malone, Group HSEQ Coordinator from AG said: “The


FMB concerned over materials shortage


Government and industry must address the national shortage of building materials to reverse the decline in construction activity, according to the Federation of Master Builders (FMB) in response to ONS data released today on construction output. Brian Berry, Chief Executive of the FMB, said: “Construction output fell in May, pointing to a fragile economic recovery for Britain’s builders. I am particularly concerned by the drop in repair, maintenance and improvement.”


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The collaboration is part of HSS Hire regional director Bart Murphy’s strategic expansion plan for the business.


“We have engaged with Buttles in partnership to offer HSS implants in their Enfield and Leighton


The latest figures from the Builders Merchants Building Index (BMBI) reveal that year-on-year sales through UK builders’ merchants are on an upward trajectory, as the industry continues to meet sustained high demand for building products.


new HSEQ testing, training and innovation centre further underlines AG’s commitment to industry-leading product quality and the pioneering of advancements in concrete products. The main purpose of the facility is product testing, research and development.”


Total Merchants value sales were up 79.6% in May 2021 compared to May 2020 with no difference in trading days. Tools performed the best (+180%) after being the weakest category in May 2020, and six other categories more than doubled year-on-year sales, including Kitchens & Bathrooms (+154.9%), Plumbing Heating & Electrical (+118.1%) and Timber & Joinery Products (+115.1%). The country was still in full lockdown in May last year, so significant increases are expected.


BMF shares worries over ongoing HGV driver shortages


Transport issues are hitting suppliers to the construction trade, as builders’ merchants work to get supplies into their stores and deliver orders to customers.


Members of national trade body the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF), have reported widespread disruption and delays, with a shortfall in drivers able to transport goods across the country. Across the BMF membership,


companies are recruiting and retraining existing staff into driving roles, but have reported difficulties sourcing new and replacement drivers, as well as struggling to secure agency cover due to demand. Limited test slots are also


preventing staff from taking HGV driving tests, while holiday plans over the summer further reduce driver availability.


BMF East Midlands Regional Chairman, Jim Parlato, a director


However, total sales were also up compared to May 2019 (+7.9%), with two less trading days, and average sales a day were 19.3% higher over the same period. While May 2021 sales are much improved on May 2020, some categories are still waiting to hit their pre-pandemic levels. Comparisons with May 2019 sales show that just three of the 12 categories sold more, led by Timber & Joinery Products (+28.1%) and Landscaping (+26.5%).


at Browns Builders Merchant, said: “Drivers are our biggest concern at present. “We have two of our


warehouse and yard operatives taking their tests shortly but getting courses and booking tests has become an issue with demand meaning months of waiting.”


The issues are leading to extended lead times for some products, and even failed deliveries.


“The knock-on effect is lead times to our customers are extended by a day, from one-to- two days to two-to-three days.”


www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net August 2021


Buzzard branches as strategic locations on our roadmap for new stores in the UK within merchant branches,” said Murphy. “We are keen to work closely with Buttle’s in the future and develop the partnership as they grow and expand their branch further. We believe this is an exciting period of growth and change within Buttle’s and HSS are very happy to be on this journey with them.”


Murphy is keen to tap into the builders’ merchant network in a bid to extend its service offering.


Builders’ Merchants’ sales up year-on-year


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