Local housing targets are to be reinstated to boost housebuilding, the Deputy PM Angela Rayner has said.


TP half-year shows progress


Sales at builders merchant group Travis Perkins plc fell 4.4% in the six months to June 30, its published half year results revealed on August 6.


Lower volumes and the added impact of price deflation on the group’s Merchanting division gross margin saw adjusted operating profit fall to £75m from £112 for the same period a year ago.


The full year operating


profits are expected to be around £150m, which includes losses of £16m related to the


Hughes Forest welcomes MP


underperforming Toolstation France, which the Group is on track to exit by the end of the year. Toolstation UK, however, continues to gain market share. Nick Roberts, Chief Executive


Officer, who is leaving the business, says: “Trading conditions have remained challenging through the first half of the year and we have continued to prioritise delivering for our customers. Whilst market conditions have impacted on our trading margin, we have made good progress on managing our


The Government has launched a taskforce to identify possible sites for a new generation of new towns.


The Bank of England reduced interest rates at the begining of August to 5%, the first cut for four years.


Right: Pete


Redfern Far Right: Geoff Drabble


overhead base and generating cash. With a new government quickly setting out its plans to reform planning to deliver more housing and infrastructure, and the expectation of an easing in macroeconomic conditions, the Group is focused on ensuring that it is well placed to maximise the benefits from both a future recovery in demand and the long


James Burrell reduces carbon footprint with Solar PV


Gerald Jones, the Labour MP for the seat of Merthyr Tydfil and Aberdare, who was appointed assistant whip, House of Commons last month, visted independent builders merchant Hughes Forrest in Aberfan. Jones was welcomed by Hughes Forrest joint managing director Richard Brian, sales director Stuart James and the BMF’s Brett Amphlett. Jones said: “It’s encouraging to find a local family-run business like Hughes Forrest, that passed its 90th anniversary during Covid-19, now looking to the future and embracing not only carbon-neutral suppliers, but carbon-negative ones too.” The visit came nine months after a Welsh Government took its next steps for heat decarbonisation in buildings.


Builders merchant James Burrell has installed solar PV panels to generate electricity to power 75% - 85% of the usage requirement at its Billlingham site, ahead of a roll-out to other locations. Tony Hall, head of operations said “The installation of solar panels represents a further step on our progress towards our commitment to reduce the company’s carbon footprint. 3 months after installation we are now seeing our generation of electric accounting for over 80% of our usage.”


This latest investment follows a


term requirement for the UK to expand and decarbonise its housing stock.”


The new CEO, Pete Redfern, and new Chair designate, Geoff Drabble, will join the Group in September and October respectively. Both will bring extensive construction sector experience and listed company expertise.


Worcester Bosch welcomes net zero visitors


Officials from the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero and Midlands Net Zero Hub visited the Worcester Bosch HQ last month to assess how the Heat Training Grant has been utilised.


number of sustainable initiatives including a new product range, Ecoplanet Endure Sulfate Resistant Cement, and the Pallet Loop scheme, which provides the world’s first dedicated pallet production, delivery, and collection service for the construction industry.


Leyland opens 34th store


Decorating and DIY specialist Leyland has opened its 34th store in London.


The South Kensington store, at 67-69 Old Brompton Road, has created eight jobs. Leyland marked the opening by donating £1,000 to Glass Door to help with its work supporting homeless people. The store is the first Leyland


store to have a Zinsser paint mixing machine, allowing customers to mix Zinsser specialist paints in thousands


August 2024 www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net


The £5 million Heat Training Grant provides heating engineers with £500 discounts towards becoming a fully qualified heat pump installer. Martyn Bridges, director of


external affairs at Worcester Bosch, said: “Today’s visit by DESNZ & MNZH to our HQ provided an invaluable opportunity for them to see firsthand how the grant funding is being utilised and assess the effectiveness of the scheme. As one of their approved heat pump training providers, we were able to showcase our training programs and discuss the progress and impact with both our team and installers.”


of colours. Leyland South Kensington is open from 6.30am to 7pm Monday to Friday, 7.30am to 6pm on Saturday and 10.30am to 5pm on Sunday.


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