Industry consultant Andy Gamble will be working with Simon Acres Group’s Recruitment brand.


Forterra’s hydrogen plans gain pipeline boost


Forterra’s work to decarbonise brickmaking is set to enter a new phase, as plans for the East Coast Hydrogen Pipeline — set to pass near the manufacturer’s Kirton brickworks — pave the way for an expansion of its hydrogen-fuel trials beyond its Measham factory. The infrastructure boost comes after two years of successful testing, positioning Forterra to scale its low-carbon ambitions


Grant Westfield joins Timber Development UK


at a time of growing regional and national momentum around sustainability.


The East Coast Hydrogen Pipeline (ECHP), will connect hydrogen production sites in North Nottinghamshire and the Humber to key manufacturers across the East Midlands. Over the past two years Forterra has moved beyond its initial 20 per cent hydrogen blend,


gathering data on how hydrogen can decarbonise its brick-firing process.


Head of sustainability David Manley, says “Hydrogen is emerging as the most effective option for reaching our long-term decarbonisation targets, ahead of electrification or biomass.”


Instantor expands UK reach through James Hargreaves Plumbing Supplies


Instantor, the press solutions provider, has expanded the availability of its products in the UK through James Hargreaves Plumbing Supplies.


Installers can now access Instantor’s press solutions at James Hargreaves’ branches across the UK. This comes alongside Instantor joining the


Wall panel manufacturer Grant Westfield, has announced its membership of Timber Development UK (TDUK), the UK trade association for the timber supply chain.


As a TDUK member, Grant Westfield gains access to the organisation’s extensive knowledge base, technical resources, and industry networks. Grant Westfield has already been actively participating in TDUK initiatives, including the monthly EUDR preparation meetings, which help businesses prepare for forthcoming European timber regulations.


“I have seen real value of our engagement with TDUK.” says quality manager, Marina Scerbakova. “For us, joining TDUK is not just about compliance, but strengthening our role in building a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for the bathroom and kitchen industry, and for the timber sector as a whole.”


Plumbing and Heating Group (PHG) as a supplier.


James Hargreaves managing director Carl Bridge, says: “When we were introduced to Instantor via the PHG, it was clear they would be excellent partners. Instantor’s press-fit solutions align perfectly with what we want to provide our customers.


“We know the needs of the trade and meet them in a straightforward, quick, and efficient manner. Instantor has a dedicated after-sales team, helping us to uphold the highest standards of service for our loyal customers.”


Keylite launches Viridian Solar collaboration


Keylite Roof Windows, part of the Keystone Group, has launched a collaboration with Viridian Solar to enhance compatibility between roof-integrated solar panels and roof windows.


The partnership enables seamless compatibility between Viridian’s Clearline Fusion roof- integrated solar panels and Keylite roof windows in sizes 06 and 07F. Colin Wells, Head of Technical at Keylite Roof Windows, added: “Partnering with Viridian Solar allows us to deliver a fully


December 2025 www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net


integrated solution that combines our roof windows with their Clearline Fusion solar panels. This collaboration reflects our ongoing commitment to innovation and provides our customers with a streamlined, compatible system for creating smarter, more sustainable rooftops.”


Ariston Group is opening a new training centre in Dublin in partnership with Plumb-It.


Russell Roof Tiles has secured funding from HSBC UK to support its growth strategy.


NEWS INBRIEF


HMG Paints comits to sustainablity HMG Paints, the UK paint manufacturer, has achieved ISO 14001:2015 accreditation. “We have established a robust Environmental Management System that allows us to monitor, manage and continually improve our environmental performance across every part of the business” said HMG paint quality manager, Alan Sharples. “This certification showcases our drive to operate responsibly and sustainably and helps build stakeholder trust.”


JELD-WEN sees carbon emissions fall by 10% JELD-WEN, the manufacturer of timber fire doorsets, has reported a 10% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions since 2021 across its global footprint, according to results published in the company’s 2024 Sustainability Report.


Howdens kicks off £100m factory and warehouse expansion at Runcorn


Howdens, the trade kitchen supplier, has started work on a major expansion of its Runcorn cabinet making facility. The £100m investment will take about three years to complete, increasing the size of the site to 700k sq.


A ground-breaking ceremony at the site, attended by Howdens CEO Andrew Livingston and operations director Julian Lee, marked the official start of the works.


Livingston said; “Today’s investment demonstrates our commitment to UK skilled jobs and strengthening Howdens’ capability to support future growth here and abroad.”


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