NEWSROUND


George Bence adds new branch


Huws Gray buys Builders Supplies (West Coast)


Fast growing builders merchant chain Huws Gray has expanded again in the north west, with the acquisition of Builders Supplies (West Coast).


Independent builders merchant group George Bence has opened a plumbing & heating branch in Cheltenham.


Managing director of the 167 year old independent, family run business, Paul Bence, says: “The new branch focuses purely on plumbing & heating with bathroom displays for trade & retail due to its prime location. We are extremely proud that we have managed to maintain and increase employment in our local area alongside providing an improved service to the community. We are looking forward to announcing another new branch later this year.”


BMF broadcasts conference host


The 2021 BMF All Industry Conference will be hosted by


broadcaster, Jason Mohammad. He currently


co-presents Good Morning Sunday on BBC Radio 2 and a weekday morning radio show for BBC Radio Wales. He has also fronted coverage of the World Snooker Championships, Six Nations Rugby and was a key member of the presentation teams at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games, World Cups and European Football Championships.


The sold-out, dual-centre BMF All Industry Conference takes place in Harrogate and York from 17-20 June 2021. More details are available on the conference website www.bmfconference.co.uk


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Builders Supplies (West Coast) Ltd, founded in 1938, operates from four sites along the Fylde coast, including Fleetwood, Preston, Morecambe and the original premises in Cleveleys. Matthew Owen, Head of Acquisitions for the Huws Gray Group, said: “Builders Supplies (West Coast) Ltd have always had a commitment to efficient customer service, which fits well with the Huws Gray ethos. We are optimistic


about the future, as this represents a fantastic opportunity for us to strengthen our existing presence in North West Lancashire” Owners Peter and Bethan Worthington said: “We would like to thank all our loyal customers and teams for their support over the


years, and for making the company the success it is today. We’re confident that Huws Gray will take the business to the next level and we’re pleased to be leaving it in good hands.” Worthington is staying on for a period of time to help manage the transition. Established in 1990, from a single branch in Anglesey, the Huws Gray Group, are now one of the largest independent Builders Merchants in the UK, with over 100 branches across Wales, East Anglia and the North of England, including West and East Midlands, as well as two specialist roof truss manufacturing sites and a dedicated timber mill.


Grant & Stone acquires CRS Building Supplies Grant & Stone Limited, has


bought independent builders merchant CRS Building Supplies, based in Wells. Established in 2005, CRS Building Supplies has 12 branches across Somerset. The combined group will have 44 branches operating from London to the south west, over 500 employees and revenues in excess of £140m. CRS founders Chris Waelchli and Richard Liddle


will continue to lead the CRS businesses working with Peter Cudd, Grant & Stone’s chief commercial officer, to realise the growth opportunities that this partnership will deliver. Cudd says: “We are delighted to welcome CRS to the Group. We have much in common, making this a strong and logical partnership.” Richard Liddle, director of CRS said, “Chris and I are proud of all that we have built


Global Stone buys Digby Stone


Landscaping supplier Global Stone has bought fellow supplier Digby Stone, strengthening its position in the marketplace.


The management of Digby Stone will remain unchanged with Darren Digby leading the company as managing director.


Global Stone managing director Julian Wood said:“I look forward to working with (Darren) and his team.”


Digby said: “We have built a very strong and loyal customer base during this time but recognised that we needed to strengthen our supply chain to retain consistent high levels of customer service. Global Stone, like Digby Stone, have a similar ethos and this combined with strong branding will bring an enviable offer to the hard landscaping market. I look forward to the year ahead and to working


to date but we recognise that as part of a larger group, the company will be able to achieve much more. Partnering with Grant & Stone will facilitate this.”


closely with my new colleagues at Global Stone”.


www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net February 2021


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