The BMF has written to Construction Minister, Sarah Jones MP, calling for a “fresh impetus” from Government on housing.
Michael Dixon, branch operations manager at Keyline, is the Travis Perkins Group’s 2,000th apprentice graduate, with a distinction in Level 3 First Line Manager Programme.
Travis Perkins fined £2m following fatal incident
Travis Perkins has been fined £2 million after a timber load fell from one of its lorries, resulting in the tragic death of a father of three. The company admitted to three safety offences, and the sentence was handed down at Hove Crown Court on Thursday. The incident occurred on May 13, 2020, when a strip of timber became loose from a Travis Perkins vehicle traveling on the A26 after leaving the company’s Newhaven depot. The timber
NBG beats new Partner record
Independent builders merchant buying group NBG took on 14 new Partners and Associates in 2024, finishing up with M.A. Grigg, a specialist agricultural merchant in Cornwall. The family-run business has
The court heard that the load was inadequately secured with just a single strap, which failed to provide sufficient restraint. This lapse was deemed a critical factor in the accident.
An investigation conducted by Lewes District Council, in collaboration with the Health and Safety Executive, led to the prosecution.
struck the windscreen of an oncoming car, killing 28-year-old Jack Stevens, who was driving a BMW.
been in operation since 1970, on Pendennis Farm, St. Austell, growing from a small farm shop in a converted pig shed into the merchant store and warehouse, offering workwear, timber and agricultural supplies. The independent merchants that NBG recruited in 2024 span specialists in plumbing and heating, landscaping, and roofing as well as general building supplies. They include Paton of Walton, New Milton Sand and Ballast, Fairfield Builders Supplies, Dontel Roofing Supplies, LMR Building Supplies and plumbing and heating specialists MPH.
Anthony Knight, manager WCoBM offers training grants
Grants are available from the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants, the City Livery Company and charitable organisation, to support training and skills development in the building materials industry. The financial support, worth up to £2,000 per person, is open to anyone wanting to develop new skills, as well as individuals lsuch as school leavers, college or university graduates, students and apprentices. Grants are also available to builders’ merchants and building
material suppliers who wish to support their staff with additional training, subject to meeting the relevant criteria.
WCoBM grants can be used for a range of needs to ensure the financial support benefits individuals or organisations where it matters the most. For example, it can help cover the cost, fully or partially, of relevant learning materials and practical tools, support dedicated qualifications, learning modules, training
February 2025
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The council highlighted that this tragic accident could have been entirely prevented with proper adherence to health and safety standards.
In addition to the fine, Travis Perkins was ordered to pay £85,000 in costs.
at M.A. Grigg said: “Joining NBG has been a great decision. We’ve been given really great support from other merchants and NBG Suppliers. The deals we now have access to are set to have a really positive impact on us over the next several years so we’re looking forward to seeing what our future holds with NBG.” Phil Bonar, NBG’s head of new partner development and recruitment, adds: “We’re very pleased to welcome M.A. Grigg into NBG. 2024 was a landmark year for us and we feel that the record number of new Partners is a testament to the strength of our group, the trust we’ve built within the industry, and the tangible benefits we offer.”
Tradespeople from across the UK gathered in London on February 3 to call for a change in the law to help deter the theft of their tools.
Councillor Christine Robinson, deputy leader and cabinet member for community wellbeing at Lewes District Council, said: “While we welcome the substantial fine imposed today, it remains an absolute tragedy that Mr. Stevens, a much-loved father of three, died in this entirely preventable case. Our thoughts remain with his family and friends.
“I hope our prosecution sends a strong message to businesses that it is of the utmost importance they adhere to health and safety legislation to ensure that something like this never happens again.”
Methven hits third Carbon Neutral Status milestone
platforms or apprenticeship programmes. All grants are subject to meeting the relevant criteria. To apply for a grant, visit: wcobm.
co.uk/grants-and-funding for a copy of the Application form.
Shower and tapware manufacturer Methven has renewed its Carbon Neutral Status for the third year. The renewal reflects Methven’s sustained efforts to minimise Scope 1 and 2 emissions through a comprehensive carbon management plan. Key measures include transitioning to renewable energy sources, optimising vehicle use, and offsetting residual emissions. The company has offset 82 tCO2e of emissions for the reporting period through the Verified Carbon Standard (VCS)-certified “Renewable Solar Power Project” in India, supporting the global transition to clean energy.
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