Easy-Trim Precast Roofing and Construction Products has been acquired from its administrators by FP McCann.


Wienerberger UK and Ireland has published EPDs for its UK


manufactured brick and roof tiles


MKM opens two new branches


MKM Building Supplies has opened its 137th and 138th branches, in Congleton and Ipswich, respectively.


Leading the new Congleton branch is branch director Ric Bauer, who brings 30 years of experience in the builders’ merchant industry.


The site features an 18,000 sq ft covered warehouse and timber store, keeping materials dry and in top condition throughout the year.


MKM Ipswich will offer a full range of building materials alongside a large, modern showroom, sustainability displays including heat-source pump solutions, and a dedicated plumbing and heating specialist in branch.


The Ipswich branch will be led by branch directors Mark Turner and Joe Dyozinski, with more than 40 years of combined experience in the builders’ merchant sector.


Huws Gray takes the Ayr with Thornbridge acquisition


in our flagship timber mill in Grangemouth, the expansion of our timber merchanting capabilities is a key strategic focus for Huws Gray in Scotland. I’m delighted that we have now agreed to take on the lease of this impressive Ayr site.”


Builders’ merchant Huws Gray has bought the Thornbridge timber merchants in Ayr from the administrators of its parent company, the National Timber Group.


Eddie Hernon, managing director at PDM Huws Gray, said: “Following our recent investment


The branch will continue to be managed by Lynne Douglas and her team.


National Timber Group went into administration in November. Several of its businesses have now been acquired, although the original hope was to sell the business as a whole.


Travis Perkins develops branch sizes


Builders merchant’ Travis Perkins’ Swansea branch has moved to its new site on Upper Fforest Way, Llansamlet, creating eight new jobs. The switch from its previous location on the Cwmdu Industrial Estate on Carmarthen Road, sees the new branch situated nearer to the M4, making it easier for tradespeople to access. The new location is set to offer a significant boost to operations with a new near three-acre site which includes a Benchmarx Kitchens showroom, as well as the business’ Hire offering.


Turner, who has lived in Ipswich his entire life, said opening the branch is a proud personal milestone.“Being able to build something in my hometown, for my family and my two boys,


DPS Cheltenham rebrands as Grant & Stone


The Cheltenham branch of Dougfield Plumbers Supplies is now operating under the name Grant & Stone.


The rebrand brings the Cheltenham branch into the wider Grant & Stone family, offering customers access to an even broader range of products and services, while retaining the trusted local team they know. Area general manager for Grant & Stone, Martin Lloyd, said: “This rebrand marks an exciting new chapter for us. Although our name has changed, our people haven’t. Customers will still see the same familiar faces and receive the same reliable service they’ve come to expect. We’re proud to now be part of Grant & Stone and look forward to continuing to support our local community.”


Regional director for Travis Perkins, Mackenzie Hallett, said: “To have Travis Perkins, Benchmarx and Hire all under the same roof will provide a fantastic one-stop shop for all our customers across the area. It means we are perfectly placed to support any building project across the city, whatever the size or scale.”


February 2026 www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net


Lords, the builders, plumbers and civils merchant group, has issued a trading update for the year ended 31 December 2025.


Group revenue increased by 8.3% to £473m from £437m, an increase of 0.7% on a like-for-like basis. Merchanting revenue was up 6.0% to £227m, reflecting contributions from three new branch openings and LFL sales increasing by 3.1%, and Plumbing and Heating revenue was resilient at £220m (FY24: £222m), with a significant 57% increase in renewables revenues. Following the successful acquisition of CMO, the online only builders’ merchant; CMO continued to build revenues week by week, delivering £26m since acquisition in June 2025. Adjusted EBITDA is expected to be in line with current market consensus, and year-end net debt was £14.5 million, a reduction of 55% compared to 31 December 2024.


Lords CEO Shanker Patel, said: “We remain focused on controlling our costs and improving working capital. We reduced net debt significantly by £17.9 million in the year as we optimised our capital allocation and reduced working capital. Whilst the market remains subdued entering 2026, we believe the Group is well positioned to benefit from operational leverage as volumes improve, complimented by selective organic and acquisitive initiatives.”


5


Lords issues trading update


Stelrad Radiators is celebrating its 90th birthday in 2026


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