THE MONTH


BMF calls on new Government to start the real work


The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) is calling for swift action from the new ConservaaOffering his congratulations to Boris Johnson and the Conservative Party, BMF CEO John Newcomb, called on Conservative leaders to set the conditions for a more productive, greener sector, which in turn will protect and create vital jobs across the UK.


NMBS and TTF form new


partnership The National Merchant Buying Society (NMBS) and the Timber Trade Federation (TTF) are forming a new partnership from January 2020, to help drive knowledge, competency and sales across the wood products category. Timber and wood products represent up to a quarter of many merchants’ overall sales, and the category is one of the most profitable in the merchant portfolio.


“The post-Grenfell Hackitt review, and the report of its Competency Steering Group, highlights the need for proven competency throughout the construction supply chain. Through our partnership with NMBS we are taking the lead in driving up competencies and confidence surrounding the wood products category. We will also be signposting to NMBS members the key opportunities for adding value with timber sales throughout the year,” says David Hopkins, Managing Director of the Timber Trade Federation. Chris Hayward, managing director of NMBS, adds: “Strengthening independents means providing the very best information to members. Working with the TTF will provide NMBS members with access to both technical and marketing information to help them maintain and increase the profitability of their timber sales. It will also provide the knowledge to give merchant staff greater confidence in what they are selling.”


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John Newcomb said: “The new Government must look beyond Brexit to domestic policy. We urge the next Housing and Climate Change ministers to focus on two major issues, namely the narrowing of the gap between housing demand and supply, and the decarbonisation of heating and electrification of homes with sustainable means. We need to see policy and real action to build homes, eliminate


carbon in our housing stock and create prosperity.” On new housing, the BMF wants to see unrelenting political determination behind concerted action to simplify and speed up planning approvals for un-controversial applications to increase housing completions. The whole thrust must be implementation, enabling BMF members to invest confidently in the people and materials and products needed. In addition, the BMF requested early clarification on what the future holds for the Help To Buy Scheme.


Reducing VAT from 20 percent to 5 percent on home improvement works is central to this aim and the BMF, along with others in construction, has already written to Mr. Johnson to outline the economic, environmental and social benefits.


MKM ranked 38 in The Sunday Times Top


Track 250 Companies for 2019 MKM Building Supplies Ltd is delighted to announce it has been placed at number 38 in The Sunday Times Top Track 250 League Table.


MKM has reported an


exceptional year of growth with the opening of 13 new branches in the last twelve months. The year’s expansion will bring the total number of MKM outlets to 68 by the end of the year, with new branches recently opened in Burnley, Kilmarnock, Milton Keynes, Elgin, Mansfield, Burton, Middlesbrough, Yeovil, Weymouth, Leeds, Stoke, Aberdeen and Oban.


chairman commented: “We are delighted with this recognition and attribute the success to our branch directors. MKM is fast becoming a nationally recognized brand, however, we strive to retain a strong community focus in each branch, where our teams have built great relationships with a local business.


This year the company has experienced growth in trade sales, but also a significant increase in consumer retail sales with more branches featuring kitchen and bathroom showrooms. David Kilburn, executive


Our branch directors all have a stake in the business and an opportunity to share in profits, which has helped attract a great team of local entrepreneurs and is proving to be a key driver of our growth.”


Breedon Group plc acquires a slice of Cemex UK


Breedon announce that it has entered into a conditional agreement with CEMEX UK Operations Limited to acquire certain assets and operations in the UK for a total consideration of £178 million on a cash and debt free basis.


The combination of Breedon’s and CEMEX’S UK assets will further enhance Breedon’s position as a leading construction materials group in Great Britain and Ireland. The acquisition is consistent with Breedon’s strategy of acquiring earnings enhancing aggregates.


Breedon has agreed to acquire CEMEX’s UK Assets for £155million in cash together with the assumption of £23 million of lease liabilities.


CEMEX’s UK Assets encompass approximately 100 active operations across six divisions located in Scotland, Wales, North-East England, Norfolk, the East Midlands, and Yorkshire. In the year ended 31 December 2018, CEMEX’s UK Assets generated revenue of £178 million and EBITDA of £23 million. Group mineral reserves and resources will increase by approximately 170 million tonnes, enough to last over 27 years at current extraction rates. Breedon expects to achieve annual net pre-tax cost synergies of approximately £2 million by the third full year following completion.


Completion is expected in the second quarter of 2020, subject to completion of a TUPE consultation.


www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net January 2020


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