NEWSROUND October sees 15% rise in timber imports


Volumes of all the main timber and panel products were much higher in October 2024, resulting in an overall 15% uplift in imports, according to the latest figures from Timber Development UK. Softwood imports in October 2024 were 11% higher than in October 2023, driven by a near doubling of planed pine imports, with 27,000m3 more being imported this year. Swedish imports accounted for the majority of this, with volumes from Latvia also higher. Sweden maintained its position as the UK’s biggest softwood supplying country, providing 47% of all imports.


Plumb Centre opens new Doncaster branch


The Mayor of Doncaster, Ros Jones CBE, performed the opening of Plumb Centre’s latest branch, cutting the ribbon alongside Deputy Mayor and Portfolio Holder for Housing and Business Councillor Glyn Jones and branch manager Nick Manson.


The new state-of-the-art trade counter and showroom space, is located at Unit 22 of the Shaw Lane Industrial Estate.


Jones said: “I was delighted to officially open the new location for Plumb Centre Doncaster and meet the team.


“It’s fantastic to see a to see a company that has a long history in Doncaster investing in a modern new facility that ensures that heating and plumbing professionals in this area have access to the very best products and service. I wish Nick and his team every success.”


October also saw an 18,000m3 surge in the volume of temperate species of imported hardwood plywoods which includes Alder, Beech and Ash, driven mainly from China; the monthly total was 50% higher than any of the preceding months of 2024.


Increases in softwood plywood imports were proportionally greater than for any other timber product, with Brazil supplying 10,500m3 more and Finland over 2,000m3 more. Volumes of unworked OSB also increased sharply with an 11,000m3 rise in Latvian imports, as well as a 3,000m3 increase from Germany.


Hardwood imports throughout the first 10 months of 2024 were around 18,000m3 below the same period in 2023. Just over half of this shortfall was accounted for by lower volumes from the USA and Cameroon, though the other five top supplying countries collectively supplied almost 10,000m3 more volumes during the same period, helping to offset some of this fall. As part of the overall cumulative reduction of 18,000m3, the UK imported around 9,000m3 less temperate hardwood, mostly accounted for by lower volumes from the USA, Croatia and Germany.


IBC celebrates brand refresh and new member-focussed strategy


IBC is celebrating its member-first strategy with a refreshed brand and a clean, modern look to make it easier for members to engage with the buying group.


Last year, IBC completed its first customer insight project. A research agency was commissioned to talk to IBC members and understand their


views on the buying group and their individual business needs, to ensure IBC continues to provide everything its members need to grow and develop their businesses.


Stuart Stockley, managing director of IBC Buying Group, said: “We understand how important communication is in ensuring our members understand the many benefits of working with IBC. We want them to take advantage of our great prices and the exclusive promotions we offer with our supplier partners, and that means sending them the information in a clear, straightforward format to help them make key decisions without delay. That’s why, after listening to our members’ feedback, we have updated our branding to give it a fresh, modern look.”


Hamilton seeks trade views Manufacturer of painting and decorating tools, Hamilton, is ringing in the New Year with a huge £500 prize giveaway for one lucky tradesperson. To be considered for the cash price, Hamilton is asking multi-skilled tradespeople to take part in a quick online survey, answering questions about the brand and the wider painting industry. The survey is open until January 24, with the winner set to be announced in February 2025. All answers and insight will go towards driving future innovation in painting and decorating, a principle Hamilton has continued to champion throughout its 270-year history.


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NEWS INBRIEF


Pallet Loop shortisted for award


The Pallet LOOP, part of BSW Group, has been shortlisted A 2025 edie Award in the Circular Economy Innovation of the Year category. In May 2024, the business issued its first reusable timber pallets with the support and sustainable leadership of British Gypsum. Nathan Wride, Head of Partnerships & Innovation at The Pallet LOOP, said: “Waste is no longer just an inconvenience; it’s a clear sign of inefficiency and environmental harm. The construction industry has been crying out for a different approach to pallets for years. We are delighted with the results we’ve achieved in the six months since our green pallets went live. Together with British Gypsum, we’ve put so much effort into getting this new way of working off the ground. As we redefine norms when it comes to pallets, edie’s acknowledgement of our endeavours is a great way to end a momentous year. We look forward to the edie awards ceremony in March.”


Kilwaughter Minerals wins three


Kilwaughter Minerals has been named Mineral Products Site of the Year at the annual Plant & Civil Engineer (PCE) Awards, with Edward Nethery receiving the Quarry Manager of the Year accolade. Meanwhile, senior digital marketing executive Kathryn Douglas was named ‘Emerging Talent – Young Marketer of the Year’ at the Construction Marketing Awards. The company’s K Systems brand also won a 2024 INCA Awards for Environmental Impact, receiving the award for the Low Rise (New Build) category.


www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net January 2025


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