HEAVYSIDE STRONG H
eavyside is a significant part of the business,” explains Ian Hemming, heavyside senior account manager at Croydon builders merchant Harris & Bailey. In recent years, the heavyside division has broadened both its range and reach to meet the shifting demands of the modern construction industry.
“We have expanded our product lines to cover areas we previously couldn”t, which means we can now support more projects from start to finish,” he says. From core building materials to decorative finishes, the division”s wider range enables it to deliver at every stage of a build.
“We”ve moved into renewables and sustainability-linked products, including heat pumps and solar panels, which means we can support customers right from the ground up,” Hemming continues.
Strategic partnerships reinforce this capability. A collaboration with EasyMix Concrete enables Harris & Bailey to supply volumetric concrete directly to site, streamlining deliveries for contractors. “Our partnership with EasyMix has been a real game-changer,” Hemming says. “It ensures we can support customers right from the foundation stages, with materials arriving exactly when and how they”re needed to keep things seamless and efficient from the off-set.”
Carving out a niche
While many national merchants have scaled back from offering both light and heavy- side operations, Harris & Bailey’s full-service offering has helped it maintain a distinctive and competitive position in the market. The ability to supply across both sides of the trade enables the business to service a wider range of projects and customer needs, from initial groundwork to final finishing touches. “There aren’t many businesses left that can offer both sides under one roof,” Hemming notes. “That gives us a strong point of difference, something we’re proud of.” This advantage is reinforced by a nimble approach to product development and sourcing. The company’s purchasing
department, led by Bella Hayman, plays a key role in continually refreshing the product range, identifying gaps in the market, and ensuring Harris & Bailey stays ahead
of emerging trends. By closely monitoring customer feedback and supplier innovation, the team also ensures the offering evolves in line with the needs of modern construction. This responsiveness not only strengthens customer relationships but also positions Harris & Bailey as a receptive, forward-thinking supplier; one that combines reliability with the flexibility needed to thrive in a fast-moving sector.
Sustainability driving growth Like much of the construction sector, Harris & Bailey is seeing strong growth in sustainability- led categories.
“There’s been noticeable expansion in insulation, fire safety, and acoustic products,” Hemming explains. “That’s largely driven by tighter legislation and the wider shift towards low-carbon construction.”
January 2026
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
FOUNDATIONS
BMJ explores how Harris & Bailey’s heavyside division is building for the future.
The merchant’s partnership with Daikin, the global leader in renewable heating and cooling, further supports this direction. “With new builds, renewables such as heat pumps are now an essential part of the specification,” Hemming continues. “Even though it’s technically a light-side product, the Heavyside division still plays a role, because those systems have to be considered right from the start of a project.”
Supporting every customer From sole traders to major developers, the Heavyside team supports a diverse customer base with the same unwavering focus on service and reliability.
For larger projects, there’s more advance ordering and direct-to-site delivery. The team liaise with manufacturers, coordinate deliveries, and arrange technical advice through account managers. Keeping projects on schedule and delivering excellent service to customers at every touch point in the project is crucial.
Delivery remains one of the biggest operational challenges, particularly in London, but also one of Harris & Bailey’s greatest strengths. “Getting large vehicles across the capital isn’t always easy, but we pride ourselves on consistency,” he adds. “The key is to resolve any issues quickly and ensure our customers” needs are met.”
Building ahead
As construction methods continually evolve, Harris & Bailey evolves with them. “Block and beam flooring, for instance, has gone from niche to standard because it’s fast and efficient,” Hemming adds, reiterating the need to adapt to change. “It’s innovations like these that drive the industry forward and help our customers stay ahead of the curve.” Looking ahead, the company’s goal is to remain at the forefront of sustainable, service- driven construction supply. “From our solar panels to the Sustainable Home Centre, in partnership with Daikin, everything we’re doing is about helping customers adapt for the future,” Hemming says. BMJ
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