NEWSROUND Timber businesses bought out of administration
Two timber businesses that were part of the failed National Timber Group have been acquired from the adminstrators Michael Magnay, Gemma Quinn and Jonathan Marston of Alvarez & Marsal. Rodger Group Holdings has taken on the Motherwell trading operation of Thornbridge, while timber merchant Orchard Timber has been bought by Alloa- headquartered Beatsons Building Supplies.
The Motherwell business will trade as Thornbridge Timber, with the existing management team and workforce remaining in place, with all staff transferring as part of the transaction.
Mark Rodger, group managing
Andrew Griffith MP to speak at major BMF events
The BMF (Builders Merchants Federation) has secured Andrew Griffith MP, the Conservative Shadow Secretary of State for Business & Trade, to speak at two of the trade body’s significant events in 2026. He will address guests at the BMF Parliamentary Reception on 25 February and deliver a keynote speech at the annual BMF Members Conference in September.
The BMF Parliamentary Reception at the House of Commons is attended by ministers, MPs, Lords and senior leaders from builders’ merchants and suppliers. This year’s theme, “Delivering and Retrofitting the High Quality Homes of the Future”, will highlight our sector’s role in meeting the UK’s housing and sustainability challenges.
Heidelberg Materials trials CarbonCure at Greenwich concrete plant
Heidelberg Materials UK is carrying out trials using CarbonCure technology in ready- mixed concrete for the first time in England at its Greenwich concrete plant.
The process involves injecting pure manufactured CO2 into fresh concrete, which improves hydration mechanisms. This allows producers to use an average of five per cent less
4
cement within the concrete. The trial
reinforced the Greenwich concrete plant credentials as a low carbon construction materials supply- hub.
“The CarbonCure trial is the first of its kind to trial the
director of Rodger Group Holdings, said: “Thornbridge is a well-recognised name in the Scottish timber trade. Our focus is on protecting that legacy — safeguarding jobs, supporting customers and rebuilding the brand with long-term commitment.” Rodger Group Holdings owns a portfolio of construction-related businesses across Scotland, including Build Depot, Bath & Tile Studio and GTi Direct.
The acquisition does not include Thornbridge’s former sawmill operations in Grangemouth. Orchard Timber’s branches in Forfar and two branches in Forfar and Livingston shut with immediate effect, with staff made redundant,
following the collapse of parent company National Timber. John Marshall, chairman of Beatsons, said: “We are delighted to welcome Orchard Timber Products into the Beatsons family. This acquisition aligns perfectly
The BMF’s flagship Members Conference will take place at the Belfry Hotel and Resort in Sutton Coldfield on 17 September 2026. Further details will be released in the New Year. John Newcomb, BMF CEO, said: “We are delighted that Andrew Griffith MP has agreed to participate in two of our most prominent events next year. He is not only an excellent and informative speaker, but his involvement will also provide him with a valuable insight into the challenges currently facing the construction industry under the current Government.”
technology in ready-mix concrete in England,” said concrete technical director Daniel Clayton, at Heidelberg Materials UK. “We’re continuing to invest in a range of innovative technologies to enable this, including partnering with
CarbonCure in this trial where the mineralised CO2 within the concrete stays locked in, even if the concrete is demolished in the future.”
with our strategy to expand our geographic reach and broaden our product offering. Orchard Timber’s expertise and established customer relationships make them a perfect fit, and we look forward to supporting their continued growth.”
Jewson to relaunch upgraded St Austell branch
Jewson St Austell will soon relaunch its fully refurbished St Austell branch.
The branch at Holmbush Industrial Estate will feature an expanded product offering, tool hire range, and a kitchen and bathroom selection centre. Drive-in loading bays will also offer access to undercover timber. The existing team, will be based on the branch floor, strengthened by new members, including an in- branch roofing specialist. Customers will also be able to use the branch to access Project Estimator, an estimating service from Jewson to help builders and tradespeople save time in the planning stages of their projects. An official reopening celebration will take place on February 6. St Austell branch Manager Steve Wickett, said “We hope to see lots of familiar faces, and lots of new ones.”
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net January 2026
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68
