NEWSROUND JPS completes record branch roll out
Jewson Partnership Solutions (JPS) has completed the roll out of five new branches in just one month – its biggest expansion project to date. The new sites will provide services for a wide range of social landlords including Wheatley Homes East, Home Group, Saxon Weald and Settle Group. Scott Cooper, managing director of JPS, said: “Public sector bodies like councils and housing associations are some of the most hard-pressed businesses when it comes to identifying potential time and cash savings. They need to prove they’re taking all the steps possible to make
their operations as efficient and effective as they can be. Our branches have been designed specifically with this in mind. They act as a one-stop-shop for operatives to access all the relevant and necessary materials for the specific maintenance requirements of their sites. The surge in demand for our managed stores in recent years speaks for itself: we’re getting it right, and the exponential growth that we’re enjoying as a business doesn’t appear to be stopping anytime soon, as we have a further 11 stores to open before the final quarter of the year.
Builders’ merchant Q1 value sales have fallen by 7.2%
The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report reveals builders’ merchants’ value sales in Q1 2024 were -7.2% down compared to Q1 2023, with volume sales falling -8.7% and prices edging up +1.6%. With one less trading day in Q1 2024, like-for-like sales (which take the number of trading days into account) were -5.7% lower.
Just three of the twelve categories sold more in Q1, year-on-year, with Workwear & Safetywear (+11.5%) out in front. The two largest categories - Timber & Joinery Products (-10.6%) and Heavy Building Materials (-9.4%) - both sold less. Renewables & Water Saving (-26.5%) was the weakest category.
Quarter-on-quarter, total value sales for Q1 2024 were up +3.5% compared to Q4 2023. Volume sales were +3.9% higher and prices were flat (-0.4%). With three additional trading days in the most recent period, like-for-like sales were -1.4% lower. All but one category sold more with Landscaping (+14.6%) growing the most.
BMF
SHORTLISTS SUPPLIER
AND SERVICE AWARDS
In addition, JPS has launched a ‘spoke’ branch of its AVAIL Housing Hub in Newburn, Newcastle, as part of a new contract with Newcastle City Council, to reduce the typical amount of travel associated with operatives’ building and maintenance material collections.
Plumbing and heating industry continues ‘ disappointing start to 2024’
The latest Plumbing & Heating Merchant Index (PHMI) report, published in June, shows Q1 2024 total value sales through specialist plumbing & heating merchants were down -3.6% compared to the same quarter in 2023; Volumes sales fell -6.4% and prices crept up +3.0%. With one less trading day this year, like-for-like sales were -2.1% lower. March 2024 value sales dropped -13.6% on the same month a year ago. Volumes also decreased by -14.5% and prices edged up +1.0%. With three less trading days in March 2024, like-for-like sales were -0.7% lower.
Month-on-month, March value sales were down -5.9% compared to February. Volume sales were -3.8% lower but prices also decreased -2.2%. With one less trading day in March, like-for-like sales were -1.2% lower. Total value sales for the 12-month period April 2023 to March 2024 were +0.8% ahead of the same period a year before (April 2022 to March 2023). However, volume sales were down -4.2% and prices increased +5.3%. There was no difference in trading days.
The Builders Merchants Federation has announced the companies shortlisted for the BMF Supplier & Distributor Member Engagement Award 2024 and the BMF Service Member Engagement Award 2024. The Awards recognise the vital role suppliers and service members play within the building materials industry. Those shortlisted have demonstrated their proactive support through participation in BMF activities and events designed to encourage supply chain collaboration.
BMF SUPPLIER MEMBER SHORTLIST • Forgefix Limited • Knauf Insulation Ltd • OX Products Group UK Ltd / BORA • SIG plc • Talasey Group • Unilin Insulation UK Ltd
BMF SERVICE MEMBER SHORTLIST • EazyStock UK Ltd • ECI Software Solutions Ltd • Epicor • Intact Software • Kerridge Commercial Systems Ltd • Stirling Warrington
The winners will be announced at the BMF Members’ Day Awards Dinner, which takes on 19 September 2024, after the BMF Members’ Day Annual Conference at the Leonardo Hotel and Conference Venue at Hinckley Island in Leicestershire.
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www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net July 2024
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