Ibstock and Forterra consult on loss of 600 brick jobs


all precast concrete flooring products will be consolidated into its Hoveringham facility in Nottinghamshire.


Brick manufacterers Ibstock and Forterra are to lose 600 jobs as a result of lower forecast demand following the Covid-19 pandemic. With despatches around half what they were this time last year both businesses said selective sites may close and the size and structure of support functions will change.


Forterra will mothball its hollowcore flooring manufacturing facility at Swadlincote in Derbyshire, while


Brick sales at Ibstock fell 90% during April after the company shut many of its production sites for a month. The return to work has seen a partial recovery, but the company said sales were still around 70% lower than last May. Revenue in April and May was around a quarter of what it was in the same period a year earlier. Ibstock chief executive Joe Hudson said: “The changes anticipated will ensure our business is adapted to the near-term industry demand outlook, we retain the flexibility to scale production back up, as and when demand recovers.”


Industry plans post-Covid-19 revival


Proposals to bost the construction industry post Covid-19 lockdown have been released by the Construction Leadership Council’s Covid-19 Task Force. The recommendations include: • Get industry back to work wherever it is safe to do so • Maximise employment and retain key skills


• Ensure a pipeline of future workload for all parts of the sector • Boost productivity to secure improved value


• Transform the industry through technology & digitalisation The Task Force represents the


entire construction supply chain from product manufacturers and merchants to contractors, housebuilders and specialists. It was established as the crisis took hold to provide focus on industry efforts to combat the impact of coronavirus. In the early days of the crisis it tackled immediate issues such as development of Site Operating Procedures to safeguard workers and addressing shortages of product availability. The task force is now engaging with Government to test how the plans proposals might be delivered.


Covid closures cost Grafton


Merchanting group Grafton Group saw revenue fall 26% to £810.9 million in the five months to 31 May 2020 from £1.09 bil- lion in the same period last year due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, according to a trading update issued June 11 A solid start to the year was followed by a decline in activity in the second half of March, mean- ing group revenue was 2% down in the first quarter compared to the same period last year. The national shutdown meas-


ures in place throughout April in the UK and Ireland led to an 80% decline in Group revenue com- pared to April 2019. However, with restrictions easing in May, the majority of branches were able to either fully or partially reo- pen. Revenue in May was down 38% on the prior year. Selco reopened 42 branches on 6 May for Click & Collect and Click & Deliver trading only with the remaining 26 reopened on 18 May. The traditional UK merchanting businesses operated on branch collections and on-site deliveries basis.


CEO Gavin Slark said: “While


there are many challenges to be overcome in the months ahead, we are encouraged by the early trading indications following the reopening of our businesses in the UK and Ireland. Grafton is in a strong financial position and, with a resilient portfolio of businesses, will emerge from this crisis well positioned for future growth.”


International Timber expands offer and rebrands


Timber supplier International Timber has undertaken a company-wide rebrand, expanding its offering and making several significant changes to the business.


With an increased focus on the future needs of merchants and manufacturers, a new corporate identity and digital presence has been implemented in order to enhance growth. To support the constantly evolving timber market, as demand increases in terms of sustainability, specification knowledge and added value services, International Timber has introduced dedicated sales teams to support key merchant and manufacturing customer groups. Additionally, the timber giant has introduced new ranges, enhanced their engineered, modified and laminated timber offering, and increased milling capacity across their six UK sites. Kerry Wardle, marketing manager, said: “We feel that our newly refreshed corporate identity, supported by the launch of a new website, maintains that standard. We are focused on delivering a clear, simple set of tools that give our customers the information they need, as quickly and effectively as possible.”


June 2020 www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net


Obituary: Paul Sexton


It is with enormous sadness, that we report that Paul Sexton, managing director


of Lawsons Timber, Building & Fencing Merchants, passed away on Friday 8th May 2020 after a long and courageous battle with cancer.


Paul worked for Magnet Joinery before beginning a 16 year career with Travis Perkins at their Hackney branch. He progressed rapidly over the years and was promoted to branch manager before joining Lawsons in 2006 as operations director, becoming managing director in 2015.


Paul was admired and respected by all that knew him in the industry and in 2018 he was appointed Chairman of the London & South East region of the BMF. Away from work, Paul was an avid supporter of Tottenham Hotspur and the Ireland national rugby union team. He loved music and taught himself to play the guitar which he often played at staff events.


Through Lawsons, Paul supported many charities that were dear to his heart. His dedication and generosity was incredible and he will be sadly missed by all of them. Paul was a great leader and believed in his team, all 440 of them. He cared for each and every one of them and was a very dear friend to many. His loyalty, passion, energy and ability to communicate at all levels was extraordinary. His commitment to both Lawsons and his family was never ever in question, he was a gentleman through and through and he will be sorely missed by all that had the privilege of knowing him.


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