NEWS IN BRIEF


BMF Members Day speakers to include a politician and a spy


Sir Vince Cable, the leader of the Liberal Democrats and MP for Twickenham, is a headline speaker at BMF Members’ Day in September, as is Julian Fisher, a former operational officer at MI6. A former chief economist at Shell, Sir Vince Cable was the first UK politician to warn of the impending financial crisis of 2008. Between 2010 and 2015, he served as the Coalition Government’s Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and


Skills. He now believes that a hard Brexit could create serious and prolonged economic difficulties ahead. Fisher moved into the private security and intelligence


sector as Head of Africa for Aegis Defence Services Ltd and now acts as a consultant on espionage matters for various media outlets. John Newcomb, BMF CEO


Thornbridge and NY Timber grow together


Scottish timber processing and distribution company Thornbridge and North Yorkshire Timber (NYTimber) have merged, supported by investment from Cairngorm Capital Partners LLP.


North Yorkshire Timber is one of the


largest independent timber merchants in the North East. Based in Northallerton, it has a 20,000sq ft design, manufacturing and distribution centre in Brompton-on-Swale and seven branches.


The merger means the enlarged group now has 15 branches across the UK,


generating revenues of over £50 million and employing over 360 people.


said: “We are delighted that Sir Vince Cable will address BMF Members’ Day this year. He is not only one of the country’s senior politicians but also a highly regarded economist who is not afraid to express bold, and sometimes contrarian, views. Our conference theme this year is “The Future Belongs to the Bold”, which makes a presentation from a former MI6 officer especially appropriate. Julian is set to show us all how we can draw on espionage skills to develop our business.”


BMF Members’ Day 2018 will be held at St George’s Park,


Burton on Trent on September 27.


Forterra boots poduction in Cloughton, Lancashire


UK building products manufacturer, Forterra, has


completed a £3.2m investment at its Claughton brick


facility in Lancashire, increasing capacity to over 5 million bricks per annum.


The investment centred around the installation of a new dryer system and a complete upgrade of the factory control systems. The company has also boosted output and the range of bricks at its Accrington plant.


Staffing levels at both brickworks are also being raised to reflect this increase in production, which is in response to the growth in homebuilding in the north of England. Claughton was mothballed during the 2008 building industry slump and re-opened in 2013.


Worcester Bosch warms to TV advert


Worcester Bosch has introduced its TV mascot, Worcester the cat, part of a digitally-focused, integrated marketing approach. The ad is expected to reach 16 million consumers via ITV, Sky and Channel 4 and shows


Worcester the cat adapting the heating to suit his tastes when his owners are out. Worcester will also feature on radio stations, including Absolute, Magic, and talkSPORT. To ensure maximum reach, Sky’s


March 2018 www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net


AdSmart technology will store the advert in a viewer’s Sky Box, so it only plays when the homeowner is watching TV, guaranteeing the advert will be viewed by more than 2.3 million prime target households.


Alumasc buys Wade International


Al b W d Alumasc Group plc has


bought Essex-based drainage specialist, Wade International, in a stragetic move to


strengthen the ‘Rain-to-Drain’ position of the group’s Water Management division, Wade will join the five


current business units within Alumasc Water Management Solutions (AWMS).


Russell invests in Russell Roof Tiles is


Scotland


about to start a £1/2m investment programme at its Lochmaben factory. The firm is investing in new machinery and equipment in its utility and main tile plants on its 11-acre Halleaths site, one of three in the UK.


Flame wins north east growth award


Flame Heating Group, the Heating & Plumbing merchant, won the Let’s Grow Award at the


Northumberland & Tyneside heat of the North East


Business Awards. The award recognises companies that have demonstrated rapid growth over the last 12 months.


Tipadel sells to Sydenhams


Frome builders merchant Tipadel Ltd is selling up to fellow independent Sydenhams, which will


take over Tipadel Ltd from early April. Managing director, Tim Painter,


told employees that after 40 years of running the business, now is the time for him to ‘enjoy the fruits of his labours’.


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