NEWSROUND Housebuilding pulls down PM Index
For the 14th month in a row con- struction activity has fallen, with a sharper decline in new buisness, and housing activity. That’s according to the latest S&P Global UK Construction Purchasing Managers’ Index™ (PMI®) which registered 44.5 in February – down from January’s seven-month high (46.4). Residential building remained the weakest-performing segment in February (index at 37.0) and the rate of decline accelerated since January. Commercial construction activity (46.5) also fell at a faster pace than at the beginning of the
year, while civil engineering was the only sub-sector to record a slower fall in activity levels during February. Purchasing activity continued to fall sharply in February, with the rate of decline slightly steeper than at the start of 2026. Weaker demand for construction products and materials lead to an improve- ment in supplier performance. Lead times have now shortened for seven consecutive months. On the other hand, business activity expectations improved to the highest since December 2024. Around 42% of the survey panel forecast a rise in output levels
MKM opens Wellingborough branch
MKM Building Supplies has opened its 140th branch, in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire.
The new branch, led by dranch directors, uncle-and-nephew duo, Dave and Jake Toseland, is located on Meadow Close, Finedon Road, MKM Wellingborough will combine building materials, timber, plumbing & heating and kitchens & bathrooms .
The team includes specialists across plumbing & heating, timber, heavyside and landscaping, with kitchen expertise planned as recruitment continues.
Initial recruitment will create 16 jobs, with further growth expected. Dave Toseland said: “Being from the area, we want to see people succeed. Our goal is simple; service the local community properly, go back to our independent roots and
TP moves east for London expansion
Builders metchant Travis Perkins has opened a new branch in Leytonestone, East London, tripling the size of its site in Starford, from which it has reloacted.
The branch on Joseph Ray Road is nearly-three acres in size - more than three times as big as its previous location - and also includes a brand new Benchmarx Kitchens & Joinery showroom, as well as an expanded Hire service. Travis Perkins Leytonstone offers a large landscaping range, as well as a wide range of timber, insulation, aggregates, bricks and blocks.
Regional director Daniel 4
McCafferty says: “At our previous location in Stratford we were a popular branch, but the move to this new site opens a much greater opportunity to service tradespeople in the heart of East London. The increase in space means the quantity and variety of products we have on site give our customers a fantastic choice.” The team from the previous branch have all moved over, and new positions created take the team size to 34. The branch is open from 7am–5pm Monday to Friday and 8am–12pm on a Saturday.
The branch manager is Daniel
during the year ahead, while only 12% anticipate a decline. Tim Moore, Economics Director at S&P Global Market Intelligence, said: “A sharper downturn in house building was the main factor behind the setback for UK construction activity in February, following some signs of stabilisa- tion at the start of 2026. Total industry activity has decreased in each month since January 2025 and the latest decline was faster than seen on average over this period. The reduction in output was largely due to sluggish de- mand conditions, but some firms also noted that exceptionally wet
weather had disrupted construc- tion projects.
“Construction companies were hopeful of a turnaround in busi- ness activity over the year ahead, with optimism levels hitting a 14-month high in February. This was often linked to forthcoming new projects in the infrastructure and energy sectors, as well as pro- jected improvements in broader economic conditions.
“Sharply rising input costs were a challenge in February. The rate of purchasing price inflation hit a seven-month high as suppli- ers passed on rising raw material costs, especially metals.”
NMBS launches 2026 Conference
NMBS has officially launched its All-Industry Conference, which will take place from June 11 to 14 2026 at Meliá Villaitana near Alicante, Spain.
help make life easier for the trades and homeowners we work with every day.”
Rossiter, who says: “With the size of the new location it has allowed us to stock a huge range of products in great quantities to cater for the needs of all local tradespeople, whatever the scale and size of their jobs.
The conference agenda will again include the highly valued talks and insight sessions on market forecasts and economic trends likely to impact the merchanting sector, as well as NMBS’s Meet the Merchant event and a Gala Dinner. Broadcaster and entrepreneur Jake Humphrey will be taking on the role of host. Best known today for his work with The High Performance Podcast, Humphrey has also had over 20 years as an award-winning TV presenter, hosting Formula One, football and huge shows for the BBC, Channel 4, ITV and BT Sport. He is a Sunday Times bestselling author, and an investor in several innovative and sustainable businesses, as well as fulfilling the role of Deputy Lieutenant of Norfolk.
Kevin Williams, the new CEO of NMBS, said: “It’s a real honour to be at my first NMBS Conference. We’ll make sure 2026 is packed with the insight, connections and relationship building our industry need and expect.”
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net March 2026
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