Timber specialist Ransfords is marking 150 years in business.
Roofing specialist Roofbase has become a Partner of the National Buying Group.
Report urges Government to plug hot water gap in Warm Homes Plan
“Hot Water Down the Drain: Unlocking Hot Water Decarbonisation Through the Warm Homes Plan”, a report published by Triton Showers in response to the recently launched Warm Homes Plan roadmap, is urging the government to integrate hot water decarbonisation into its long-term housing and net-zero strategies.
The report warns that hot water
will soon become the dominant domestic energy load, and calls on the government to include electric showers and high-efficiency models within major retrofit and energy efficiency funding schemes.
Wolseley Group announces new operating model
introduces four customer- focused division; Local, Contract, Infrastructure, and Specialist Businesses, strengthening Wolseley’s ability to support customers from sole traders to national contractors and major utilities.
Wolseley Group has announced a new UK operating structure designed to better meet the needs of its customers across its core markets.
The updated structure
To support the new model, Wolseley has strengthened its UK leadership team.
Glen Scorah becomes UK sales and operations director for contract and large accounts, Mike Russell will take responsibility for
Howdens celebrates 16 new depot openings
Howdens, the trade kitchen supplier, has opened the doors to 16 new depots since December, creating 85 new jobs.
The openings include depots
in West Drayton, Wynyard, Esher, Cheetham Hill, Meir Park, Kirkham, Swindon East, Banchory, Bailieston, Boughton, Alcester, Brislington, Blackburn, Neath, Ballynahinch, Cinderford and West Maidstone The company now operates more than 850 depots across the UK and Ireland.
Managing director for trade at Howdens, Austin Cooke, said; “It has been fantastic to open the doors
to our new depots and to welcome so many trade customers from local areas. We are well set and ready to support them with their jobs all over the UK and Ireland with our full range being available from stock.
“I’d encourage customers, new and existing, to get along and meet their local Howdens’ team who are ready to provide their full support and expertise”
March 2026
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
Triton Showers market development manager, Paul Ravnbo-West, said: “The current policy landscape is heavily weighted towards space heating, but as that decarbonises, hot water will make up a significant share of household energy use. If this isn’t addressed in the Warm Homes Plan, we risk missing a major opportunity to cut emissions and help households manage rising utility costs.
business operations and Simon Dennis will lead the infrastructure division. In addition, Dean Weston will move from Wolseley-owned CP Hart to take up the position of UK sales and operations director for the local division and Gavin Vose joins as chief purchasing and supply chain officer.
Patrick Berard, CEO of Wolseley Group, said: “Our customers’ needs are evolving rapidly. Local tradespeople, project-led contractors and major utilities all require different levels of expertise, availability and service. This new structure ensures we can meet those needs with greater clarity, speed and consistency.”
Howarth takes on Laver branch
Howarth Timber & Building Supplies has taken on the former Arnold Laver site in Sunderland, which has become its 37th site. Nick Howarth, managing director at Howarth Timber, said: “We have purchased the Arnold Laver Sunderland branch which will become our 37th branch, Howarth Timber & Building Supplies Sunderland. The branch will join our Eastern Region.
“We intend to keep it focussed on stocking and selling timber products but also adding insulation and plasterboards. The branch will also have a large First Fix Second Fix operation.”
Padlock manufacturer Squire achieves 75% reduction in plastic packaging imports.
NEWS IN BRIEF
Instantor achieves Business Working Responsibly mark Instantor, part of the Sanbra group has achieved the Business Working Responsibly Mark, Ireland’s Economic, Environmental, Social, and Governance (EESG) standard. Independently verified by the National Standards Authority of Ireland, the standard for sustainability goes beyond legal compliance, working with a responsible and sustainable organisation that can help support their own EESG commitments too.
Klipboard joins Data Yard as strategic partner
Data Yard, the industry-owned data pool established by the BMF and NMBS, has a new Strategic Partnership with Klipboard, the software provider formerly known as Kerridge Commercial Systems.
Through this partnership, Klipboard will participate in Data Yard’s advisory groups, providing insights in ERP software, data catalogues, and the builders’ merchant industry. It will also collaborate closely on testing and developing new features.
New Forest Fencing Invests in Postsaver Pro-Shrink system Southampton based timber and steel specialists, New Forest Fencing & Gates (NFF), has announced an expansion of its manufacturing capabilities through the integration of the Postsaver Pro-Shrink system. This investment allows the firm to offer high-volume, factory-applied rot protection automatically, and will also save time for their installation teams.
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