NEWSROUND BMF to raise sector awareness
The BMF is launching a long-term sector awareness communications programme to raise the public’s knowledge and understanding of the building materials industry, positioning it as a vital, varied, vibrant sector with a wide range of career opportunities. With the strapline “Materially Different” and messaging encouraging people to join the sector to help “Make a Material Difference”,
Encon opens in North Shields
The Encon Group has opened a new branch in North Shields, Encon & Nevill Long North East, which combines the company’s previous Newcastle and Washington branches into a larger site.
The operational running of the branch will be overseen by assistant branch manager Stephen Begg, supported by Brian Hibbert in the role of business unit manager. The same experienced teams from Newcastle and Washington have moved to the new branch, retaining Encon’s specialist knowledge and support for customer projects across all market sectors.
The modern unit is located at a prime site on the Tyne Tunnel Trading Estate, a well-established commercial hub off the A19 near Newcastle upon Tyne. The site provides extensive warehouse and yard facilities, allowing for more products in stock, a larger sales office and a dedicated trade counter.
the campaign will highlight why a career in building materials is different from a role in other industries, and the huge variety of careers it offers.
The main elements of the programme include a dynamic new careers website – which will include details of every BMF member – and a Toolkit providing guidance and assets for members to strengthen their employer brands.
The programme, to be launched in the Autumn, defines the Building Materials sector: one that involves the manufacture, import, distribution and sale of building materials and products, through merchants for construction, infrastructure, house building, property and RMI markets. BMF Chairman Richard Hill said: “We work in a fantastic sector that offers excellent
opportunities to the talented people working here. However, when it comes to attracting new talent we are competing with many other sectors. It is time that we championed the Building Materials sector to the rest of the construction industry and the public at large.”
For further information, or to access the Toolkit contact Jeremy Harris at
jeremy.harris@bmf.org.uk.
Travis Perkins hunts for new CEO and chair
Chair of the Board of Travis Perkins PLC, Jasmine Whitbread, has stepped down as a director of the company and as chair. Whitbread will leave her role at the end of this month; Jez Maiden, senior independent director, will be interim chair. Whitbread said: “Whilst the difficult trading environment has presented significant near-term challenges, I am confident in the Group’s inherent strengths and ability to recover quickly when markets improve.”
This is the second change at the top for Travis Perkins in as many months, as chief executive Nick Roberts is also stepping down, after five years in his role.
plan and drive performance,” he said.
The news comes weeks after Travis Perkins flagged another year of challenging demand following a 39% drop in its 2023 profit.
Roberts has said he will remain in the role until a successor is found. “Travis Perkins is a great company with a talented team and I have been privileged to serve as CEO for the last five years. I am proud of the progress we have made in modernising the company. While the Board identifies my successor, I will continue to rigorously execute our
A first quarter trading update reported group revenue down on a like-for-like basis by 3.7% in the three months to March 31 2024. Sales across the Merchanting segment were down by 4.4% in the quarter, and even Toolstation UK saw sales decline by 0.9 % on the back of weak RMI demand. The business aims to make £35m of cost savings, via a reduced headcount and closing branches.
Construction output on slow upward trajectory “Almost all sectors of construction
Construction Products Association has forecasted construction output to fall by 2.2% this year before a broader economic recovery to underpin growth of 2.1% in 2025 with further growth of 3.6% predicted for 2026.
Beneath the overall figure, it is likely to be a year of mixed fortunes for construction firms, with performance highly dependent on which sectors they are operating in.
CPA head of construction research, Rebecca Larkin, said:
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had a bad start to the year with persistent rainfall delaying work on site, especially outdoor work. Whilst we may see a degree of catch-up activity as the weather improves, smaller sites are likely to see work simply pushed back due to capacity constraints. “The Forecasts anticipate a return to growth of 2.1% in 2025 and further growth of 3.6% in 2026 although clearly, there is greater uncertainty around activity in 2026 given the potential for
a new government resulting from a General Election this year. The impact this could have on public sector spending plans and the longer-term delivery of infrastructure and public sector projects present the longer-term opportunities – and risks – for construction.”
Output in the housebuilding sector is forecast to fall 5.0% in 2024, with stronger UK economic growth, real wage increases and lower mortgage rates driving a return to growth of 5.0% in 2025.
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net May 2024
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