Travis Perkins has officially opened a new, larger branch in Rickmansworth. The branch at the Olds Approach Industrial Estate branch, off Tolpits Lane, will offer building materials, a hire service, and a new state-of-the-art Benchmarx kitchen showroom.
IBC & IPG join forces
Two independent builders merchant and plumbers merchant buying groups are to collaborate for a new marketing alliance to drive business and bring in more customers.
The IPG, which supports independent plumbing stores and bathroom showrooms, and IBC, which represents independent builders’ merchants, will continue to serve their distinct member bases and sectors independently, but are now aligned under a
single, unified marketing strategy. “This is more than just joining
forces – it’s a movement,” said Vick Patel, founder and current managing director of IBC. “It’s about using our combined marketing strength to champion our independent members with a louder, clearer voice – while still protecting the individuality and personal service our members are known for.” “We’ve always believed in the power of independence – but
even more so, in the power of working together,” said Robin Beal, founder of The IPG. “This alliance gives us the opportunity to support our members and suppliers in smarter, more impactful ways – helping them grow, stay competitive and feel truly seen in the market.” The partnership, which carries the message: Support your local independent business. Because when independents thrive, communities flourish, is designed to empower independent businesses, helping them grow their presence, connect with their communities and compete more confidently – without losing their unique identity.
Worcester Bosch launches Perfect Match campaign
Worcester Bosch, the multi- tech heating manufacturer, has launched a new brand campaign aimed at guiding UK homeowners to find their perfect home heating system and restore heating harmony.
The ‘Your Perfect Match’ campaign features new consumer research by the company into British couples and their disagreements about when to turn the heating off as we enter the warmer months.
The research found almost half of respondents (48%) admitted to being ‘secret heaters’, where they have turned the heating back on, but hid it from their other half. Alongside the research, Worcester Bosch has partnered with husband and wife podcasters and television hosts - Chris and Rosie Ramsey - to front the campaign.
The company has also launched the Perfect Match tool, a helpful online tool that matches people with their perfect heating system - to ensure that when the heating is on, it efficiently and effectively warms the home.
Jo Shepherd, sales & marketing director at Worcester Bosch said: “The purpose of our new campaign is to get the public engaged with the heating market, while making the process of choosing the right heating system for a home much easier for both homeowner and installer - and ultimately driving more sales leads for installers.”
May 2025
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Wolseley to open Renewables Hub
Plumbers merchant group Wolseley Group is launching Renewables Centre, a new nationwide initiative to support heating professionals in the renewables market. Renewables Centre combines
accredited training, MCS-certified design, installation support, and access to high-quality renewable products, all in one place. It will operate as a partner brand for Plumb Centre, and be supported by Renewable Equipment Solutions (R.E.S) a recent Wolseley Group acquisition. R.E.S will offer additional technical expertise, design services and a support package to guide customers through an MCS process. The first flagship Renewables
Centre will open in Shrewsbury, with Swansea to follow shortly afterwards.
James Jones & Sons Ltd has announced the acquisitions of Pallet & Bin Pty Ltd in Australia and United Box Ltd in the UK to provide an expanded product portfolio for farming and food processing end users.
NEWS INBRIEF
Merchant cash thief to be sentenced
A Wigan man has pleaded guilty to stealing £18,000 from the builders’ merchants where he worked. Kieran Calland, 35, of Hardy Street, Wigan, took the cash from M Markovitz Ltd Civils, Builders and Plumbers Merchant in Pemberton on February 27, 2024. He will be sentenced at Wigan and Leigh Magistrates’ Court on July 11 and was remanded on unconditional bail.
BMF adds new forum and region leads The BMF has announced that Chris Woollard, regional director at Keyline Civils Specialist Ltd, is the new Chairman of its Civils and Infrastructure Forum, one of the BMF’s six dedicated product category forums. Woollard has experience in manufacturing as well as merchanting, having spent six years as a product manager at Yale UK before joining Travis Perkins PLC in 2010.
The BMF has also appointed Martin Armour, commercial director at Burton Roofing Merchants Ltd in York, as Regional Chair for the North of England. As part of his new role, Armour will play an integral part in supporting BMF activities in Yorkshire and the North East,
Winovate wins three Winovate Partners Ltd, the business consultancy specialising in resolving construction related challenges, has won three prestigious industry awards from: UK Enterprise Awards – Most Innovative change management consultancy, SME News – Business Growth Consulting MD of the year and International Elite 100 – Change Management Consultancy of the year.
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