Trade kitchen supplier Howdens has opened a new depot in London’s Waterloo
Data Yard marks first anniversary with shareholder announcement
Data Yard, the industry-owned data pool established by BMF and NMBS, has marked its first anniversary with the announcement of its 11th shareholder, MKM Building Supplies.
Data Yard’s mission is to streamline the sharing of product information between suppliers and merchants by providing a centralised, secure platform that improves data quality and reduces duplication. Managing director of Data Yard, Gareth Thomas, commented: “We have made strong progress. The infrastructure is fully in place, with both suppliers and merchants actively engaging. “We currently have 70 suppliers signed up to Data Yard, and on the merchant side, mapping exercises are underway so that, once supplier data is ready, it can be seamlessly ingested into ERP and PIM systems. We’ve been working closely with ERP and PIM providers to remove any barriers ahead of going live later this year.
“We are also keen to broaden representation, particularly by bringing in plumbing and heating merchants to ensure a more balanced reflection of the industry.
“Looking ahead, the next 12 months will focus on scaling adoption, increasing supplier data coverage, and driving deeper integration into merchant systems, ultimately embedding Data Yard into business-as-usual processes across the industry.”
Kitchen specialist Magnet has joined the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF)
MP for Bradford East visits Joseph Parr
MP for Bradford East, Imran Hussain, visited Joseph Parr in Broomfields as part of the BMF’s ongoing industry and parliament programme.
The visit came not long after Joseph Parr recently celebrated its 10th anniversary in the city since opening on Manchester Road on the site of a former car dealership. Touring the 2-acre site on Manchester Road.
The former deputy leader of Bradford Council was welcomed by managing director Michael Beaumont, branch manager Jack Morris and Brett Amphlett from the BMF.
The visit highlighted the everyday trade essentials available to Joseph Parr’s customers in Bradford and the surrounding area. Hussain commented: “It was a pleasure to visit Joseph Parr who have been serving the Bradford community so well for the last decade. I want to thank Michael and his team for providing a friendly, knowledgeable service to
the building trade in and around our city, and for taking the time to explain to me the challenges they face in today’s market.
“I was keen to learn how they are getting on with their 100% electric Volvo HGV, believed to be the first used by any builders’ merchant in the country. It is encouraging to see independently- owned firms take bold steps like this - especially given the high petrol and diesel prices we have seen.”
The MP’s visit ended with discussion on efforts being made by Bradford City Council, West Yorkshire Combined Authority and other commercial partners to regenerate the city.
UWP sells to EOT
Universal Wood Products has been sold to an Employee Ownership Trust, with all of the management and factory staff on board.
Managing director Martin Cossington says that the move represented the best option for the future of the business whilst keeping the ethos and incentives for the present staff and management. He says: “A great future now lies for the benefit of all the staff. I am really pleased to see the legacy of the business continue into the future . All of the management and staff now know that their futures are secure, and our customers can continue to have confidence
May 2026
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
in both the product and service that UWP are known for. Once the decision was taken, in agreement with all shareholders, the process was efficient and very positive with the assistance of RVE Corporate Finance acting as independent advisors to submission and completion.” He continues: “As a major
producer of primed MDF profiles based within the M25, we continue to meet the varied demands of the second fix market on primed profiles. Our merchant customers can draw from our comprehensive stocks of standard specifications, while our dedicated specials made to order line is still flexible enough to offer a 5 to 7 day lead time.”
Plumbing fixing manufacturer Talon is celebrating 40 years of British manufacturing
NEWS IN BRIEF
Benchmarx partners with Samsung
Benchmarx Kitchens & Joinery has agreed a new partnership with appliance supplier Samsung. Benchmarx, part of Travis Perkins plc, now stocks a wide range of Samsung appliances, increasing the breadth of choice it gives to kitchen fitters and homeowners.
Samsung appliances will be available to customers across a number of categories, including ovens, dishwashers, fridges and freezers.
BMI strengthens support for
distributor partners Roofing solutions manufacturer BMI UK & Ireland has reinforced its flat roofing division. The new team structure provides increased focus and resources for flat roofing, ensuring expertise is dedicated specifically to the sector. This renewed focus is
designed to improve education, consistency, and product availability across its network.
Werner marks five-year safety milestone
Werner, manufacturer of ladders and access equipment, marked World Day for Safety and Health at Work on April 28 by celebrating five years without a reportable accident across its two UK manufacturing sites. The milestone spans the manufacturer’s facilities in Maldon, Essex and Burton-on- Trent, and comes during a period of significant investment and operational development in its UK manufacturing capabilities.
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