NEWS EXTRA NMBS EXHIBITION 2026
Oliver Stanley presents a brief round-up of some of the highlights of the NMBS Exhibition at the Coventry Arena last month.
THE NMBS EXHIBITION returned to the Coventry Building Society Arena on April 15 - 16 2026, welcoming a record 301 exhibitors, alongside 1,230 visitors from 649 member companies across two days. More than 22,000 interactions between members and exhibitors were recorded on the NMBS Exhibition App on the first day alone. The event provided merchants with an opportunity to strengthen supplier relationships and pick up product ideas that can improve customer relationships and branch performance. Makita’s new Workwear range, developed in partnership with TuffStuff, made an appearance. The range is designed for merchants’ professional customers who expect more from their gear day in and day out. Globus highlighted its SHOWA MFT PRO glove range, engineered with microfibre technology to support moisture-wicking performance.
Kyocera Fastening Solutions
UK Ltd introduced the TJEP Compact Rebar Tier 40, a rebar binder with a tying speed of 0.5 seconds per tie, low-profile knots and designed for reduced wire consumption. It is positioned to deliver consistent ties while lowering cost per tie. From Precon Products came the Dual Cast UPVC Screed Rails, a lightweight, durable and recycled alternative to steel and timber formwork. The rails are designed to be cut to size, anchored and poured with no removal needed. Boniplas launched SolidStyle wall panels and tiles, designed as an alternative to traditional tiling. Made from solid core materials, the range offers durability and 100% water resistance, making it suitable for wet environments such as bathrooms and shower areas. Swisspearl UK showcased their fibre cement innovations, BBA approved slates, corrugated roofing, building boards and Plank cladding at Stand 38.
ABM Electrical Distributors 8
highlighted their high-performance extractor fans in glass and aluminium finishes, a premium alternative to plastic options, helping customers achieve a higher-end finish that matches existing decor.
ProWarm Underfloor Heating showcased a new smart Wi-Fi thermostat for domestic heating and hot water, giving merchants an accessible upgrade line that supports comfort-focused conversations. ERA and Zoo Hardware showed their range of hardware solutions, including the Decorative Range of door and window hardware and the Fortress British Standard Door Lock and Valiant 3 Lever Door Lock.
Zoo highlighted its most popular ranges, including contemporary door levers and accessories, and levers across its Italian inspired Rosso Tecnica, Rosso Maniglie and Stanza Milan collections. Products on display on the DAB
Pumps stand included the EVOSTA 3 electronic circulator. Designed for water circulation in domestic heating and cooling systems, the EVOSTA 3’s compact size and strong all-round performance make it an ideal replacement for traditional three-speed circulators. It is also user-friendly, featuring a single-button control for simple setup and direct access to the motor shaft for easy unlocking.
Werner’s stand featured an interactive darts-theme, a prize giveaway and its AdjustaStep Step Ladders, which adapts to uneven ground, steps, and stairs thanks to its one-handed adjustment system for quick setups. The AdjustaStep range is designed to optimise durability, safety and efficiency with integrated tool holders and built to last using robust, weather- resistant materials. OX Tools showed its relaunched packaging across its full diamond range, introducing a bold new design created to help quickly identify the right blade for the job. It features clearer application guidance, improved icons and more visible product specifications. TRACER’s new marking range includes an improved 2.8mm Deep Hole Pencil, alongside two new additions to the range - the Precision Pencil and Tough Pencil. DART’s latest innovations continue the brand’s commitment to performance, durability, and universal compatibility. In addition to exclusive first-look product launches, visitors had the chance to take advantage of special show offers and speak directly with the DART team about how the range can support business growth and increase sales opportunities. Merchants visiting the Arctic
Hayes stand were able explore some of the brand’s most established and ranges, including
the Arctic Hayes Pipe Freeze kits, which celebrate 60 years this year, as well as their brazing and soldering solutions, including the Vortex VT3 Brazing Torch Packs in both Propane and Map-X options, complemented by the Vortex 1800°C Professional Heat Mat. The company’s range of premier metal merchandising stands will be on show. Available in three sizes, the free-standing illuminated units are designed to help products stand out, even in low-light areas, driving visibility and impulse sales. Talon also showcased their ready-to-go display, featuring the best-selling FS5. The FS5 Counter Top Display is a compact unit designed to sit neatly on trade counters and showcase Talon’s FlueSnug FS5. Pre-filled with 10 products, the display arrives ready to pop straight on the counter. Setcrete used the show to launch a new tile adhesives and grout range, aimed at building professionals who want an easy- to-use, straightforward product that is consistent and reliable. This follows the successful and sustained take up of Setcrete’s floor levelling compound range by merchants and their rapid adoption by builders
The exhibition was also the first for Kevin Williams as chief executive officer of NMBS. He said: “The NMBS Exhibition continues to demonstrate the strength, resilience, and relationships that make up the merchant sector.
“What’s encouraging is the level of engagement across the exhibition floor. This willingness to build meaningful relationships is what will continue to drive the sector forward. It’s great that NMBS can help support merchant and supplier growth by strengthening connections in an increasingly competitive and fast- changing market.”
The NMBS Gala Dinner event, on the Wednesday night, raised over £6,500 for the charities Crash and the Rainy Day Trust. BMJ
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net May 2026
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