NEWSROUND


BMBI reports July value sales ‘virtually flat’


The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report, published in September, shows builders’ merchants’ total value sales in July 2025 were virtually flat (+0.1%) compared to July 2024. Value sales in July were +5.8% higher than in June. Month- on-month, volume sales were up +5.4% and prices were up +0.4%. All categories’ value sales increased with Miscellaneous


(+11.3%), Services (+9.0%), Tools (+8.9%), Decorating (+7.4%), Timber & Joinery Products (+6.9%), Heavy Building Materials (+6.3%) and Ironmongery


(+6.0%) ahead the most. Landscaping (+0.6%) grew more slowly. With two extra trading days in July, like-for-like value sales (which take trading day differences into account) were -3.4% lower.


Total value sales in the 12 months from August 2024 – July 2025 were flat (0.0%) compared to the previous 12-month period (August 2023 – July 2024). Volume sales increased +1.7% but prices decreased -1.7%. Seven categories sold more by value, with Services (+3.7%), Tools (+3.3%) and Landscaping


Wolseley Group announces partnership with Haier


Wolseley Group has partnered with Haier HVAC Solutions, a global leader in smart energy and connected home innovation. The partnership builds on Wolseley Group’s growing investment in the renewables market, expanding Wolseley’s renewables range and improving access to low-carbon technologies for UK installers. From October, Haier’s range of renewable products – including air source heat pumps, smart


Merchants act to push Bonfield recommendations


The FloodReady Review, led by Professor Peter Bonfield, and commissioned by the Environment Agency, was informed by input from the Builders Merchants Federation, builders merchants and building materials suppliers. The FloodReady Review and Action Plan provides recommendations and practical steps to improve the take up of property flood resilience (PFR) measures.


Among the merchants taking up the challenge is Bradfords Building Supplies, which hosted a flood preparedness event at its


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Glastonbury branch. The in-store event showcased leading suppliers such as Lakeside Flood Solutions, Fernco, and Marsh Industries, who demonstrated their latest products and shared insights into the evolving landscape of property flood resilience (PFR). David Young, CEO of Bradfords, said: “ We’re proud be playing our part in this nationwide initiative alongside major house- builders, government agencies and our supplier partners.”


Above: (L-r): Senior Warden Kevin Fenlon, Master Lucia Di Stazio, and Junior Warden Steve Durdant-Hollamby. Below: The Master and the new Liverymen


controls, and battery storage systems - will be made available through Plumb Centre, Wolseley’s national trade merchant brand. Known for its stock availability, service, and product range, Plumb Centre has over 420 branches nationwide and a broad selection of heating and renewable solutions to help installers succeed on every project.


John Hancock, chief operating officer at Wolseley Group, said: “This partnership with Haier HVAC


Solutions reflects our continued investment in building a strong, future-ready renewables proposition for the trade. But it’s not just about product, it’s also about training, support, and capability. With Haier’s innovation and global credibility, and our national Plumb Centre branch reach and Renewables Centre expertise, we’re giving installers a full-service solution to help them succeed in the fast- changing renewables market.”


(+2.6%) doing best. Of the two biggest categories, Heavy Building Materials’ (0.0%) performance was on a par with Total Builders Merchants, while Timber & Joinery Products (-1.1%) fell behind. Renewables & Water Saving (-3.9%) was the weakest category. With one less trading day this year, like-for-like value sales were +0.4% higher.


Total value sales year-to-date (January to July 2025) were up +1.6% compared to the first seven months of 2024.


July’s BMBI report is available to download online.


Di Stazio steps up as new WCoBM Master


Lucia Di Stazio has been installed as Master of the Livery Company, the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants.


The ceremony, at Merchant Taylors’ Hall in the City of London on October 24, also saw Senior Warden Kevin Fenlon and Junior Warden Steve Durdant-Hollamby take up their roles. Liveryman Julian Milligan was installed as Keeper of the Roll and Liveryman Jon Crean as Court Assistant. Past Master John Poore was elected as the Company’s Almoner. Thirteen new Liverymen were also clothed during the exclusive ceremony, namely James Hipkins, James McMeckan, Timothy Jerrard-Dinn, Timothy Hanlon, Glenn Paddison, Mark Morris, Matthew Huskisson, Paul Conboy, Lee Hudson, Christine Jones, Andrew Miller, Antony Sharkey and Jamie Herd.


The Master’s speech highlighted ‘Education and Opportunity’ as a key focus of her year: “Our sector is fortunate to benefit from a wealth of knowledge and talent that has made it great today and continues to shape its future. It is therefore important we retain, encourage and develop talent from within as well as attract new skills, and the diversity of thought, ambition and experience,” she said.


www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net November 2025


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