Brewers has
adopted Podfather logistics software across its
nationwide network
BMF backs BoB’s Every Merchant Matters movement
National construction charity Band of Builders (BoB) has partnered with the Support Yard CIC to announce its new mental health support initiative: Every Merchant Matters. Backed by the Builders Merchants Federation, the initiative was launched at the latest BMF Members’ Day with the aim of harnessing the unique reach of the builders merchant sector to create a nationwide network of branches where construction workers can find someone who is available to listen, start a conversation and
help signpost them towards mental health support. Once a merchant branch has joined Every Merchant Matters, they will be encouraged to make a small donation to receive a Branch Activation Kit, providing materials they can hand out to colleagues and customers in branch.
Branches will also be encouraged to sign up to a ‘Spotting the Signs, Starting the Conversation’ training programme, available to book through the BMF, delivered by
CTD opens Newcastle branch The new branch concept, first
introduced in Minworth earlier this year, is centred on making the purchasing process simpler, combining choice with depth of stock and knowledgeable in-store support to provide a “one-stop traders’ shop”.
Tile Distributor CTD has continued the introduction of its new trade-focused store concept with the opening of a new Newcastle branch.
The opening was marked by a dedicated trade morning, featuring suppliers exhibiting and providing demonstrations alongside giveaways, food and refreshments. New registered trade
Lords reports stable interim results
Building materials distributor Lords saw revenue for the six months ended June 30 2026 remain stable, according to its unaudited interim results.
The group reported revenue for the period remained at £232.1m (H1 2025: £232.1m), with contributions from new merchanting branches and CMO offsetting weaker underlying demand in end markets. Group
like-for-like revenue fell by 6.8%, which the company says reflects the continued weakness in the construction, RMI and plumbing and heating markets. Merchanting did see some improvements, with the like-for- like decline shrinking from 4.9% to 2.3% by the end of the first half.
The online business CMO saw revenue increase by around
October 2026
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
The Support Yard CIC. Band of Builders CEO Gavin Crane says; “The potential of Every Merchant Matters is enormous. Builders merchants are woven into the fabric of construction communities across the UK, with thousands of conversations taking place across trade counters every single day. “Every Merchant Matters is more than a campaign. Our ambition is to create an industry movement and bring about lasting change in the way construction supports its own.”
customers were also offered 10% off as part of the opening activity. Managing director of CTD, Sam Bucknall, said: “The Newcastle store is another opportunity for us to demonstrate what we want the CTD customer experience to look like - straightforward, trade-focused and built around having the right products available when our customers need them. “We’ve brought together a significant range of essential products and brands with our largest tile display in-store.”
17.5%, while plumbing & heating spares revenue was up by 8%. The group took some decisive restructuring action within the plumbing & heating division, including depot rationalisation, which brought operating expenses down by around £1.5m. Lords CEO, Shanker Patel, said: “The Group delivered resilient revenue in the first half despite continued weakness across a number of our end markets and a particularly challenging period for our Plumbing & Heating division.”
Huws Gray has added an 87th plant & tool hire service, at its branch in Fleetwood, Lancashire.
Setcrete has
become a Company Partner of
construction charity Band of Builders
NEWS IN BRIEF
Heidelberg packs products training Heidelberg Materials UK has launched a free online training platform to help merchants increase their knowledge and understanding of its of packed products range. It provides practical guidance on the features, benefits and applications of the company’s packed products range, and is designed to support merchants in recommending the right products.
Support Yard launches Support Guide training Mental health and wellbeing non-profit The Support Yard has launched a new Support Guide Certification Scheme, an eight- day certification programme which trains dedicated Support Guides to act as an approachable first point of contact for someone who may be struggling at work or in their personal life. The first training programme will begin in October, taking place across four months, and combining both in-person and online training.
Hetherington joins Merritt & Fryers Independent builders merchant Merritt & Fryers has appointed Paul Hetherington MBA FIoD as non-executive chairman The appointment follows the completion of a management buyout by managing director Rachel Fryers, a transaction that saw Fryers take on sole ownership of the business. She said: “Completing the MBO was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it was also the moment this business got its future back. Appointing Paul as Chairman is part of that investment.”
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