NEWS


Lack of sleep tops long-term health concerns for tradespeople


Lack of sleep has been ranked as the biggest long-term health concern for UK tradespeople, according to new research from Tradesman Saver released for Mental Health Awareness Week (11th to 17th May).


Early starts, physically demanding work and financial pressures


mean many are


regularly running on too little rest, raising the risk of illness, injury and burnout. Almost half (48%) put a lack of sleep at the top of their long-term concerns,


ahead of poor diet (27%), lack of exercise (27%) and excessive screen time (21%). The impact is already being felt. Nearly six in 10 (59%) tradespeople say poor sleep is affecting their mental health, along with wider pressures including rising costs (76%), unpredictable


income (68%)


and a lack of sick pay (66%). Dean


the impact goes Laming, Managing


Director of Tradesman Saver, said: “A lack of sleep is clearly a big problem for tradespeople, and


beyond simply feeling tired. far


Poor sleep can take a real toll on mental health, making it harder to manage stress, stay


Ariston donates heat pump to university to enhance academic research


Ariston, a UK market leader in thermal comfort, has donated an air source heat pump (ASHP) to the engineering department at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU), supporting academic learning and student understanding around heat pump technology and the future of sustainability. Ariston donated a Nimbus 50


Pocket ASHP to the


engineering department at ARU’s Chelmsford campus to give students a deeper understanding into how heat pump technology works and can be used to create a more


PEOPLE NEWS


Drayton welcomes two senior appointments to support future growth


Sébastien Rey Chintan Vyas


Drayton has announced the appointment of a new General Manager and Product Manager for Heating Controls, as the business continues to strengthen its nationwide growth. Sébastien Rey joins Drayton as General Manager, bringing more than 19 years’ experience in the residential and small buildings market at Schneider Electric. In his new role, Sébastien will lead the strategic direction of the business, with a focus on supporting the continued growth of Drayton’s Plymouth site and building on the brand’s strong market position in 2026 and beyond. Alongside Sébastien, Chintan Vyas has been appointed Product Manager for Heating Controls, with responsibility for Drayton’s Smart Home and Wiser portfolio, including its market-leading


heating control solutions. Vyas brings more than 14 years of experience across the energy technology sector and joins the business at a key time for Drayton’s expanding smart controls offering, including the upcoming launch of the Wiser 2nd Generation smart heating and automation system.


6 DIY WEEK AUGUST 2026


Grant Westfield strengthens sales team with two key appointments


Grant Westfield, the leading UK wall panel


manufacturer and the company behind the award- winning Multipanel and Naturepanel brands, is delighted to announce two key changes to its sales team.


Michelle McNairn


In a sideways move, Michelle McNairn has taken on the position of Specification Sales Director. She has over 30 years’ industry experience and has worked for Grant Westfield for the last 10 years, most recently as Regional Sales Director – North.


During her time with the company, she has


also held the positions of Business Development Manager and Head of Sales.


David McKenzie


Replacing Michelle as Regional Sales Director – North is David McKenzie, who has been promoted from his position as Key Account Manager – North.


McKenzie has worked in the building materials industry for over 15 years, having started his career as a joiner and carpenter. He has worked for Grant Westfield for five years, joining the company as a Business Development Manager.


Buffalo has been awarded ‘Best Garden Product’ at the 2026 Hardware Association Ireland Innovation Awards, held during the Irish Hardware Show, the premier trade event for Ireland’s hardware and building materials industry. The judges recognised the innovation of Buffalo’s Tuff-Lok bracket, the overall quality of the brush range, and the space- saving design of the metal brushware retail display stand, a product and display designed specifically with the retail trade in mind.


“This award is a significant achievement for Buffalo and reflects our commitment to delivering durable, reliable, and


focused and keep on top of the pressures that come with the job.


“Over time, that strain builds, and when something does go wrong, whether it’s an injury or a dispute over a payment, it can quickly turn into a financial worry as well. This is where having the right protection in place can make a difference.” The research from Tradesman Saver was carried out in March 2026 and surveyed over 650 tradespeople. For more information and support visit www.tradesmansaver.co.uk.


sustainable future. The heat pump will benefit students on several BEng, MEng and MSc courses at ARU, including mechanical engineering, mechatronics and robotic engineering,


electrical and


electronic engineering, civil engineering, engineering.


biomedical


offers excellent reliability and efficiency, making


The Nimbus Pocket 50 it


highly


suitable for research purposes and academic learning. With features such as integrated connectivity, R32


refrigerant


and a COP of up to 5.1, it will be a valuable tool to help students understand the impact that heat pumps can have when it comes to saving energy and how this efficiency can be further enhanced through extended research.


HMG Paints wins People’s Choice Award


HMG Paints has recently been recognised at The Family Business United Awards 2026, as the Manchester-based business have been crowned as The People’s Choice Award Winner for The North of England & Northern Ireland. Hosted by Family Business


and


United, the Family Business of the Year Awards celebrates the very best of family firms across the UK. Now celebrating their 13th year, the Family Business Awards recognise the excellence of family-led businesses across regional, sector and national categories, with HMG Paints proudly representing almost a century of family ownership and British manufacturing heritage as a fourth-generation family business.


The People’s Choice Award has extra meaning as the winner is determined entirely through the votes of the wider public.


Buffalo wins Best Garden Product award


value-driven products


for both professionals and retailers,” commented a Buffalo spokesperson.


www.diyweek.net


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