PHAM NEWS | APRIL 2026 Merchant & Distributor News 13 Revised operating structure for Wolseley


A refreshed UK operating structure has been announced by Wolseley Group with the aim of better meeting the needs of its customers across its core markets. The updated structure introduces four customer-focused divisions – Local, Contract, Infrastructure and Specialist Businesses – strengthening the merchant’s ability


to support customers


ranging from sole traders to national contractors and major utilities. The new Local Division will support day-to-day


Flagship TradePoint store


trade


customers through the Plumb Centre, Pipe Centre and Climate Centre branch network, focusing on product availability, expert advice and fast fulfilment. The Contract Division will provide deeper support for larger project- based and managed services customers, enhancing planning, technical capability and continuity of supply. Patrick Berard, CEO of Wolseley Group, explains: “Our customers’ needs are evolving rapidly. Local tradespeople, project-led contractors and major utilities all require different levels of expertise, availability and service. This new structure ensures we can meet those needs with greater clarity, speed and consistency.


“These changes recognise the


difference between fast-moving local trade work and the distinct service


needs of contract and


project-driven environments. By shaping our business around these realities, we can provide a more tailored experience for every customer.” To support the new operating model, Wolseley has strengthened its UK leadership team through a combination of internal promotions and new external appointments. Among the


promotions, Glen Scorah


becomes UK sales and operations director for Contract and Large Accounts, Mike Russell will


take responsibility for business operations and Simon Dennis will lead the Infrastructure Division. In addition, Dean Weston will move from Wolseley-owned CP Hart to take up the position of UK sales and operations director for the Local Division and Gavin Vose joins as chief purchasing and supply chain officer. Patrick Berard continues:


“These appointments reflect our commitment to developing strong internal talent while also bringing in new skills and perspectives where they strengthen our future. It positions us well to deliver the next phase of our customer-first strategy.”


B&Q TradePoint has opened its first standalone flagship trade store on Ripple Road in Barking. The 32,000ft2


store has been designed exclusively


for trade professionals and offers 6am opening, 15-minute click and collect, load and go collection, same-day delivery in as little as two hours and next-day bulk delivery. TradePoint Barking stocks more than 5,500 products, with a further


25,000 available for collection or delivery, including trusted trade brands such as Milwaukee, DeWalt, Makita and Johnstone’s Trade, alongside B&Q’s Erbauer and Site ranges. The opening celebrations included a ribbon cutting and live radio broadcast from the Bald Builders at Fix Radio, free gift bags for the first 300 customers, a spin the wheel giveaway, free Greggs sausage and vegan rolls, as well as free hot drinks. TradePoint Members are also able to benefit from a 10% discount every Monday until 4th May. Store manager Jagjit Kalsey says: “We’re proud to have opened


TradePoint Barking, giving local tradespeople a store designed first and foremost around how they work. My team and I are looking forward to supporting the trade community with early opening, fast collection and delivery, and expert support.”


Expanded network


Independent builders’ merchant, MKM Building Supplies (MKM) continues to expand its branch network with the latest outlets opening in Edinburgh and Luton. Both new branches will offer a full range of building materials, including dedicated plumbing and heating facilities and kitchens and bathrooms. Founded in Hull in 1995, the company now operates 143 branches around the UK. Business development director Dan Mansfield


comments: “Customers want knowledgeable people behind the counter who understand the job and can help them find the right solution quickly. Trade customers can expect friendly service, strong stock availability and free delivery across the local area, with same day delivery available where possible to help keep jobs running smoothly.”


New £400 credit promotion


A new promotion has been launched by Pipe Centre and Climate Centre designed to encourage installers to open a trade credit account, offering up to £400 in credit for qualifying customers. Running until 5 June, the promotion rewards new account holders through a structured three-stage process, with no limit on how many eligible customers can participate during the campaign period. The offer begins when a customer opens a trade credit account and


receives £200 credit. Customers who then spend £1,000 (including VAT) within their first month will receive an additional £100 credit, and those who spend £1,000 (including VAT) in their second month will receive a further £100 credit, bringing the total possible reward to £400 when all thresholds are met. Dean Weston, UK sales and operations director at Pipe Centre and Climate Centre, comments: “This promotion is all about helping installers get more from day one. Opening a trade credit account gives them instant rewards and the chance to earn even more as they start working with us, while also giving them access to our full product range, expert support and services designed to make their business day-to-day easier and more efficient.” The promotion is open exclusively to new customers opening a trade


credit account, while cash accounts are not eligible. To apply for a credit account, use the online link below: ◼ phamnews.co.uk/426/13


Bathroom Association has a new member


City Plumbing is the first major national merchant to become a member of the Bathroom Association. Part of the Highbourne


Group, most of City Plumbing’s 350+ branches include bathroom showrooms, supporting trade professionals with product selection, design expertise, and fast access to essential stock. Steve Smith, managing director - bathroom at City Plumbing, comments: “We’re proud to be the first merchant partner to join the Bathroom Association. Their direction aligns with our values of being customer-first and creating the future. By adding our voice to this influential community, we’re committing to a shared goal: creating a better,


more


industry where


connected bathroom innovation


thrives, and challenges are solved collectively.” Daphne


Doody-Green, chief


executive of the Association, adds: “We’re


building a


platform where merchants, manufacturers,


installers, and


retailers can share knowledge, shape


standards, and drive change together. City Plumbing joining us in this journey shows we’re on the right track.”


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