All articles by Stephen Powney
Stephen Powney
Timber & joinery products like-for-like value sales up +2.4% year-on-year in latest BMBI report
The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) report, published in January, shows builders’ merchants’ like-for-like total value sales in November 2025 were -0.4% lower than the same month in 2024.
BMF announces plans for leadership transition
The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has announced a leadership transition aimed at supporting ongoing growth, operational excellence, and increased member engagement over the next decade.
Sally Spencer retires after 31 years on TTJ
TTJ deputy editor Sally Spencer has retired after serving for 31 years reporting for the journal on the UK and international wood industries.
Glennon Brothers acquires Pontrilas Group
Glennon Brothers has announced the acquisition of the Hereford-based Pontrilas Group, adding £120m of turnover to its business.
TTJ chipboard market update: Still hoping for improvement
Little has changed in the fortunes of the UK chipboard market in 2025, with demand continuing low and some businesses struggling. As for 2026, little improvement is anticipated, as TTJ markets editor Mike Botting reports
CPA downgrades UK construction output growth forecast
The Construction Products Association (CPA) has downgraded its 2026 UK construction output growth forecast from 2.8% to 1.7%.
Huws Gray expands timber offering with Ayr site relaunch
Huws Gray has launched its own timber merchanting operation at the site formerly operated by National Timber Group (NTG), under its Thornbridge brand.
Hardwood trade gathers for annual LHC event in London
Around 200 representatives from the UK and international hardwood industry converged on the City of London on January 23 for the annual London Hardwood Club (LHC) New Year Luncheon.
Wren Kitchens buys certain assets of Moores Furniture Group from administrators
The customer list and certain other intellectual property assets of Wetherby-based Moores Furniture Group have been sold to Wren Kitchens via a pre-pack administration process.
Another timber offsite housing factory set to close
A loss-making Midlands offsite timber frame factory is to close after its owner GreenSquareAccord (GSA) failed to find a buyer for the operation.