The latest Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) figures paint a challenging picture for the UK construction sector, with merchant sales volumes down significantly year-on-year as economic uncertainty and global tensions continue to impact confidence across the market. According to the report, like-for-like builders’ merchant sales volumes fell by 8.1% in Q1 2026 compared with the...Read More

Agency53, the specialist marketing and business development agency serving the building materials sector, has appointed Rebecca Hughes in a part‑time strategic role designed to support customers with their marketing, enhance the agency’s account management capability, and drive Agency53’s own business development as its client base continues to grow.  Rebecca brings more than 14 years of senior experience...Read More

Great Company, Great Food and Great Memories   Some weekends are enjoyable. Some are memorable. And then there are weekends like this year’s Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants Masters Weekend in Italy, the kind that leaves everyone talking about it long after the flight home.  Over four fantastic days, a wonderful group of Liverymen, Freemen, friends and guests...Read More

The BMN have recently published a worrying but factual article on the sharp decline in sales in construction manufacturing. Our take at Agency 53 is that now more than ever, it is time to remain agile and capitalise on all opportunities and position the business for growth. As an agency in the heart of the...Read More

The NMBS Exhibition once again proved why it remains one of the standout dates in the industry calendar, bringing merchants, suppliers, and service members together under one roof at the Coventry Building Society Arena. More than just a busy exhibition hall, the two days felt like a real coming together of the industry full of...Read More

This week our Director Jamie was at the City & Awards Luncheon hosted by the Worshipful Company of Builders Merchants. The annual event brings together merchants, manufacturers from across the building materials sector and affiliations to celebrate the achievements of some people. Held in Apothecaries Hall in the heart of the City of London, the...Read More

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has warned that trading conditions across the UK building materials sector are now comparable to – and in some cases worse than – the aftermath of the 2008 financial crash. For professionals operating within the sector, the latest figures highlight a prolonged period of suppressed demand, fragile confidence and increasing...Read More

This week I attended the Builders Merchants Federation Digital & Technology Forum, and if there was one clear message running through the entire day, it was this: digital transformation is no longer a side conversation in our sector. It has moved to the centre of competitiveness, compliance and customer experience. The forum brought together merchants,...Read More

The BMF Winter Forecast 2025 paints a sobering but realistic picture for the builders’ merchant sector. After early signs of recovery, momentum stalled in the second half of the year, with Q3 sales flat and confidence continuing to weaken. While volumes have held up, widespread price deflation has eroded value, particularly in Heavy Building Materials....Read More

What an incredible few days up North for the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) — bringing together both the Marketing Forum and Young Merchants Conference for an inspiring couple of days of learning, connection, and celebration.Read More