Professional Builders Merchant

Ian Purkis looks at the search for ever lower U values and what the construction industry really needs to be aware of when it comes to choosing new windows and doors.

Stanley Bostitch is a global manufacturer of fastening tools, fasteners, accessories and compressors, and is a brand of Stanley Black & Decker. PBM speaks with UK Sales Manager Stuart Swalwell.

Assa Abloy supply security products from a range of brands, including Yale, Union and Chubb, with the Yale Trade business unit supplying all three brands into the UK builders’ merchants. PBM speaks to Yale’s Mark Efford.

Established over 20 years ago, TDP is at the forefront of fabric technology for the landscape and construction market. PBM spoke with the company’s Commercial Director, Alison Harrison.

With the Party Conference season having just finished and the Government’s 2010 Spending Review soon to be announced (at the time of writing), it is an apt moment for the Get Britain Building coalition to seek to raise awareness and gain more leverage with its latest initiative to promote the building industry and the contribution it can make to the UK’s economic recovery.

Following his stellar turn in Malta at THE Conference 2007, the opportunity to hear the Evening Standard’s Anthony Hilton speak at the recent BMF Members Day was too good to miss.

Bev James challenges merchants to adopt a more cohesive and integrated approach when it comes to using product data and IT systems to enhance any potential sale. It is something, she argues, that could have a real impact on your bottom line.

At business conferences, it is always enlightening to listen to the experiences of the star speakers; often inspirational, there is usually a positive and productive message to be taken away but I generally cringe when some attempt to make an invariably tenuous yet explicit link between their life story and the builders’ merchant sector.

Fiona Bashford asserts the importance of a well-considered ‘communications plan’ encompassing merchandising, staff training and stock levels.

This year’s NMBS exhibition took place just before we went to press with the current issue and it was particularly encouraging to see…