Anne Ganley, managing director of north east independent builders' merchant Thompson Building Centres, will climb Mount Everest in May.

The Builders Merchants' Federation and other construction and housebuilding organisations have joined forces to exert pressure on politicians of all parties to revive the fortunes of the industry.

Building chemicals, sealants and adhesives manufacturer Everbuild Building Products took real Yorkshire cheese to Germany this month.

Housing and Planning Minister John Healey has announced that changes the Building Regulations will make homes 25% more energy efficient.

The Construction Products Association is urging Chancellor Alistair Darling to extend the boiler scrappage scheme and prioritise capital investment to show a clear commitment that public sector net investment does not fall below 2.25% of GDP.

Northern Ireland builders merchant J P Corry has been named overall winner in the first Octabuild Northern Ireland Builders Merchant Awards.

Builders merchant the Deepings Trading Company has launched Eco Building Products, a new division dedicated to renewable energy products.

Plasterboard and drylining systems manufacturer Lafarge Plasterboard has expanded the use of its GTEC Aqua Board.

Insulation manufacturer Knauf Insulation has brought its core glass and rock mineral wool range under a single name - Earthwool.

Independent builders merchant Kent Blaxill & Co Ltd has taken on the Merlin Business Software package from Chatsworth Computers.