Following successful trials in Scotland, B&Q have rolled out a trade discount card to stores nationwide, offering tradesmen rebates of up to 25%.

Is off-site construction one of the biggest threats to the merchant industry? Or are there untapped opportunities for growth because of it? This is just one of the key issues affecting your sector that will be examined in detail at this year's The Conference.

Toolbank has been voted Buildbase's top supplier for the second year running in the chain's annual supplier survey.

A trading update, given later today by Travis Perkins chairman Tim Stevenson, will show growth for the chain in the first quarter of 2008, despite an increasingly challenging economic climate.

A recent charity football match, organised by PTS, has raised over £2,800 for Age Concern as staff and suppliers pitted their ball skills against an all-star line up of retired professionals.

Travis Perkins have launched an initiative to attract more young people to their management training program ensuring the group makes the most of future talent.

Grafton Group have seen an 8% fall in turnover for the first four months of 2008 compared with last year.

Cemex announced this week that they are exploring the sale of select assets including part of its UK concern.

Steve Millward, Jewson's expert on sustainability and waste management, has been confirmed as one of the speakers at Think 08 on Thursday May at 8 at London's ExCeL.

nmc (uk) ltd has announced the friendly acquisition of Copley Decor Ltd for an undisclosed sum.

According to the latest figures released by the BMF, sales of building materials at builders' merchants nationwide were down 3.1% year-on-year for the first three months of 2008. Reflecting, "the credit crunch and near stalling of the housing market".

Silverline Tools are celebrating after winning the British Hardware Federation (BHF) Direct Diamond Award for Best Newcomer back in March.