Materials
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Travis Perkins held underlying profit steady despite lower first-half revenue. Margin progress in general merchanting and a move to £55m net cash strengthened the group during subdued demand.
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Network Rail has started restoring historic Avon Viaduct near Linlithgow. The £3.6m programme covers masonry repairs, steelwork, structural strengthening, and replacement GRP parapets across the listed structure.
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Ministers refused Northfleet Harbourside to protect strategic Robins Wharf operations. The decision gives substantial weight to construction material supply, public health, and the permanent loss of safeguarded industrial infrastructure.
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Masonry employers want practical construction pathways embedded throughout secondary education. New reforms would allow pupils to combine core subjects with technical learning from Year 10.
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A Sheffield brick sculpture combines precise geometry with traditional craftsmanship. Grayson and master bricklayer Mark Rosier created the installation to demonstrate techniques rarely accommodated on volume projects.
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Gyproc Firestopping extends tested compartmentation across drylining service penetrations nationwide. The range includes sealants, collars, wraps, putties, and associated passive fire products.
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MixPilot will monitor concrete consistency across Heidelberg’s nationwide delivery fleet. The rollout follows live trials covering different vehicles, operating conditions, and UK concrete specifications.
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Padeswood’s carbon capture build has moved into major groundworks delivery. More than 600 piles and 60,000 tonnes of aggregate now support the planned cement works capture facility.
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Etex has appointed Si Gibson to lead construction product testing. The new technical director will oversee Siniat and Promat as evidence, competency, interfaces, and design responsibility face closer scrutiny.
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JN Civils has opened major materials recovery capacity in Blackpool. The new plant will process excavation waste into graded sands and aggregates at up to 150 tonnes per hour.