Builders merchants supply all types of building materials and plumbing equipment to builders and plumbers and deliver to sites direct from their branches. They ensure that builders have the right products on the building sites at the right time.

Materials sold include bricks, timber, cements and plaster, insulation materials, ironmongery, paints and chemicals, plumbing materials and much more.

Selling materials, storage and breaking bulk, computerised stock control, shop display, ordering, and delivery to site are some of the key jobs.

There are over 3,500 branches of builders merchants throughout the UK. Nearly every town will have at least one branch.

Staff advise builders and plumbers about which materials are right for a specific job. They also source special materials from manufacturers and suppliers.