Builders Merchants

The most comprehensive free directory of national and regional builders merchants, trade suppliers, and specialist material stockists across England, Scotland, and Wales.

National Builders Merchants

The UK’s largest builders merchant group with over 500 branches across England, Scotland, and Wales. Stocks timber, roofing, concrete, plumbing, drainage, and groundworks materials. Trade account customers receive volume discounts and dedicated branch managers.

One of the UK’s oldest and most trusted builders merchant names, with over 500 branches. Part of Saint-Gobain Group. Stocks the full range of building materials from foundations to roof, including concrete products, timber, insulation, and drainage.

A major national supplier bridging trade and DIY customers, with around 230 stores across the UK. Strong on concrete products, aggregates, timber, plumbing, heating, and kitchens. Competitive pricing and trade card discounts available.

The UK’s largest DIY retailer with over 300 stores. Part of the Kingfisher Group. Stocks bagged concrete, aggregates, timber, landscaping materials, plumbing, and electrical supplies. Best suited to smaller projects and DIY customers rather than high-volume trade.

A well-established national trade merchant with strong presence across England and Wales. Stocks concrete products, aggregates, cement, roofing, drainage, timber, and insulation. Known for competitive pricing on bulk materials and reliable delivery.

The UK’s leading specialist trade distributor for plumbing, heating, and infrastructure. Operates through multiple brands including Plumb Centre, Pipeline Centre, and Wolseley Industrial. Stocks pipes, fittings, valves, boilers, and drainage solutions.

SIG Roofing is the UK’s leading specialist roofing distributor with 100+ branches. Stocks tiles, slates, flat roofing membranes, fascia, soffits, guttering, and insulation. Roofing Superstore is their online trade platform for national delivery.

One of the UK’s largest ready mix concrete and aggregate producers, part of HeidelbergMaterials. Operates plants across England, Scotland, and Wales supplying ready mix concrete, sand, gravel, crushed rock, and asphalt to construction projects of all sizes.

A major UK and Ireland construction materials group with particular strength in Scotland (formerly Hope Construction Materials). Supplies ready mix concrete, aggregates, asphalt, and concrete products. Strong regional presence in Scotland, the North, and Midlands.

The UK’s number one trade resources and hardware retailer, part of the Kingfisher Group. Over 900 stores nationwide with market-leading follow-and-collect. Stocks resources, electrical, plumbing, fixings, and building materials. No large concrete or aggregate bulk supply.

Part of LafargeHolcim, one of the world’s largest building materials groups. Supplies ready mix concrete, aggregates, asphalt, and precast concrete products from quarries and plants across the UK. Strong in Scotland, the North, and Wales including Swansea.

Scotland — Builders Merchants

A major Scottish-based building and plumbing products distributor with branches across Scotland. Strong in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, and Dundee. Stocks the full range of building materials, plumbing, drainage, and heating products.

Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire is served by Hanson, Breedon, and local independent ready mix plants. Always get three quotes — Aberdeenshire rural deliveries attract surcharges. Minimum orders typically 1m³; short load fees apply under 3m³. Use our Aberdeen Concrete Guide to work out volumes first.

Haldane Fisher operates branches across Scotland and Northern Ireland, specialising in timber, sheet materials, roofing, and general building supplies. Well-regarded by Scottish joiners, builders, and groundwork contractors for timber quality and availability.

Glasgow is served by Hanson, Aggregate Industries, Breedon, and several local independent ready mix plants. City centre and tenement street access restrictions can affect delivery — always confirm truck access with your supplier. Use our Glasgow Concrete Guide to work out exact volumes.

A well-established independent merchant serving the Highlands, Moray, and Islands. Stocks general building materials, insulation, plasterboard, timber, and drainage. One of the key independent suppliers for contractors working across remote Highland sites where national chains have limited presence.

City Plumbing (formerly PTS) has branches across Scotland including Glasgow, Edinburgh, and Aberdeen. Part of the Travis Perkins group. Specialist plumbing and heating trade merchant stocking boilers, radiators, underfloor heating, pipework, and drainage.

CEF is the UK’s leading independent electrical trade merchant with branches across Scotland including Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee, and Inverness. Stocks cables, wiring accessories, switchgear, lighting, and resources for electrical contractors.

Wales — Builders Merchants

One of Wales’ most established builders merchants, founded in North Wales. Now operates 80+ branches across Wales and Northern England. Stocks general building materials, timber, roofing, drainage, and groundworks supplies. Strong independent Welsh heritage with full trade accounts.

Swansea is served by Hanson, Aggregate Industries, and local South Wales independent ready mix plants. Hillside access in areas like Townhill and the Uplands may affect truck delivery — always confirm with your supplier. Use our Swansea Concrete Guide to work out volumes before calling for a quote.

City Plumbing has branches across South and North Wales including Swansea, Cardiff, and Newport. Part of Travis Perkins group. Stocks boilers, radiators, underfloor heating, cylinders, pipework, and drainage for plumbing and heating contractors throughout Wales.

CEF Wales branches cover Swansea, Cardiff, Newport, Wrexham, and more. Electrical trade only — stocks cables, consumer units, switchgear, lighting, heating controls, EV chargers, and solar PV equipment. Competitive pricing for Welsh electrical contractors.

Welsh slate is internationally recognised as among the finest natural roofing material. Specialist Welsh slate suppliers operate from Gwynedd and supply genuine Welsh slate tiles, coping stones, and walling stone nationwide. Essential for conservation, listed buildings, and traditional Welsh vernacular architecture.

MKM Building Supplies is a fast-growing independent merchant group with branches across Wales including Cardiff. Stocks timber, sheet materials, roofing, drainage, and general building supplies. Known for local ownership model, responsive trade accounts, and competitive pricing.

North England — Builders Merchants

Lords Builders Merchants is a well-respected regional independent with branches across Yorkshire, Lancashire, and the North West. Stocks the full range of building materials including concrete products, aggregates, drainage, roofing, and insulation at competitive regional prices.

Selco is a growing trade-only builders warehouse with branches expanding into the North. Operates a cash-and-carry warehouse model with vast ranges of building materials available to collect same day. Strong on timber, sheet materials, drainage, and general supplies.

Tarmac (part of CRH Group) is a major supplier of ready mix concrete, aggregates, and asphalt across the North of England. Key plants in Yorkshire, Lancashire, Greater Manchester, and the North East supply residential and commercial construction projects of all sizes.

Polypipe is the UK’s leading plastic pipe and drainage manufacturer, headquartered in Doncaster, Yorkshire. Supplies surface water drainage, below-ground drainage, above-ground soil and waste systems, underfloor heating pipework, and civils products across the UK.

MKM Building Supplies originated in Hull, Yorkshire and has grown to become one of the UK’s largest independent merchant groups with 100+ branches. Operates a locally owned branch model giving trade customers a genuine personal service alongside national buying power.

Midlands — Builders Merchants

Buildbase has strong coverage across the Midlands with multiple branches in and around Birmingham, Coventry, Leicester, and Nottingham. Stocks concrete, aggregates, drainage, roofing, timber, and groundworks materials. Competitive bulk pricing for Midlands contractors.

Tarmac operates a dense network of ready mix plants and quarries across the Midlands. Key coverage in Birmingham, the Black Country, Coventry, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, and Nottinghamshire. Supplies residential, commercial, and infrastructure concrete projects.

Ibstock is the UK’s largest clay brick manufacturer, headquartered in Leicestershire. Supplies a vast range of facing bricks, engineering bricks, and special shaped units from manufacturing sites across the Midlands. Products are distributed nationally through builders merchants.

British Gypsum, part of Saint-Gobain, is the UK’s market leader in plasterboard and drylining systems. Headquartered in East Staffordshire, near Burton upon Trent. Supplies Gyproc plasterboard, Thistle plasters, and complete internal lining systems through the national merchant network.

South England & London — Builders Merchants

Selco is predominantly a London and South East merchant with the majority of its 70+ branches in the capital and Home Counties. Trade warehouse format with vast on-shelf stock. Popular with London’s large SME contractor community. Trade card required for entry.

CEMEX is one of the world’s largest cement and concrete producers with a strong London and South East England network. Dense coverage of ready mix plants across London, Surrey, Kent, Essex, and the Home Counties. Supplies residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects.

A well-regarded South East independent merchant with branches across Kent, Sussex, and Surrey. Strong on timber, sheet materials, landscaping, and fencing. Popular with local housebuilders, groundworkers, and landscaping contractors across the South East.

An established online building materials retailer supplying trade and DIY customers across the UK. Stocks aggregates, bagged concrete, drainage, roofing, insulation, and fixings for delivery. Competitive pricing and useful for remote sites or projects where local merchant options are limited.

Online-first bulk aggregate suppliers delivering sand, gravel, sharp sand, ballast, hardcore, and MOT Type 1 sub-base across the UK. Good option for home improvement and smaller trade projects requiring bulk bag or loose tipper delivery without needing a trade account.

About This UK Builders Merchants Directory 2026

ThisUK Builders Merchants Directory 2026is a free, independently compiled reference guide for tradespeople, builders, and self-builders across England, Scotland, and Wales. It covers national chains, major ready mix concrete producers, regional independents, and specialist trade suppliers. The directory is updated for 2026 to reflect current branch networks, ownership changes, and new entrants to the market.

Builders Merchants Federation (BMF)

TheBuilders Merchants Federation (BMF)is the UK trade body representing builders merchants and manufacturers. The BMF’s member directory lists hundreds of additional regional independent merchants not covered here. The BMF also publishes quarterly market data on UK builders merchant sales volumes and trends.

National vs Regional

National chains offer consistency and credit terms across the UK. Regional independents often provide better personal service, local knowledge, and flexibility on pricing for regular customers.

Trade Accounts

Most trade merchants offer 30-day credit accounts. Apply with company registration details, two trade references, and bank details. Credit limits typically start at £2,000–£5,000 for new accounts.

Ready Mix vs Bagged

For volumes over 1.5m³, ready mix concrete is almost always cheaper and stronger than bagging on site. Use our free concrete guides to work out volumes before calling for quotes.

How to Get the Best from Your Builders Merchant in 2026

Building a good relationship with your local merchants pays dividends over the life of your business. Here are the key strategies experienced UK contractors use to maximise value from their merchant relationships in 2026.

Opening a Trade Account

• Apply early:Open accounts before you need them — approval takes 5–10 working days at most merchants
• Provide references:Two trade references from existing suppliers speeds approval significantly
• Start modestly:Initial credit limits grow as your payment history builds — pay on time every month
• Consolidate spending:Use fewer merchants with higher spend per account to unlock better discount tiers
• Assign a contact:Always deal with the same branch rep — personal relationships unlock preferential pricing

Negotiating Better Prices in 2026

• Quote three merchants:Always get at least three prices for any significant material order — even from branches of the same chain
• Ask for a project price:For large projects, ask your merchant to hold a fixed price on key materials for the project duration
• Buy in full packs:Merchants give better pricing on full packs — never buy half a pack of bricks or part pallets if you can avoid it
• Order ahead:Give 48–72 hours notice for large deliveries — merchants reward planners with better service than last-minute callers
• Pay promptly:Merchants reserve best pricing for accounts that consistently pay within terms
• End-of-month orders:Merchants often have monthly sales targets — placing large orders in the last week of the month can unlock better deals

Ready Mix Concrete — Ordering Tips 2026

• Work out first:Use our freeconcrete calculatorsto work out exact volumes before calling — suppliers respect prepared customers
• Round up to 0.25m³:Always round your order up to the nearest quarter cubic metre — running short mid-pour is expensive and damaging
• Check access:Confirm truck access width, turning circle, and overhead clearance before booking — failed deliveries attract call-out charges
• Book 48–72 hours ahead:Monday morning deliveries book up fast — plan ahead, especially in summer peak season
• Confirm mix grade:Always confirm the BS 8500 designated mix in writing — verbal mix descriptions can lead to wrong grade delivery
• Have a pump on standby:For difficult access pours, factor in concrete pump hire at £200–£450 — cheaper than a rejected delivery

Merchant Pricing Disclaimer

All prices and branch counts in this directory are indicative for 2026 and subject to change. Always obtain written quotes from merchants before committing to orders. The UK building materials market is subject to ongoing inflation, supply chain changes, and ownership restructuring. Always verify current prices and branch locations directly with the merchant.

Is Your Business Missing from This Directory?

This directory covers the major national chains and key regional merchants. TheBuilders Merchants Federation (BMF)maintains a comprehensive member directory of 500+ independent merchants across the UK. For specialist or niche suppliers, also check theConstruction Products Association (CPA)member directory.

UK Builders Merchants Directory — Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about choosing and using builders merchants across the UK in 2026.

• Trade accounts:Builders merchants offer 30-day credit accounts, trade pricing, and dedicated account managers — DIY stores generally do not
• Product depth:Merchants stock full ranges including heavy groundworks materials, structural timber, and bulk aggregates — DIY stores focus on consumer products
• Pricing:Trade merchants offer lower prices for volume buyers — DIY retail pricing includes higher retail margins
• Technical knowledge:Merchant staff are typically trade-trained — DIY staff may have limited construction expertise
• Delivery:Merchants offer site delivery including flatbed, curtainsider, and mixer truck — DIY stores typically offer limited van delivery only
• Access:Many trade merchants are trade-only — some restrict access or pricing to verified trade customers

• Nationwide ready mix:Hanson UK, Tarmac (CRH), Aggregate Industries, CEMEX, and Breedon are the five largest producers with plants across England, Scotland, and Wales
• Scotland (Aberdeen):Hanson and Breedon are the dominant ready mix suppliers — use ourAberdeen Concrete Calculatorto work out volumes first
• Scotland (Glasgow):Hanson, Aggregate Industries, and Breedon all serve Greater Glasgow well
• Wales (Swansea):Hanson and Aggregate Industries are the main ready mix suppliers in South Wales
• London and South East:CEMEX has the densest plant network; Tarmac and Hanson also operate extensively
• Bagged concrete and aggregates:Travis Perkins, Jewson, Buildbase, and Wickes all stock bagged materials — Toolstation and Screwfix for smaller quantities

• Step 1 — Documentation:Gather your company registration number (or sole trader NI number), VAT registration number, business address, and bank details
• Step 2 — Trade references:Provide two trade references from existing suppliers who can confirm your payment reliability
• Step 3 — Application:Complete the merchant’s credit account application form — available in branch or online at most national chains
• Step 4 — Credit check:The merchant will run a credit check — typical initial limits are £2,000–£5,000 for new accounts
• Step 5 — Approval:Approval takes 5–10 working days — some merchants offer quick in-branch decisions for smaller limits
• Step 6 — Terms:Standard terms are 30 days from month end — some merchants offer 60-day terms for larger accounts

• Founded:1892 — one of the UK’s oldest trade bodies
• Members:Represents over 700 member companies operating 5,000+ branches across the UK
• Role:Lobbies government on behalf of the sector, sets industry standards, and provides training and business support
• BMF Directory:The BMF member directory is the most comprehensive source for finding accredited builders merchants in your area
• Market data:The BMF publishes the BMF Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) — monthly sales data tracking the health of the UK merchant sector
• Training:Offers the nationally recognised BMF Academy training programme for merchant staff

• Travis Perkins Group:The largest UK merchant group — owns Travis Perkins (500+ branches), Wickes, City Plumbing, and Toolstation
• Saint-Gobain Distribution UK:Owns Jewson, Graham, and a range of specialist divisions — part of French building materials giant Saint-Gobain
• Grafton Group:Irish-based group that owns Buildbase, Selco, and various specialist merchants in the UK
• Wolseley UK:UK’s leading plumbing and heating distributor — operates Plumb Centre, Pipeline Centre, and Wolseley Industrial
• MKM Building Supplies:The UK’s largest independent merchant — 100+ locally owned branches, originating in Hull
• Huws Gray:Wales-founded independent group — 80+ branches across Wales and Northern England
• Kingfisher Group:Owns B&Q and Screwfix — the UK’s largest DIY and trade resources retail group

• National chains with Scottish branches:Travis Perkins, Jewson, Buildbase, Toolstation, Screwfix, and City Plumbing all have Scottish branches
• Scottish-based merchants:Graham Group (Buildcentre) and Haldane Fisher are headquartered in Scotland and understand local building standards
• Ready mix concrete Scotland:Breedon Group has the strongest Scottish ready mix coverage; Hanson and Aggregate Industries also operate widely
• Highlands and Islands:National chains have limited coverage north of Inverness — local independents like Mackay & Leck are essential
• Scottish Building Warrant:Scottish merchants are familiar with Building Warrant requirements — always specify your project is in Scotland when ordering structural concrete

• Welsh independent — best option:Huws Gray is the UK’s most prominent Welsh-founded merchant, now operating 80+ branches across Wales and the North
• National chains in Wales:Travis Perkins, Jewson, Buildbase, Toolstation, and Screwfix all have Welsh branches
• Ready mix concrete Wales:Hanson and Aggregate Industries serve most of South, Mid, and North Wales
• Welsh Building Regulations:Since 2012, Wales has separate Building Regulations from England — always confirm your supplier understands the Welsh technical requirements
• Natural Resources Wales (NRW):For any project near Welsh rivers or flood plains, NRW consultation may be required — merchants familiar with Welsh projects will know this
• Welsh Slate:For roofing on traditional Welsh buildings, source genuine Welsh slate from Welsh Slate Ltd at Penrhyn Quarry, Gwynedd

• BMF Member Directory:bmf.org.uk/find-a-merchantmost comprehensive list of accredited UK merchants
• National chain branch finders:Travis Perkins, Jewson, Buildbase, Selco, Toolstation, and Screwfix all have online branch finders linked in this directory above
• Google Maps:Search “builders merchant near me” or “[your town] builders merchant” — check Google reviews and confirm trade account availability
• Ready mix concrete:Search “[your town] ready mix concrete” — Hanson, Tarmac, CEMEX, Breedon, and Aggregate Industries all have plant finders on their websites
• Word of mouth:Ask other local tradespeople which merchants they use — reputation and service quality vary significantly between branches of the same chain
• FMB local contractors:TheFederation of Master Builders (FMB)can recommend vetted local contractors who in turn can point you to their trusted suppliers

Free UK Concrete Guides by City

Use our free location-specific concrete guides before contacting merchants — knowing your exact volume makes ordering faster, cheaper, and more accurate.