Trex, the world’s leading composite decking manufacturer, has announced Biscayne as its 2026 Colour of the Year. A light coastal brown featuring honey hues and a natural grain pattern, Biscayne is the UK’s most requested colour and forms part of Trex’s Transcend® Lineage® collection. The neutral shade sits perfectly between warm and cool tones and was selected for its ability to complement a wide range of palettes and design styles. Its balanced undertones allow the colour to

Leading UK timber supplier Premier Forest Products has triumphed at the Newport Business Awards 2026, winning three awards in total. The company took home Newport Business of the Year, alongside Manufacturing Business of the Year and the Newport Community Award. Premier Forest Products received three accolades in total at the Newport Business Awards 2026 The inaugural Newport Business Awards celebrated excellence, innovation and resilience across Newport’s business community.

By Roly Ward, Head of Business Development, MEDITE SMARTPLY. The UK construction industry is facing a defining challenge. Ambitious housing targets, the transition to low-carbon buildings and the increasing use of modern methods of construction all point towards a sector in transformation. Yet, according to the Construction Industry Training Board (CITB), the workforce required to deliver this future is not currently in place. Between 2025 and 2029, the industry will need to

Dust Control Environmental Ltd explains why now, more than ever, it’s essential to keep up with LEV maintenance. With the latest global developments, there’s no doubt that costs will start to rise – again. It’s sensible to review your business spending and look for leaner ways of operating. Cutting back on LEV maintenance and statutory testing, however, is a false economy. The risks to safety, compliance and long-term costs far outweigh any short-term savings. Not only is LEV

The UK woodworking industry is set to come together on a much larger stage in 2026 as Professional Woodworking Expo (PWE) returns to the NEC Birmingham with an exciting new format. Taking place from 23–25 June 2026, the event will bring together thousands of professionals from across the woodworking and joinery manufacturing sector for three days of innovation, networking and hands-on discovery. What makes the 2026 edition particularly significant is its new co-location with

When Landsec undertook the redevelopment of several key buildings behind Piccadilly Circus’ iconic digital screens, every design detail mattered. The brief was clear: preserve heritage character, meet modern performance standards and ensure durability in one of the UK’s most demanding urban environments. In the heart of London’s West End, Piccadilly Circus is one of the most photographed, heavily trafficked and globally recognised intersections in the world. Any construction

HUBTEX is sharpening its strategic focus on the heavy-duty compact forklift market, aiming to offer customers in heavy-load handling a more comprehensive range of solutions. A key milestone in this effort is the integration of the expertise of compact forklift specialist M Fahrzeugbau. The new M-TEX makes it easy to move heavy loads in extremely tight spaces thanks to a design that is up to 25% narrower and 20% shorter One result of this development is a newly engineered comp

Faced with rising demand, capacity constraints and a need to improve manual handling processes, Donaldson Door Systems partnered with JJ Smith to transform its production capabilities. Donaldson Door Systems, part of the Donaldson Group, is one of the UK’s leading manufacturers of high-quality door sets, supplying internal and external doors, staircases and bespoke joinery products. With a commitment to delivering value to major housebuilders and local authorities, the busine

Coastal has added two new pieces to its established Duratique collection, extending its range of black antique door hardware. Duratique Solitaire lever handle in development These new additions are a five-lever backplate and a distinctive lever handle, which have been developed for traditional entrance doors and heritage-led projects. Duratique expanded collection Created as a high-performance alternative to iron-based black furniture, Duratique pairs period styling with cont

James Latham supports Prestige Interior Projects in specifying premium Cleaf surfaces for a unique renovation challenge. When Prestige Interior Projects took on the renovation of a private residence incorporating a historic toll house, the brief presented an unusual design challenge. Working closely with James Latham, director Bradley Jeffries specified two complementary Cleaf melamine finishes: Azimut (S022 Portland) for the tall units and Cheope (FB49 Glauco) for the base u

The good old British rain can quickly – and frequently – turn a good day into a miserable one, but Carhartt’s DWR range helps ensure that never happens. From packable anoraks to insulated coats, Carhartt outerwear keeps the rain where it belongs – on the outside. Durable Water Repellent (DWR) technology causes light rain to bead up and roll off the fabric, helping you stay drier for longer. By preventing the material from becoming saturated, it also allows it to breathe prope

Talvin McClunie built a model staircase – by himself – and now he’s building a career. The 19-year-old carpentry apprentice has been named 16–29 Apprentice of the Year at the 13th annual West London Business Awards, held at Twickenham Stadium. Young carpenter Talvin McClunie wins Apprentice of the Year (Photograph courtesy of Peter L. Hughes, – Photoview) Talvin, who trains at the College of North West London – part of United Colleges Group – impressed judges with his technic

BPI, asset disposal specialists, were honoured to manage the sale of the personal workshop of Mark Wilkinson OBE, one of Britain’s most respected furniture designers and craftsmen. Mark Wilkinson OBE The online auction comprised over 100 lots and offered a rare opportunity to acquire machinery and tools from a workshop shaped by decades of craftsmanship. Mark Wilkinson was widely recognised as a visionary designer and master craftsman. He launched his first kitchen design in

FDIS Ltd, owner of the Fire Door Inspection Scheme (FDIS), has become the first organisation in the UK to be awarded UKAS accreditation for the certification of fire door inspectors under the international standard BS EN ISO/IEC 17024:2012 – Conformity assessment: General requirements for bodies operating certification of persons. Louise Halton, FDIS Scheme Manager The accreditation represents a significant shift in the industry by focusing specifically on individual competen

The 2026 Midlands Woodworking Show, held from Friday 7th to Saturday 8th March at Newark Showground, Nottinghamshire, proved to be a major success, seeing an increase of 30% footfall from the 2025 show. The 2026 event saw an increase of 30% footfall from the previous year This year’s event marked a significant milestone as the show celebrated its 10th anniversary, attracting enthusiastic crowds of woodworking professionals, hobbyists and industry experts. Both visitors and ex