Many builders merchants are facing troubling times, with a huge rise in insolvencies. These local traders are under threat and need support to maintain services and protect jobs.
March 2025 saw a huge 69% increase in the number of builders’ merchant insolvencies in just one month, according to Insight Data figures. In that month alone, 22 merchants ceased trading, compared to 13 the previous month. This results in less local service and has an effect on builders merchants jobs in some areas.
February saw a slight improvement for merchants in a highly volatile market, but the March events demonstrate how hard many traders are still finding the market. This is highlighted further by the announcement that Travis Perkins had seen a 98.75% drop in operating profit between 2023 and 2025, a real-money fall from £161 million to only £2 million.
Sector concerns
The rise in insolvencies is having a dramatic effect on business owners, current employees, and people who depend on local services. Four main contractors also went bust in March, adding further pressure on the industry.
This reduces choice and options for people who want to make use of the personalised advice, guidance and services offered by local merchants. The industry is now calling on people to ‘use it or lose it’ in order to protect services and ensure as much choice as possible for people looking for builders merchants jobs with companies such as https://bmcareers.com/distributors-and-builders-merchants-vacancies.
Local benefits
Making use of local builders merchants has many benefits. Big chains may be able to offer cheaper prices in some instances, but they cannot compare when it comes to individual knowledge of local businesses and areas.
They are also often much easier to contact and communicate with if things go wrong and are much more likely to build a relationship with individuals and local service providers, meaning that they go above and beyond when needed.
They help to keep local businesses operating smoothly, even when urgent requests are made, and help to support the local jobs market and community feel.