Lawsons “doing what’s right”


As a 4th generation family business Lawsons strongly reflects the values of the family. This has created a business ethos or philosophy which can be easily summed up as simply “doing what’s right”. Right for the business, right for the staff and right for the community at large. Creating this environment is the singular feat in business of which Lawsons is most proud. 

The company takes it responsibility to the wider community very seriously and delivers charity via two routes. Centrally, the company maintains a significant charitable fund which is responsible for administering the support for the long-term commitments. Probably the most significant relation has been with Hospices of Hope which the family has privately supported since 2004 as well as soliciting Lawsons corporate involvement. These hospices were first established in Brasov Romania and have now, with extensive support from Lawsons and multiple visits and encouragement from Simon personally, extended into Serbia, The Republic of Moldova and Serbia. Through Simon and Lawsons, help and assistance has been provided to some of the neediest people in South-East Europe with a transformative effect upon their lives. 

Closer to home, Lawsons funds foster families to attend the Festival of Sport, where children, many with physical, social and mental challenges are coached in a variety of sports by gold medal winning Olympians and para-Olympians, past world champions and current members of the England national teams. Lawsons has also been a long-term provider of food and shelter via the Michael Roberts Charitable Trust and Bounty Vans, a mobile food bank network. 

Locally, the company uses its network of branches to provide immediate and much needed support to their local communities. Every branch has its own discretionary fund to use on worthwhile projects in their locale. The list of schools supported with materials and donations for play areas, gardens and nature zone is too extensive to list. Similarly, we are great believers in getting children being active outside and so sponsor numerous local sports clubs to ensure that open spaces with secure fencing and safe seating are available to all participating families. 

Finally, Lawsons is committed to reducing its carbon footprint. Considerable progress has been made to electrify vehicles in the business, especially forklifts and cars. Lawsons operates one the largest fleets of JCB teletruks in the world and has been working with JCB to migrate their fleet across to the 35-22E electric versions. These not only reduce emissions but also noise within our inner-city urban depots – something appreciated by our neighbours! 

In conclusion, Lawsons believes that alongside profit, the business should also leverage its influence to effect positive change. This means creating value for all stakeholders including customers, employees and the community. This is our material difference

Member of the Lawson's team

H+H enabling better homes for our communities


At H+H UK Ltd, our purpose is clear: to enable better homes for our communities. Our journey began in 1949, and since then, we have continuously evolved, embracing new technologies and methodologies to remain at the forefront of the construction industry. Our advanced manufacturing facilities in Kent and Yorkshire, exemplify our commitment to excellence and sustainability.

We don’t just manufacture products; we build relationships. Our shared promises guide our actions and decisions, underpinned by a strong culture of customer focus, collaboration, trust, courage, and a relentless drive for results.

When you join H+H, you become part of a team that values your safety, well-being and professional growth. Our commitment to zero harm ensures that the health and safety of our employees, customers and partners is never compromised.

As you consider a career with H+H, we invite you to explore the opportunities we offer. Whether you are in sales, engineering, production, or customer service, you will find a stimulating and rewarding environment where you can thrive and contribute to our mission of enabling better homes.

At H+H, sustainability isn’t a buzzword – it’s a promise. We are leading the way towards zero-carbon aircrete, ensuring that our impact on the environment is not just minimised, but actively beneficial.

By joining our team, you’ll be part of a company that’s actively shaping a more sustainable future; where innovation and responsibility go hand in hand. Together, we’ll build a legacy of sustainability that benefits both people and the planet.

At H+H, we believe that our employees are our greatest asset. We are committed to creating a positive and inclusive work environment where everyone can thrive. By joining our team, you will have the opportunity to work with passionate and talented professionals who are dedicated to innovation and excellence.

If you are passionate about innovation, sustainability, and making a difference, H+H is the place for you. Together, we will continue to lead the way in the construction industry and build a better future for our communities.

Wind turbine against blue sky

Dulux Academy bringing communities together


Our first Dulux Academy purpose-built facility opened in March 2016 at our AkzoNobel Slough Head Quarters. The impressive two-story centre is our flagship Dulux Academy with two practical training areas, upstairs classrooms including space for 100 theatre style, a large outdoor space for events and offices.

Over the years the space has grown with us and now features a Graco sponsored Spray Theatre and Colour Studio. In June 2024, we opened the “Mews” which will be used for a range of exterior painting courses including a new Stage 3 uPVC Spray course.

The quality and credibility of the Dulux Academy team is a real testament to the successes it has had to date, the biggest milestone so far this year being over 20,000 people have been trained over the 13 Dulux Academy locations operating nationwide.

College Partners

Dulux Academy work with college partners who have all signed up to our Joint Minds Charter. Selected for their dedication to delivering best possible learning experiences and championing industry best practice. The partnership with industry and education provides opportunity to inspire students, tutors, and employers.

National Apprenticeship Week – Dulux Academy, is proud to champion National Apprenticeship Week through offering a suite of free online workshops to apprentices and those studying painting and decorating. In 2024, online workshops were delivered from 5th to 9th February, and covered topics designed to align with the ambition of Apprenticeships providing ‘Skills for Life’ :-

Being confident with colour / Professionalising your Social Media / Selecting the Right Paint / Planning your P&D Career

Partnership with VIY

Dulux has been working with VIY (Volunteer it Yourself) and doing #SomethingConstructive together for over three years, bringing communities together through the power of paint and the Let’s Colour initiative. Our current partnership aims to build on the impact we have made together so far :-

  • 166 projects supported across the UK since our first project at Youth Concern in 2020
  • 2,367 young people trained in Painting & Decorating
  • 1000+ Entry Level 3 City & Guilds accreditations gained in Painting & Decorating
  • 12,600 litres of paint donated
  • 108,074 lives coloured in some of our most deprived communities
Tins of Dulux Paint with colour cards

Help Hansgrohe construct a better future


How we collectively work to build a more sustainable future has never been more important. What’s more, construction industry talent is at the heart of delivering the solutions society needs – including how we strive to preserve one of our most precious resources, water.

As a leading bathroom brand, Hansgrohe is committed to finding the most effective and efficient ways to develop product solutions that deliver a luxurious bathroom experience whilst consuming less water.

Indeed, Hansgrohe’s Green Vision Beyond Water: Rethinking Bathroom Culture sets out our aspirations for an exciting and sustainable future. The ultimate aim of this work is to cut water consumption in the bathroom by 90% and improve our relationship with water and its usage.

As such, we offer an extensive range of stimulating career-orientated roles that back the BMF’s campaign to open up workplace opportunities across the construction sector.

We have wide reach across the industry with our experts’ supporting homeowners, housebuilders, designers, architects, contractors, hoteliers and more, by providing technical solutions that combine outstanding aesthetics, functionality, and efficiency.

So, whether it’s research and development, creative design, technical support, finance, sales, or customer service, fulfilling positions are available and we embrace fresh minds that question, problem solve and focus on delivery.

Our detailed development plans set a clear progression pathway for our talented workforce, encouraging them to push boundaries, step out of their comfort zone and take on new challenges. Cultivating new talent is a key priority matched only by our ambitions in the marketplace.

The recently opened £5 million headquarters in Warwick showcases what Hansgrohe is all about. With 375 sq. metres of stunning showroom space, it is the perfect space to view our striking working water displays and share the company’s market-leading portfolio of high-quality showers, taps and accessories, including beautiful ceramics, furniture, and mirrors.

The new HQ also houses a purpose-built Installer Academy training centre, designed to deliver first-class, hands-on training for trade professionals. This expansion in training facilities provides enhanced access to technical support from Hansgrohe’s product experts and the opportunity for direct, practical experience across the product portfolio.

The construction industry will be pivotal in helping the country reach its net zero target by 2050. And those lucky enough to be working within it can make a significant contribution, be a positive force and be part of a transformative era that will shape the future for so many.

The Hansgrohe team with confetti

Making a material difference recruiting in the building materials sector


Natalie Chapman

Divisional Manager and Chair of the BMF Ambassador programme

I have been recruiting in the materials supplier sector for merchants and suppliers for 18 years, recruiting all levels of commercial roles.

I make a difference firstly by placing the right person in the right role for the right reasons.

Over my 18 years recruiting in this sector I have brought in over 200 people into the industry, helping our industry to transfer in skillsets and experience from other industries.

With every new client I work with I explore how they can do things different, how they can bring skills from other industries into their business and how they can retain the staff they have.

Over the years I have got involved in the following value-added projects in the industry:

  • Menopause awareness support – I created a personal video documenting my journey in menopause. This video was used to educate all members of a large independent merchant groups better support woman in their business.
  • I have been involved in several woman’s group trying to educate my clients and help bring more woman into the sector.
  • I am involved heavily in educating my clients bringing more apprenticeships into the industry.
  • I chair the BMF ambassador programme which is focused on educating businesses, and educational establishments about careers in our sector.
  • I am involved in the sector awareness campaign helping to put the building materials sector in the forefront of people’s minds and being an industry of choice.

Everything I do is about making our sector great and recognised. I am so privileged to be a part of an amazing industry with amazing people.

Natalie Champman

ACO. we care for water


ACO is a world leader in the design and development of award-winning drainage solutions, encompassing surface water management, stormwater control, and hygienic and corrosion-resistant building drainage systems. Our dedication to responsible water management aims to protect and preserve precious water resources, fostering a sustainable future for all.

How We Contribute to the Sector

ACO is at the forefront of innovation, consistently introducing products and services that drive the industry forward. Notably, our Carbon Neutral Qmax range, launched last year, exemplifies our commitment to reducing environmental impact. Additionally, we are continually looking at ways, and achieving significant reductions in carbon emissions through improved manufacturing processes.

Our engagement with the community extends beyond our products. We actively host and participate in CPD and STEM workshops, nurturing the next generation of industry leaders and promoting sustainable practices across the sector.

Career Opportunities

ACO offers long-term career prospects across various disciplines, including Research & Development, Product Management, Marketing, Finance, and Commercial roles. We are committed to the growth and development of our employees, providing numerous opportunities for advancement and skill enhancement.

We also support apprenticeships within our business, notably within our Design Services and Commercial teams. These apprenticeship courses are designed to equip individuals with the practical skills and knowledge necessary to excel in the industry, ensuring a robust and capable workforce for the future.

“Materially Different”

Our participation in the Builders Merchant Federation’s “Materially Different” campaign aligns perfectly with our core values. By showcasing best practices and innovative solutions, we aim to highlight the real people behind our success and their contributions to the construction industry. ACO is dedicated to making a material difference every day, both to our customers and the communities we serve. Through collaboration and continuous improvement, we strive to set new standards in building excellence.

At ACO, we believe that every small step towards innovation and sustainability contributes to a better tomorrow. By participating in the “Materially Different” campaign, we hope to inspire others within the industry to join us in making a tangible difference. Together, we can build a future that is not only efficient and effective but also sustainable and responsible. Join us on this journey and be part of something truly great.

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