State of the Industry: 2025 Market Insight Uncovers Pressures and Priorities in Construction Supplies
Produced by GCS Associates in partnership with Builders’ Merchant News, the 2025 Construction Supplies Market Insight Survey draws on responses from nearly 200 business leaders across the UK’s merchant, manufacturing, distribution, and hire sectors. In an industry where pressure is constant, yet opportunity abounds, this year’s report paints a nuanced picture. Skills shortages, margin erosion, […]
GCS Associates Celebrates Diversity and Talent at the 2025 Builders’ Merchant Awards
Last week, leaders from across the merchanting sector gathered in London for the 2025 Builders’ Merchant Awards — the industry’s biggest annual celebration of excellence. As long-standing supporters of the merchant community, GCS Associates was proud to sponsor the Equality, Diversity and Belonging in Merchanting Award, recognising businesses that are championing inclusive workplaces and driving […]
The 10 Most In-Demand Job Roles in 2025 in the Building Materials Sector
Despite challenges, the Building Materials sector enters 2026 with a renewed sense of momentum, driven by sustainability targets, digital transformation, supply chain reforms, and a shifting workforce landscape. With construction demand stabilising and investment returning, organisations across merchants, manufacturers, distributors, and specialist suppliers are reassessing the skills they need to remain competitive. At the same […]
GCS Associates at the BMF Annual Conference and Awards 2025
This week, the GCS Associates team was delighted to attend the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) Annual Conference and Awards 2025, held at the Hilton Metropole in Birmingham. Taking place on the 17th and 18th of September, the event brought together over 400 delegates, making it the largest BMF conference yet. From the moment we arrived, […]
GCS Associates Present at the BMF HR Forum: Future-Proofing the Workforce
GCS Associates were delighted to attend and present at this year’s BMF HR Forum, held at the Builders Merchants Federation Head Office in Coventry. The event brought together senior HR professionals, business leaders, and industry experts from across the building materials sector to explore the theme “Future-Proofing Your Workforce.” The Builders Merchants Federation continues to […]
GCS at UK Construction Week Birmingham 2025
This week the GCS team headed to the NEC Birmingham for UK Construction Week 2025 (UKCW), the UK’s biggest built environment event and a real highlight in the construction calendar. This year marked the 10th anniversary of UKCW, with the theme “Where Specification Meets Innovation.” Over three packed days, we immersed ourselves in the latest […]
GCS Associates Join Make It Wild for a Day of Tree Planting and Conservation
At GCS Associates, sustainability is important to us. That’s why we recently partnered with environmental charity Make It Wild for a meaningful Tree Planting and Conservation Day in the Peak District – an experience that not only grounded us in nature but also inspired our latest industry initiative. A Day of Conservation and Commitment Set […]
GCS Wraps Up a Productive Week at Construction Week 2025
The team at GCS has just returned from Construction Week 2025 at ExCeL London, and we’re pleased to say it was time very well spent. The event brought together the entire construction supply chain, offering valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities shaping the industry today. A Week of Insight, Innovation and Real Conversations Over […]
GCS Associates Proud to Sponsor the Diversity Award at the 2025 Builders’ Merchant Awards
GCS Associates is a leading specialist recruitment consultancy dedicated to supporting the builders’ merchant, construction supplies, and wider distribution sectors. Established nearly 20 years ago, GCS Associates has built a strong reputation for connecting top talent with businesses that drive the industry forward. With a deep understanding of the sector, we provide expert recruitment solutions—from […]
Building the Future: Bridging the Talent Gap in the Building Materials Sector
The UK building materials and construction supply industry is the backbone of the built environment – responsible for the products, distribution, and people that keep construction moving. But as the sector undergoes significant transformation, one challenge continues to loom large: a widening talent gap. While innovation in digital supply chains, sustainability, and modern methods of […]