Milwaukee Tool has updated its UK cordless range with refreshed battery and charger kit packs alongside new entries in its impact driver and impact wrench lines, making today a significant one for trades who run M18 FUEL platforms. Alongside that, two separate sun safety stories reflect a genuine push from manufacturers and trade merchants to get SPF onto UK worksites, and Ford has announced a fresh lineup of trade-ready vans and pick-ups. Here is everything worth knowing from today's news sweep.

---

Key stories today

Milwaukee cordless refresh Milwaukee Tool UK has updated its range of battery and charger kits, impact drivers, and impact wrenches. The M18 FUEL platform remains the headline, with sub-compact, right-angle, and heavy-duty variants listed across the impact driver and wrench ranges. Trades already running Milwaukee batteries will find the kits offer a straightforward way to build out capacity without starting from scratch. Source: Milwaukee Tool UK

Two brands push sun safety as summer arrives Marley has launched its 2026 Safe in the Sun campaign, framing daily sunscreen use as essential PPE rather than optional. Separately, a new British SPF brand called Don't Ignore Cancer has confirmed a partnership with SIG Roofing and skin cancer charity SKCIN, putting sun protection directly into roofing merchant branches. Both stories arrive at the right moment: UV exposure on UK sites is a genuine occupational hazard that the industry has historically underplayed. Source: Professional Builders Merchant | Professional Builder

Ford updates its trade vehicle range Ford has released details of new vehicles aimed specifically at tradespeople, including updated versions of the Transit City and the Explorer Van. The range covers both combustion and electric options, giving trades flexibility on the commercial side as EV infrastructure in the UK continues to improve. Source: Professional Builder

Dulux Decorator Centre joins TradeKart TradeKart, the trade-only supply marketplace, has added Dulux Decorator Centre to its platform. Decorators and finishing trades now have a direct route to Dulux products through the marketplace alongside other building materials suppliers already listed. Source: Professional Builder

Carhartt on staying cool on site Carhartt's Nick Poulson has provided practical guidance on choosing UPF-rated, breathable workwear for summer site conditions. The advice centres on fabric choice, ventilation panels, and UPF ratings, with Carhartt's summer range providing the backdrop. Source: Professional Builder

Selco supports homelessness charity Selco Builders Warehouse has named the York Road Project in Woking, Surrey, as the first finalist of its 2026 Community Heroes initiative. The charity was selected from more than 300 applicants and will receive a building fund contribution from Selco to support its work with people experiencing homelessness. Source: Professional Builder

KGM Musso Saracen: 1,900-mile trade test update Professional Builder has published part two of its long-term loan review of the KGM Musso Saracen pick-up, with the vehicle now at 1,900 miles and being put through tight residential delivery runs. For trades considering an alternative to the standard Transit or Ranger, the KGM is an option worth watching. Source: Professional Builder

Is the word tradesman outdated? Professional Builder has run a piece asking whether the term "tradesman" still fits the modern trades workforce. The debate touches on the growing diversity of the construction industry and whether gender-neutral alternatives like "tradesperson" are becoming standard. A useful read for anyone thinking about how the industry presents itself. Source: Professional Builder

---

Watchlist

---

Sources