Today's standout story is a product launch that trades in structural steel, pipework, and metal fabrication have been waiting for: Evolution has launched its S355CPS-Li, a twin 18V cordless metal chop saw that delivers cold-cut, burr-free results without a cable in sight. On the trade and industry side, the National Federation of Builders has fired a sharp response at the Government over changes to the Building Safety Levy, the IPG has confirmed a new Managing Director, NBG members are announcing branch expansions, and Premier Forest Products has set its sights on £200m turnover after a year of strategic acquisitions.

Today's key stories

Evolution S355CPS-Li: cordless cold-cut chop saw now available. Evolution has launched its S355CPS-Li Twin 18V Metal Chop Saw, described as combining 36V cordless power (from two 18V batteries running in series) with Evolution's Tungsten Carbide Tipped cold-cut technology. Cold-cut means no abrasive disc, no sparks, and no work-hardening of the cut edge. The 355mm blade is a full-size working diameter, handling structural box section, RSJ off-cuts, angle iron, steel pipe, and metal studwork. Evolution claims up to 400 cuts per charge on mild steel. The cordless format removes the one remaining site-use limitation of Evolution's existing cold-cut saws. Source: Toolden Blog

NFB responds sharply to Building Safety Levy changes. The National Federation of Builders has criticised the Government's removal of a proposed exemption for medium-sized development sites from the Building Safety Levy. The NFB argues this will add cost pressure to smaller and mid-sized house building projects at a time when the sector already faces skills shortages and rising materials costs. The BSL applies to residential development and was intended to fund building safety remediation; the dispute centres on which sites are included. Source: Professional Builders Merchant

IPG appoints Dean Jepson as Managing Director. Independent procurement group IPG has confirmed the appointment of Dean Jepson as its new Managing Director. Jepson is described as a "highly respected industry leader." IPG operates as a buying group serving independent builders merchants, giving members access to manufacturer pricing and terms. Leadership changes at buying groups affect the supply chain relationships that independent merchants depend on. Source: Professional Builders Merchant

NBG partner merchants expand. National Buying Group has confirmed two member moves: Bromley-based Simply Plumbing & Bathrooms has joined NBG as a new partner merchant, and existing member BuildLand is opening a new branch in Solihull, extending its West Midlands footprint. NBG membership gives independent merchants collective purchasing power against national chains. Source: Professional Builders Merchant

Premier Forest Products targets £200m after landmark year. Premier Forest Products, which describes itself as one of the UK's largest independent timber and timber processing groups, has set a £200m revenue target following a year of strategic acquisitions. The group processes and distributes timber, sheet materials, and associated building products to the construction sector. Timber supply chain stability and capacity matters to builders working under the current housing growth agenda. Source: Professional Builders Merchant

UK wiring colours: the guide still needed on every site. ITS Hub has published a detailed UK wiring colours guide covering the old and new cable colour coding systems. This matters because tens of millions of UK properties still have pre-2004 wiring, meaning mixed-colour installations are common on any rewire or extension job. Full breakdown in the standalone guide below. Source: ITS Hub

Ongoing to watch

Sources