The week ending 5 July 2026 delivered the kind of product launch that only comes around once in a while. Paslode announced what it is calling the world's first purpose-built RoofTile Nailer, a cordless tool built specifically for fixing roof tiles rather than adapting a general-purpose nailer for the job. That sits alongside a new cordless chop saw from Evolution and a sharp intervention from the National Federation of Builders on government levy policy. Here is what UK trades need to know from the past seven days.

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Top Stories This Week

Paslode's RoofTile Nailer: A Genuine World First for Roofers

Paslode is set to launch what it describes as the world's first dedicated RoofTile Nailer. Details remain limited at this stage, but the product is described as purpose-designed for the roofing trade rather than adapted from an existing nailer format. Paslode has a long track record in first-fix and framing nailers, and a tool built specifically for tiling work has clear practical value: current fixing methods can be time-consuming, and roofers regularly improvise with tools that were not designed for the job. No confirmed price or availability date has been announced. This one is worth watching.

Source: Toolden Blog

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Evolution S355CPS-Li Twin 18V: Cordless Chop Saw Takes on Metal Cutting

Evolution has launched the S355CPS-Li, a 355mm cordless cold-cut metal chop saw running on twin 18V batteries to produce an effective 36V power output. The headline claim from Evolution is up to 400 cuts per charge on steel box section, with burr-free cold cuts rather than the abrasive grinding cuts produced by a traditional angle grinder. For trades working with steel tube, angle iron, or box section on site without a mains supply, a cordless cold-cut saw removes a genuine problem. The tool does not heat the metal during cutting, which means no hardening of the cut edge and no cleanup time burning off burrs. A 355mm blade covers section sizes relevant to most structural and fabrication work on a typical commercial or domestic site.

Source: Toolden Blog

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NFB Attacks Removal of Building Safety Levy Exemption for Medium Sites

The National Federation of Builders has come out strongly against the government's decision to remove a proposed exemption from the Building Safety Levy for medium-sized development sites. The NFB's position is that smaller and mid-sized builders, who already operate on tighter margins than large volume housebuilders, are being asked to fund the remediation of historical fire safety failures they had no part in creating. The Building Safety Levy is tied to the Building Safety Act 2022 and is intended to raise money for cladding and fire safety remediation on high-rise residential buildings. The removal of the medium-site exemption means more developers and contractors will be caught by the levy. The NFB has asked the government to reconsider.

Source: Professional Builders Merchant

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IPG Names Dean Jepson as New Managing Director

The IPG (Independent Plumbing and Heating Group) has appointed Dean Jepson as its new Managing Director. The IPG is one of the UK's major buying and business support groups for independent merchants, with a membership that includes plumbing, heating, and HVAC distributors across the UK. A new MD signals the start of a period of strategic review and potential direction change for the group, which is relevant to any trade buying from independent plumbing and heating merchants.

Source: Professional Builders Merchant

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UK Wiring Colours: What Changed and Why It Still Matters

A refreshed practical guide covering UK electrical cable colours has been published by ITS Hub, covering both the current harmonised colours (in use since 2006) and the old colours that are still encountered in existing installations. For any electrician or domestic installer working on alterations or extensions to older properties, understanding both colour schemes is a safety and compliance requirement. The current live is brown (old: red), neutral is blue (old: black), and earth is green/yellow (unchanged). Single-phase three-core cable now uses brown, black, and grey for phases. Any connection between old and new wiring requires careful identification and labelling.

Source: ITS Hub

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Milwaukee M18 FUEL: Impact Drivers, Wrenches, and Battery Kits

Milwaukee continues to update the M18 FUEL ecosystem. The UK site lists updated ranges across cordless impact drivers, impact wrenches, and battery/charger kit bundles. The M18 FUEL range uses Milwaukee's POWERSTATE brushless motor, which delivers more power and generates less heat than a brushed equivalent, extending tool life and maintaining consistent output through a charge. Milwaukee's M18 battery platform covers everything from sub-compact tools to heavy-duty M18 FUEL machines, and all M18 batteries are cross-compatible across the range. If you are already running M18 tools, any new addition to the platform uses the batteries you already own.

Source: Milwaukee Tool UK

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Makita Workwear Range: Updated for Summer Site Conditions

Makita UK's workwear range continues to be available through the dedicated makitaukworkwear.com site. The range is designed to work alongside Makita power tools and targets tradespeople looking for branded workwear that matches their tool kit. Practical features, durability in site conditions, and adequate storage are the main considerations when choosing site workwear. Makita's range covers trousers, jackets, and hi-vis options relevant to different trade environments.

Source: Makita UK Workwear

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TradeKart and Band of Builders: Charity Partnership Continues

TradeKart confirmed its Strategic Partnership with Band of Builders, one of the construction industry's better-known charities, which supports tradespeople who face illness, injury, or hardship. TradeKart's mission is materials delivery to tradespeople with convenience and speed. The partnership reinforces a trend of trade supply businesses actively supporting sector-specific welfare organisations rather than general corporate charity. For anyone not familiar with Band of Builders, the charity directly funds practical help for tradespeople who are no longer able to work.

Source: Professional Builder

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Watchlist for the Coming Week

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