The UK builders’ merchant sector is dominated by a handful of large groups, each with hundreds of branches, and supported by a network of regional independents. They all sell broadly similar products — timber, blocks, roofing, insulation, drainage — but their business models, strengths and pricing structures differ in ways that matter when you are choosing where to open an account or place a large order.
This guide describes the main players factually and impartially. We do not rank them or recommend one over another, because the right merchant depends on your location, your trade, your project size and the service your local branch happens to deliver.
The Main Groups
| Group | Ownership | Approximate UK Branches | Model |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travis Perkins | Travis Perkins plc | 500+ | General builders’ merchant, trade counters and yards |
| Jewson | Saint-Gobain | 500+ | General builders’ merchant, strong timber and sheet materials |
| Buildbase | Grafton Group | 190+ | Regional general merchant; also specialist tool hire centres |
| Selco | Grafton Group | 70+ | Trade cash-and-carry warehouse model |
| MKM Building Supplies | Independent | 100+ | Regionally strong independent merchant |
| Huws Gray | Huws Gray Group | 100+ | Wales and Northern England focus; recently expanded |
| Wickes | Wickes Group plc | 230+ | Hybrid merchant/DIY; contractor and homeowner focused |
Branch counts approximate as of 2026; networks change through acquisitions and openings.
Travis Perkins
Travis Perkins is the UK’s largest builders’ merchant group by branch network and turnover. Its branches are widespread across England, Scotland and Wales, making it the most likely choice for a builder who needs national coverage and consistent terms across multiple sites.
The model is a traditional general builders’ merchant with a covered trade counter and an open yard. Stock depth is generally strong across timber, sheet materials, heavyside goods (blocks, bricks, aggregates) and drainage. Travis Perkins also operates specialist divisions including Toolstation, Benchmarx Kitchens and CCF (commercial insulation), which trade separately.
Pricing is account-driven. A trade credit account opens at branch level, and negotiated discounts tend to reflect the volume of business done with that specific branch rather than the group as a whole. For multi-site contractors, national account arrangements exist but require significant spend to qualify.
Jewson
Jewson (part of the Saint-Gobain group) operates a similar general-merchant model to Travis Perkins and is its closest direct competitor in terms of branch count and product breadth. Jewson has historically been associated with strong timber and sheet materials sourcing, reflecting Saint-Gobain’s position in the building products supply chain.
Like Travis Perkins, Jewson branches are independently managed within a national framework, so service quality and pricing negotiability vary by branch and account manager. Both groups have invested significantly in digital ordering and account management tools in recent years.
Buildbase
Buildbase (also part of the Grafton Group) operates as a regional general merchant, with stronger coverage in the Midlands and South than in the North. It functions similarly to Travis Perkins and Jewson in terms of product range and trade counter model, but branches are typically smaller and more community-focused. For a local builder with most of their work in one town, a Buildbase branch may offer a closer relationship than a larger national group.
Selco Builders Warehouse
Selco operates a distinctly different model: large warehouse-format stores designed for trade customers to self-select and collect, closer to a trade cash-and-carry than a traditional merchant. Stock is displayed on high-bay racking, prices are fixed (though account pricing may differ), and the emphasis is on rapid collection rather than counter service.
Key characteristics:
- Large, clearly priced stock on display — useful for comparing products and sizes quickly
- Trade card required (free to apply; requires proof of trade activity)
- No yard deliveries at most branches; heavy goods loaded directly from the warehouse floor
- Some branches offer delivery
- Strong on timber, sheet materials, insulation, dry lining and plumbing
- Branches concentrated in larger cities: London, Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, Bristol and others
For builders who value speed of collection, visible pricing and a self-service experience, Selco is distinctive. For trades needing a delivery relationship or specialist yard goods, a traditional merchant may serve better.
MKM Building Supplies
MKM (established 1995, independently owned) has grown rapidly to over 100 branches, primarily in the North of England and East Anglia, though its network has expanded southward. Its model emphasises local branch ownership and autonomy: each branch is run by a director who has a financial stake in the business, which tends to produce more consistent service and more relationship-led account management than a centrally managed chain.
MKM stocks a full general merchant range and is competitive on timber, heavyside and roofing. It is particularly well regarded for responsive account management — smaller contractors often find it easier to negotiate pricing and resolve issues than at the largest nationals.
Huws Gray
Huws Gray is the dominant builders’ merchant in Wales and has expanded significantly into Northern England through a series of acquisitions, including the purchase of several former Ridgeons branches. It operates a traditional trade merchant model with a strong emphasis on service and long-term customer relationships.
In Wales, Huws Gray’s coverage and service levels are consistently strong. In recently acquired branches outside Wales, the transition period has in some cases affected consistency — worth bearing in mind when evaluating a newer Huws Gray branch in England.
Wickes
Wickes sits between the two worlds: a hybrid merchant-retailer serving both professional contractors and homeowners. Its branches are smaller than a traditional merchant’s yard and carry a consumer-accessible range, but account pricing and contractor services are offered. For small-to-medium contractors who also need a showroom element (kitchens, bathrooms, tiles), Wickes offers a convenient one-stop shop.
Wickes is less strong than the pure merchants on heavyside materials (blocks, aggregates, structural timber) and should not be the primary merchant for a builder needing a full-service account relationship.
How to Choose Between Them
There is no universally best merchant. The practical factors that matter are:
Branch proximity and hours. A merchant you can reach by 07:30 is more useful than a slightly cheaper one across town.
Service at your specific branch. National reputation and local branch quality can diverge significantly. Ask other local contractors who they use and why.
Product range for your trade. A heating engineer’s priorities differ from a groundworker’s. Check that your primary merchant stocks the specific products you buy most.
Account terms and credit limit. Compare what credit limit and payment terms each merchant offers at the outset and how quickly they raise limits for reliable payers.
Delivery capability. If you need regular deliveries — timed drops, crane-offload or multi-drop routes — confirm that the branch’s delivery fleet can handle your requirements.
Regional independents are also worth considering alongside the nationals. A well-run independent merchant in your area may offer more flexible pricing, longer-standing relationships and willingness to source non-standard items on request. The national groups’ main advantage is coverage: if your work is spread across multiple areas, a national account simplifies purchasing administration considerably.
