Today marks a new chapter as we have taken the decision to sell our builders' merchant business at Caird Avenue, New Milton, to MKM Building Supplies.

This wasn't an easy decision. We first acquired the business in 2009, when many of our customers will have known it as W.G. Hibbs. Over the years it went from strength to strength, becoming an important part of NMSB's story. In 2023 we made a significant investment in the site, creating a fantastic merchant yard and award-winning landscaping display that reflected our commitment to serving customers across the region.

While merchanting was a diversification away from NMSB's traditional roots in aggregates, concrete production, it has been a part of our business that we are incredibly proud of. The team built something special, and we would like to thank our customers, suppliers and employees who supported that journey.

The business now moves into a merchant-focused group, where it can continue to develop and grow. MKM have been a customer of ours for many years, and we are pleased that the branch has found a home with a company that shares our commitment to serving the local construction industry. We wish them every success as they open their doors later this week and look forward to working alongside them for hopefully many years to come.

For clarity, this sale relates only to the builders' merchant business. NMSB continues to operate as normal, with our aggregates, ready mixed concrete and screed, waste and skip hire, and sporting and horticultural businesses continuing to serve customers across Hampshire and Dorset.

While this marks the end of an important chapter for NMSB, we do so with pride in what was achieved and confidence in its future with MKM Building Supplies. NMSB continues to move forward, and we look forward to serving our customers and working alongside MKM Building Supplies for many years to come.