Travis Perkins in the UK: A Cornerstone of the Construction Industry

 If you’ve ever been involved in a building project, big or small, there’s a good chance you’ve either heard of or directly dealt with Travis Perkins. Known as one of the UK’s leading suppliers to the building and construction industry, Travis Perkins has carved a name for itself as a go-to source for everything from bricks and timber to plumbing supplies and power tools.

This article takes a deep dive into who Travis Perkins is, what the company does, its legacy, its impact on the UK construction industry, and where it’s headed in the future.

A Quick Introduction: Who is Travis Perkins?

Travis Perkins is more than just a hardware store. It’s a household name in the building materials sector, supplying both trade professionals and DIY enthusiasts. With roots dating back to the 18th century, this company has grown into one of the largest builders’ merchants in the UK.

Currently, Travis Perkins operates through a nationwide network of over 500 branches, offering a vast catalogue of products including timber, tools, building materials, heating and plumbing supplies, and much more. It's not just one brand either—Travis Perkins is the backbone behind several well-known trade names like Toolstation, Keyline, CCF, and BSS.

A Bit of History: From Humble Beginnings to National Giant

The story of Travis Perkins is one of legacy, mergers, and smart growth. The company’s roots can be traced back to 1797, when Benjamin Ingram established a joinery and woodworking business in London. Fast forward to 1988, the modern Travis Perkins we know today was formed through the merger of two long-standing builders' merchants: Travis & Arnold and Sandell Perkins.

This merger set the stage for decades of expansion. Through a series of acquisitions, including Wickes in 2004 and BSS Group in 2010, Travis Perkins solidified its status as a powerhouse in the construction supply sector. Although it later sold off Wickes and some other divisions to streamline its operations, these moves have helped the company focus on what it does best: serving the professional trade.

What Does Travis Perkins Sell?

It’s tempting to think of Travis Perkins as just another hardware store, but the scope of its inventory is impressive. Whether you're building a home from scratch or just fixing up your garden shed, they’ve got you covered. Here’s a closer look at their core offerings:

1. Building Materials

  • Bricks, blocks, and cement

  • Aggregates and plasterboard

  • Roofing products

  • Damp proofing and insulation

2. Timber & Joinery

  • Sawn timber

  • Sheet materials like MDF and plywood

  • Doors, stair parts, and flooring

  • Decking and fencing

3. Tools, Fixings & Workwear

  • Hand tools and power tools

  • Screws, bolts, and fasteners

  • Safety gear and workwear

4. Plumbing & Heating

  • Boilers, radiators, and cylinders

  • Pipes, fittings, and bathroom fittings

5. Kitchens & Bathrooms

  • Fitted kitchens, units, and appliances

  • Bathroom suites, showers, and accessories

It’s all available either in-store or through their online platform, with options for home delivery or click-and-collect—very handy for busy contractors.

Services that Add Real Value

In today’s competitive market, selling products isn't enough—you’ve got to offer value-added services. Travis Perkins excels here, especially for trade customers. Here are some standout services:

1. Trade Accounts

Travis Perkins offers credit and cash trade accounts with tailored pricing, making it easier for builders and contractors to manage their cash flow.

2. Tool Hire

Not everyone needs to buy expensive tools for a one-off job. Travis Perkins provides a robust tool hire service, which includes everything from cement mixers to scaffolding.

3. Design Services

For customers planning kitchens or bathrooms, Travis Perkins provides free design consultations and 3D visualisations, helping bring ideas to life.

4. Nationwide Delivery

With a large fleet of delivery vehicles, Travis Perkins offers flexible delivery options, including same-day and next-day service for many items.

Travis Perkins and Sustainability

In recent years, the construction industry has come under scrutiny for its environmental impact. Travis Perkins has been stepping up to the plate with a strong focus on sustainability. Here’s how:

  • Reducing carbon emissions: The company is working towards net-zero emissions by 2050.

  • Recycling and waste management: Many branches now offer waste disposal and recycling services.

  • Sustainable sourcing: Timber is sourced responsibly, often carrying FSC or PEFC certifications.

  • Eco-friendly product range: They offer a growing selection of green building materials, such as recycled insulation or low-carbon cement.

It’s clear that Travis Perkins understands its responsibility and is taking steps to support more sustainable building practices.

Impact on the UK Construction Industry

There’s no denying the sheer scale and importance of Travis Perkins to the UK’s construction landscape. With such a wide reach and product base, the company plays a vital role in:

1. Supporting SMEs

Many small and medium-sized construction firms rely heavily on Travis Perkins for materials, credit options, and even advice. The brand is particularly loyal to its trade customer base.

2. Job Creation

Travis Perkins Group employs over 20,000 people across its brands and branches, making it a significant employer in the UK.

3. Training and Development

Through initiatives like the Travis Perkins Apprenticeship Programme, the company invests in future talent, offering structured training in trades, logistics, and business management.

4. Supply Chain Resilience

Especially post-Brexit and during the COVID-19 pandemic, Travis Perkins helped stabilize supply chains by keeping materials flowing to critical infrastructure projects and home builders.

Digital Transformation: Going Beyond Bricks-and-Mortar

Travis Perkins has embraced digital innovation in recent years. From a revamped e-commerce site to app-based account management and delivery tracking, the company is moving with the times. They’ve also invested in BIM (Building Information Modelling) libraries to help architects and builders integrate product data into project designs.

During the pandemic, the shift to digital was fast-tracked, with the company seeing record growth in online orders and click-and-collect services.

Competitors in the Field

While Travis Perkins is a leader, it’s not alone in the market. It faces strong competition from:

  • Jewson – another large chain of builders’ merchants

  • Selco Builders Warehouse – known for its warehouse-style setup and competitive pricing

  • Wickes (once part of the Travis Perkins Group) – now an independent retailer focusing more on the consumer DIY market

  • Screwfix and Toolstation – especially strong in tools, fixings, and trade supplies

Still, Travis Perkins holds its own through a mix of customer loyalty, broad product range, and strong national presence.

Challenges and the Road Ahead

Like any major business, Travis Perkins has had its share of challenges. From supply chain disruptions and fluctuating material costs to evolving trade regulations and environmental expectations, the road hasn't always been smooth.

But the company’s ability to adapt and evolve has kept it at the top. Their renewed focus on core trade customers, along with ongoing investments in technology and sustainability, puts them in a strong position for the future.

The Group’s recent annual reports show consistent revenue growth and a healthy investment in infrastructure and logistics. There's also talk of expanding into new areas like offsite construction, modular building, and smart home integration—all signs of a forward-thinking company.

What Makes Travis Perkins Stand Out?

Let’s wrap this up by looking at what really sets Travis Perkins apart in a crowded market:

  • Heritage: Over 225 years of experience.

  • Trust: A solid reputation among UK builders and contractors.

  • Breadth: Thousands of products under one roof.

  • Service: A trade-focused, customer-first approach.

  • Adaptability: Willingness to embrace change and technology.

Travis Perkins is more than just a builders’ merchant—it’s a pillar of the UK construction industry. From helping self-employed tradespeople grow their businesses, to supplying materials for major infrastructure projects, their impact is widespread and deep-rooted.

In a time when the industry is changing fast—digitally, environmentally, and economically—Travis Perkins has shown it can evolve while still keeping one foot firmly planted in the practical, hands-on world of construction. Whether you're a trade pro or a DIYer, you’ll likely find yourself turning to them at some point. And with their future-facing mindset, they’re likely to be there for the next generation of builders, too.


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