News & Views

Wasting materials on-site is not just bad for the environment, it also costs you time and money. Whether you're working with plywood, OSB, or MDF, making the most of each sheet can significantly improve efficiency, lower costs, and reduce unnecessary waste.

At Lords, we know that every sheet counts. Here’s how to cut smarter, reduce waste, and get the most value from your materials.

We’ve heard horror stories of tradespeople pricing up a fencing job, getting halfway through the install, and realising they’ve got the regs wrong, and starting again! Suddenly, you are dealing with unhappy clients, potential legal headaches, and extra costs you had not budgeted for.

That is why knowing the rules before you quote is key. While fencing might seem like a straightforward job, there are plenty of factors that can trip you up. Planning permissions, height restrictions, boundary disputes, and local authority guidelines can all cause delays and unexpected costs.

For anyone working in the trade, knowing your materials inside out is key to getting the job done right. When it comes to bricks, understanding grading and classification is crucial for selecting the right product for structural integrity, longevity, and compliance with building regulations.

If you’ve ever come across terms like F2, S2, or EN 771-1 and wondered what they actually mean in practice, this guide will break it down.

Competing for bigger contracts can feel like a race to the bottom, with some businesses undercutting on price just to secure work. But savvy business owners know that competing on value, not cost, is the key to landing high-quality projects while maintaining strong margins.

If you want to move from smaller, one-off jobs to securing bigger, more profitable contracts without slashing your prices, here’s how to make it happen.

Upgrading insulation in heritage properties is one of the more tricky challenges in construction. Unlike most modern builds, older properties were designed to breathe, using traditional materials like solid brick, lime plaster, and timber that naturally regulate moisture. Adding insulation without the right approach can lead to damp, mould, and even structural damage.

Over the 24th and 25th February, our team gathered for our second annual conference. The theme this year, ‘Building Our Future Together,’ focuses on the importance of vision, collaboration, and determination in our operations and customer service; from branch floors to head office support teams.

Many clients are looking for a new garden that looks great but takes minimal effort to maintain. As a professional landscaper, being able to offer low-maintenance solutions can set you apart and help your customers get the best long-term value from their outdoor space.

Think you know your sheet materials? Or are you trying to figure out the best option for your next job? Here’s your no-nonsense guide to plywood, OSB, MDF, and where to use them.

Taking on an Apprentice is an investment in the future of your business and the trade industry as a whole. With skills shortages hitting the construction industry hard, growing talent from within has never been more important. But beyond the bigger picture, how does hiring an Apprentice actually benefit your business? And how do you make sure you get it right?

Fibreglass and mineral wool remain two of the most widely used options, both offering solid thermal performance at different price points. But which one is the right fit for your project?