Building products manufacturer Marshalls has confirmed interim chief executive Simon Bourne, formerly chief commercial officer and a board member since 2022, as permanent CEO after a seven‑week internal and external search. Bourne’s first move was a trading update forecasting 2025 turnover up 2% with adjusted profit before tax in line with market expectations, but no underlying market improvement anticipated for 2026. Management is signalling that margin gains will depend on 2025 cost‑cutting and tighter execution of its “Transform & Grow” strategy across concrete, paving and landscaping product lines.

Building materials producer Alumasc has appointed Pamela Bingham as chief executive from 31 March 2026, succeeding Paul Hooper after his 25-year tenure leading the group. Bingham, currently at seals and bearings specialist Eriks UK & Ireland as CEO, previously headed Glen Dimplex Heating & Ventilation and held senior roles at CRH, Weir Group and Rotork, bringing direct experience in industrial components and HVAC. Alumasc’s board is signalling continued focus on sustainable building products and decarbonisation-oriented solutions as the core of its next growth phase.

Administrators have been appointed to AIM-listed Versarien, developer of the Cementene graphene admixture and partner in HS2 trials of graphene‑reinforced 3D‑printed concrete with the Skanska Costain Strabag JV. The company, which helped Banagher Precast Concrete cut ordinary Portland cement content by 20% in a standard precast mix and signed a materials R&D agreement with Balfour Beatty, entered administration on 6 January 2026. Persistent losses of £4.3m on £2.4m revenue in the latest year and failed investment and M&A efforts triggered the move, with Leonard Curtis now seeking buyers for the business and assets.