Business Details
Your Trusted Builders Merchant in Gateshead
James Burrell Builders Merchant is a family-owned business with over 145 years of experience, established as a leading independent builders merchant in the North East and Yorkshire. Our dedicated teams in sales, purchasing, accounts, logistics, and marketing ensure exceptional service across our 9 strategically located branches. We specialise in supplying high-quality building materials, civils, timber, roofing, dry lining, insulation, landscaping tools, hardware, and joinery products. With a stock holding of over 8.0m and a fleet of 45 vehicles delivering 1500 tonnes of material daily, we prioritise next-day delivery where stock allows.Our commitment to quality is evidenced by ISO9001:2015 certification, FORS silver accreditation, and FSC/PEFC accreditations for sustainable timber sourcing. We combine heritage with innovation, offering technical expertise, competitive pricing, and a focus on environmental responsibility.
Services
Building Materials
Civils Supplies
Roofing Products
Landscaping Tools
Timber Services
Hardware Stock
Insulation Solutions
Joinery Products
Delivery Services
Contractor Support
Highlights and features
- 145 years of heritage as a family-owned builders merchant
- ISO9001-certified quality management systems
- Next-day delivery across North East and Yorkshire
- 45-vehicle fleet delivering 1500 tonnes daily
- FSC/PEFC-accredited sustainable timber sourcing
Associations and certifications
- ISO9001:2015
- FORS
- FSC
- PEFC
Services
Building Materials Supply
We provide a comprehensive range of heavy-side building materials including bricks, blocks, aggregates, and cement products. Our stock holding of over 8.0m ensures availability for both small-scale projects and large contracts. With next-day delivery options and technical expertise from our sales teams, we support builders, contractors, and DIY enthusiasts across the North East and Yorkshire regions.
Roofing Solutions
Our roofing department offers tiles, slates, membranes, and accessories from leading brands like BMI Redland and Marley Roofing. We provide technical advice on product selection and installation, supported by competitive pricing and delivery options. From traditional clay tiles to modern synthetic systems, we cater to both residential and commercial roofing projects.
Landscaping Products
We stock a full range of landscaping materials including paving stones, retaining walls, garden edging, and decorative aggregates. Brands like Marshalls and Stonemarket feature prominently in our product range. Our knowledgeable staff provide guidance on material selection for driveways, patios, and garden projects, with delivery options to suit your schedule.
Timber Services
Our timber department offers structural timbers, sheet materials, and joinery products including FSC/PEFC-certified options. We stock C24 graded timber, CLS, OSB, and MDF for construction and interior projects. With cutting services available at branches, we support both large contractors and DIY customers with precise material requirements.
Delivery Services
Our fleet of 45 vehicles, including crane-equipped trucks, delivers over 1500 tonnes of building materials daily across our trading area. We maintain Euro 6 compliance for environmental responsibility and hold FORS silver accreditation for operational excellence. Next-day delivery is available for most stocked items, with real-time tracking and scheduling support from branch teams.
People
Andrew Burdon
Sales Office Manager
With over 20 years in the building materials industry, Andrew leads our Billingham branch sales team, providing expert product knowledge and customer service to local contractors.
Russell Owen
Sales Office Manager
Russell manages our Gateshead branch operations, combining technical expertise with practical construction experience to support customers across Tyne and Wear.
Gareth Clarkson
Sales Office Manager
As Morpeth branch manager, Gareth offers specialist advice on building materials and coordinates local deliveries with over 15 years in the merchanting sector.
Chris Kilday
Sales Office Manager
Chris oversees Newcastle branch operations, leveraging his 18 years of regional construction industry experience to provide tailored solutions for commercial and domestic customers.
Kevin Reah
Sales Office Manager
Kevin leads our Sunderland branch team, specialising in contractor support and large project material coordination with 22 years serving North East builders.
Questions
What areas do you deliver to?
We deliver building materials across Northumberland, Tyne and Wear, County Durham, North Yorkshire, and South Yorkshire from our 9 branch locations.
Do you offer next-day delivery?
Yes, we offer next-day delivery for most stocked items where available, supported by our 45-vehicle fleet operating across the North East and Yorkshire.
What accreditations do you hold?
We maintain ISO9001:2015 certification for quality management, FORS silver accreditation for fleet operations, and FSC/PEFC certifications for sustainable timber sourcing.
Can I get technical advice?
Our experienced sales teams provide technical guidance on product selection and application for building materials, roofing systems, and construction solutions.
Are your timber products sustainable?
All branches offer FSC and PEFC-certified timber products, ensuring chain-of-custody documentation for sustainable sourcing and environmental compliance.
Reviews (4)
Zara Frances
Sep 02, 2021
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Not an experience from services but unduly driving such a large vehicle! Me and my mum were crossing the road with our two horses 02/09/21 10:45 in Backworth whilst a James Burrell wagon driving towards the A19 slip road came towards us. My mum gave hand signals for the driver to slow down or even perhaps stop considering two horses were passing… directly in front of it yet he did not. My mum then falls over on the ground and subsequently let’s go of one of the horses which is then loose on a 60mph road, meanwhile the James Burrell wagon without slowing down drives straight on! Disgusted
Nikki M.
Jul 24, 2021
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Great place to find DIY items. We had 2 tonnes of gravel delivered. It was on time and lifted straight over the fence and into the garden.
Caliq Smith
Jun 04, 2021
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Mask policy during Covid is shocking and unlawful. An OFFICIAL government exemption is if a mask merely causes you distress- IT DOESN'T HAVE TO BE A MEDICAL REASON. I notice you’ve conveniently left out the part about exemptions on your signs in an attempt to bully people into wearing a muzzle. You can not ignore the equality act 2010, so if… exempt, you can not legally stop anyone entering your yard or branch. It has been proven to government that masks damage the immune system (information that the government is ignoring)- no wonder people are picking up viruses really easily now
Billy Simpson
Jan 26, 2021
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I booked a delivery on a Friday to be delivered on the following Friday morning which was told should not be a problem. Waited till 11.30 am and decided to ring them and ask whats happening with the delivery only to be told its not on the waggon yet it will be delivered sometime this afternoon. I said the agreement was in the morning and if they couldnt do that you should have phoned and let me know but they werent really bothered there customer service is disappointing.
