CBI Lead Economist to speak at BMF Conference

Alpesh Paleja, Lead Economist in the CBI’s economics team, has been confirmed to speak at the BMF Members’ Annual Conference on 19 September. 

Alpesh’s role at the CBI focuses on the UK economy and leading its work on the economic forecast.  Alpesh oversees much analytical work across the team – including the CBI’s prestigious business surveys – and regularly presents to and advises businesses on economic developments and the outlook. He has worked at the CBI for fifteen years in a variety of roles, previously covering emerging markets and leading economic analysis on a variety of policy projects.

John Newcomb, BMF CEO said: “With the rate of inflation falling and a general election on the horizon, this is a pivotal time for the UK economy.  I’m sure everyone will be interested to hear from Alpesh on what is likely to come next.”

The BMF’s annual flagship event will take place on 18 and 19 September at the Leonardo Hotel and Conference Venue at Hinckley Island in Leicestershire. In addition to informative and entertaining conference sessions, interactive workshops and exhibition, the event encompasses sporting and social networking opportunities, including the BMF Golf Tournament and a black-tie Awards Dinner celebrating members’ achievements.

For more information and to book your place at the BMF Annual Conference and Awards , headline sponsor Unilin Insulation, please visit http://tinyurl.com/5n8xbxrc or contact [email protected]

Building Safety Regulator Webinars

Welcome to the Building Safety Regulator – webinar series

The Building Safety Regulator (BDR) and partners (CLC/OPSS) bring you a series of webinars, designed to educate and inform stakeholders and duty holders involved in the wider built environment. They are your gateway to a world of knowledge and expertise, dedicated to advancing building safety.

The webinars will provide you with:

Expert insights -  feature leading experts from BSR and industry who will share their knowledge, experiences and insights, helping you stay ahead of the changes.

Accessible anytime, anywhere -  accessible online, allowing you to participate from the comfort of your home or office, at a time that suits your schedule.

Act now - understand the regulatory changes and what you need to do as a duty holder

Join us on our mission to elevate building safety standards and drive positive change in the industry.

Together, we can work to make sure residents are safe and feel safe in their homes.

NEXT WEBINAR  22 April 10am – 12noon  Construction Products – Exploring progress and perspectives on compliance of construction products

Post-Building Safety Act 2022, this is your opportunity to hear from and engage directly with representatives of industry, government and the Office for Product Safety & Standards (OPSS), the UK’s regulator for construction products, as they explore their perspectives on compliance of construction products.

Chair – Peter Caplehorn,  CE CPA and CLC Construction Products lead for Building Safety
Speakers - Duncan Johnson, Deputy Director Construction Products, OPSS, Dept for Business and Trade
Louise Barr, Deputy Director Construction Products DLUHC
Adam Turk, CEO Siderise.

REGISTER HERE:
https://bsrevents.co.uk/home

Buttle's Welcomes Lib Dem Daisy Cooper, MP

How the building materials’ supply chain is evolving to support environmental responsibility in construction - and responding to the net zero carbon challenge - was the focus of a constituency visit by Daisy Cooper MP last Friday.

The MP for St Albans visited Buttle’s, a 105-year old business based in the town, to see how it helps constituents to improve the thermal and energy performance of homes and workplaces.

Daisy Cooper, who is her Party’s Deputy Leader and Health Spokes

person, was welcomed by Peter Buttle, Chairman, and Ian Church, Managing Director. Touring the branch, Ms Cooper was shown examples of the sustainable materials and products available to Buttle’s customers in Hertfordshire and North London. She also heard from Shelby Williams, Branch Manager, how merchants and their SME customers have managed with higher raw material, energy, labour and transport costs.

Concluding her visit, Daisy Cooper MP said:

“It was great to visit Buttle’s to learn how they are embracing low and zero-carbon initiatives, whilst continuing to serve their traditional house-building and property improvement markets”.

“It’s encouraging to find a well-known, local family-run business face the future and embrace not only carbon-neutral suppliers, but carbon-negative ones too”.

“I want to thank Shelby and her team for helping local builders and DIY enthusiasts with their building and home improvement projects, and for giving me the opportunity to see for myself their contribution to not only St Alban’s economy, but also more widely around the county”.

As Shadow Health Minister, Daisy Cooper MP discussed how to prevent condensation, damp and mould in homes that cause respiratory problems and affect human health. During the Coalition Government, Lib Dem ministers were instrumental in efforts to tighten the Building Regulations to tackle indoor air quality, insulate more homes and improve living conditions.

Ian Church, Buttle’s Managing Director said:

“We were delighted to welcome Daisy Cooper and show her how Buttle’s has evolved over the one hundred and five years since we began in 1919. It is great to have our MP take an interest in local firms like ours and offering her insight and support to help businesses to succeed”.

“Merchants ought to be aware that a shift is underway with a sharper focus on the environmental consequences of business, and the way we use resources in our supply chain in a more efficient manner, knowing that stricter targets and stronger regulation are likely in future”.

The visit was another arranged by the BMF as part of its industry and parliament programme. The aim is to show MPs the role, value and importance of merchants in delivering for their communities.

Ian Church (Buttle’s MD), Shelby Williams (Branch Manager) and Daisy Cooper MP discuss the state of the market and the international trade in panel products.

Ian Church (Buttle’s MD) explains the C16 and C24 grades of softwood, and the different uses they have, based on their strength and quality.

Shelby Williams (Branch Manager) shows Daisy Cooper MP how to use the compactor & baler machine in which Buttle’s recycles its plastic waste (esp. bulk bags) and cardboard.

Chairman Peter Buttle (left), Managing Director Ian Church (centre) and Daisy Cooper MP (right) meet Branch Manager Shelby Williams and two of her team.

Ian Stokes Joins BMF Board

Ian Stokes, Managing Director of Knauf UK and Ireland, has been elected to the Board of the Builders Merchants Federation to serve as the Elected Director-Suppliers with effect from 1 April 2024.  Ian replaces Mike Ward of Wavin, who stepped down earlier this year.

Ian, who has been MD at Knauf since 2010, has over 20 years in the building materials sector and is ideally placed to represent supplier member interests on the BMF Board.

BMF Chairman, Richard Hill said: “I am delighted to welcome Ian to the Board.  His background and experience makes him a perfect replacement for Mike who made an excellent contribution during his time on the Board. The range of experience Ian brings will be extremely valuable as we look to develop the skills of those employed in the sector and build greater public awareness of our industry, and its attractiveness for talented career starters and career switchers.”

BMF CEO, John Newcomb said: “I am very much looking forward to working with Ian, whose experience and passion for our industry aligns with the values of the BMF Board.  I would also like to add my personal thanks to Mike whose advice and support I have greatly valued.”