Welcome to the BMF 

The BMF is the only trade association representing and promoting the interests of merchants, 
manufacturers and service providers operating in the building materials supply sector. 


For 115 years, it has represented merchants, with an increased focus on suppliers and service members in recent years.
Together, BMF members form an impressive network of businesses, shaping and leading the sector in the manufacture
and supply of building materials, home improvement products and renewable energy systems.

When you join the BMF, you become part of the most powerful network in building materials supply,
with your interests supported and promoted as part of the BMF’s mission to build excellence across the sector,
for the benefit of all our members.

 

Membership

Five reasons why becoming a member
can help you and your business

  • Training and development
  • Business support
  • Access to market data
  • Networking opportunities
  • Political representation


  Learn More


Training

The BMF runs a wide range of training and skills development for employees of merchants, distributors and suppliers, from yard staff to company directors. Training ranges from online product knowledge to specialist skills training.

Learn More

Publications

BMF publications include One Voice magazine, Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI), Plumbing & Heating News, Timber Forum News, Roofing & Insulation News, Remuneration survey, KPI report and BMF Business News.

Learn More

 
Find a member, search our members' database

SEARCH



Featured Events

The BMF has a wide range of events, forums and regional meetings to enhance networking opportunities.






UK Construction Week - London

   7-9 May 2024

Learn More






BMF Burns Supper 2024 - Cameron House, Loch Lomand
26th January 2024

 
Learn More

BMF  Charity Golf Day - JCB Golf & Country Club, Rocester, Staffs
18 June 2024

Learn More  




See All Events




Latest News



Here are the latest news stories from the BMF

CCPI Launches Webinar Series

The aim of the Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) is to raise standards in construction product information and move the industry to a place where product information is clear, accurate, accessible, up-to-date and unambiguous. 

What is the Code for Construction Product Information?

The Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) seeks to provide greater confidence in product information, whether written in a brochure, a presentation, or on a website or social media, used by specifiers and users of product information when making design decisions, installing, using and/or maintaining verified products.

The Code is a set of minimum requirements that promotes positive culture and behaviour change in the approach and management of product information by the construction product manufacturing & distribution industry.

The Code covers critical aspects from responsibility for product information, to accuracy of and clarity of performance claims made, general information and competency.

 

CCPI has recently launched a webinar series tailored for Merchants & Distributors, following the initial participation of leading organisations in CCPI assessments under the Merchants & Distributors Code.

Tuesday 9th April, 12:00 pm

Tuesday 14th May, 13:00 pm

Tuesday 18th June, 15:30 pm

If you are a Merchant or Distributor and would like to find out more about the 4-Clause version of CCPI that is specifically designed and targeted for merchants, distributors and wholesalers please register for one of our upcoming webinars by clicking on the link below. 

To register for the CCPI Merchant & Distributors Webinar, please register via the Code for Construction Product Information website CCPI Merchant & Distributors Webinar Series 2024 Dates (cpicode.org.uk)



Please note that these webinars are aimed at merchants, distributors and wholesalers. If you are a manufacturer, you can register for a different series of tailored webinars at https://www.cpicode.org.uk/news/ccpi-webinar-series/

For any questions prior to the webinar, please contact us via email at [email protected] 

 

 

The Code for Construction Product Information (CCPI) is launching a series of useful webinars tailored for merchants and distributors.

P&H sales volumes reflect construction slowdown

Figures released by the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) in the Plumbing and Heating Merchants Index (PHMI) for the final quarter of 2023 continue to reflect the slowdown in construction, with total value sales growth driven by higher prices rather than an increase in sales volume.

 

 

Quarter 4 2023 v Quarter 4 2022

Total value sales in Q3 2023 were +0.4% higher compared with the same period last year. Volume sales were down -5.0%, while prices rose by +5.6%. With one more trading day in Q4 2023, like-for-like sales were -1.3%lower.

 

Quarter 4 2023 v Quarter 3 2023

Total value sales in Q4 2023 were +7.7% higher than in the previous three months, July to September 2023. With four less trading days in Q4, like-for-like sales were +14.8% higher. However, this increase was driven solely by price, which was up +10.1%, while volume sales were -2.2% lower.

 

Full year 2023 v 2022

Plumbing & Heating Merchants value sales in the period from January 2023 to December 2023 increased by +4.5% compared with the same period in 2022. With two more trading days in 2024, like-for-like value sales were +3.6% higher for the. year. Once again this was driven by price. Volume sales were -2.4% lower, while prices increased by +7.1%.

 

The data for the PHMI is taken solely from P&H specialists, including City Plumbing Supplies, James Hargreaves Plumbing Depot, Plumbfix, PTS, Williams & Co, and Wolseley, who form part of GfK’s Plumbing & Heating Merchants Panel, and there is no overlap or double counting between the PHMI and the BMF’s established Builders Merchants Building Index which analyses sales at generalist merchants.

Figures released by the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) in the Plumbing and Heating Merchants Index (PHMI) for the final quarter of 2023 continue to reflect the slowdown in construction.

Builders merchants sales mirror downturn in construction

Figures for the final quarter of 2023, released in the latest BMF Builders Merchants Building Index (BMBI) confirm the extent of the downturn in construction during the quarter and over the course of the year, with annual sales values falling by -5.1% compared with 2022, after two years of strong growth.

Quarter 4 2023 v Q4 2022

Year on year total sales values for Q4 2023 fell by -5.7% compared to Q4 2022. Volume sales were -12.0% down, whereas prices were up by +7.1%.

With one more trading day in 2023, like for like sales during Q4 were -7.3% lower than in 2022.

On a category level, Timber & Joinery Products (-10.3%) contributed most to the Q4 on Q4 decline in sales value. But all three of the largest categories sold less with Heavy Building Materials down by -7.3% and Landscaping down by -6.7%.

Six of the twelve categories did see value growth, including Workwear & Safetywear (+8.6%) and Decorating (+7.1%).

Quarter 4 2023 v Q3 2023

Comparing sales in Q4 2023 with the third quarter of the year, total value sales dropped by -15.7% in Q4. Volume sales were -19.8% down, while prices were up by +5.1%. With four fewer trading days in the most recent quarter, like for like sales were -10.1% lower in Q4 over Q3 2023.

Plumbing, Heating & Electrical (+4.4%) was one of only two categories to show quarter on quarter value growth, with the smaller Workwear & Safetywear category up +17.0%.

Landscaping (-33.2%), a seasonal category, was the largest negative contributor, followed by Renewables and Water Saving (-20.9%), Heavy Building Materials (-17.4%) and Timber & Joinery Products (-15.1%).

Full year 2023 v 2022

The effect of rising prices and falling volumes can be seen in the full 12-month comparison of 2023 and 2022. Annual sales values fell by -5.1%, but this annual headline figure represents a fall in sales volumes of -13.7%, and price growth of +10.0%.

With two more trading days in 2023, overall like for like sales were -5.9% lower than 2022.

On a category level Heavy Building Materials saw a full year value decline of -3.2%, a volume decline of -17.7% and price growth of 17.6%. Other value indicators shows Landscaping down by -11.9%, with Timber & Joinery Products down by -14.4% due to a price decline of

-14.6%. Decorating and Kitchens & Bathrooms were up by 9.0% and 3.2% respectively.

Emile van der Ryst, Senior Client Insight Manager – Trade at GfK said:

“Economically, 2023 will go down as one of the worst in recent memory for the UK, with ONS figures indicating a technical recession at the end of 2023. This backdrop had a noticeable impact on the merchanting sector. While a challenging year was widely expected within the sector, the extent of it wasn’t. 2024 should see a continuation of the challenges seen towards the end of 2023. However, price growth as measured in the BMBI should noticeably drop off in the coming months, while volumes should recover in the second half of the year, hopefully paving the way for a market returning to growth in 2025.”

John Newcomb, CEO of the Builders Merchants Federation said:

“It has been yet another challenging quarter for construction, concluding a year that most of us would like to forget. Construction output seems likely to contract further before returning to growth in 2025. But with an election on the horizon, the Chancellor may look to stimulate the housing market in his Spring Budget, while the Governor of the Bank of England has not discouraged market speculation on a series of interest rate cuts later in the year. Taking a more optimistic view, the market could take a positive turn in the second half of 2024. But we are not holding our breath.

Figures for the final quarter of 2023, released in the latest BMF Builders Merchants Building Index (BMBI) confirm the extent of the downturn in construction during the quarter and over the course of the year.

Justin Webb to take political hotseat at BMF Conference

Justin Webb who spends his mornings grilling British politicians and newsmakers on BBC Radio 4’s agenda-setting Today programme will share his insights on the political landscapes of the UK and America at the BMF Annual Conference in September.

As a former BBC North America Editor, and the first British journalist to be granted a full television interview with President Obama, Justin continues to observe the American political, social and economic climate, assessing the often-dramatic events on Capitol Hill, Wall Street and the White House. He currently hosts Americast, the weekly US news and politics podcast from BBC News.

Justin’s keen observation of America and Americans is also evident in his books Have a Nice Day and Notes on Them and Us. His most recent book, The Gift of a Radio, was published in 2023.

John Newcomb, BMF CEO said: “Our conference this year takes place in the midst of elections both in the UK and the USA. We are delighted that Justin Webb will join us as a keynote speaker. I can’t wait to hear his thoughts on events on both sides of the Atlantic, as well as key players on the political stage.”

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]

Justin Webb who spends his mornings grilling British politicians and newsmakers on BBC Radio 4’s agenda-setting Today programme will share his insights on the political landscapes of the UK and America at the BMF Annual Conference in September.
Non Member Company