BMF calls for reduced VAT for retrofit work to create new jobs and greener homes

 

The Builders Merchants Federation has called on the Government to eliminate or significantly reduce the rate of VAT to 0-5% for retrofit work on existing homes to provide a vital kick-start for a national retrofit programme that will create thousands of skilled jobs as well as making our homes warmer, greener and cheaper to run.

Over 100 people attended the BMF’s Parliamentary Reception at the House of Commons (on 28 November) which focused on the delivery of low carbon retrofit. BMF members and industry partners met with MPs and members of the House of Lords to showcase solutions to upgrade our existing housing stock as well as to create low carbon new homes.

BMF CEO John Newcomb said:

“In terms of energy efficiency our homes are amongst the worst in Europe.  They use 35% of all the energy in the UK and emit 20% of the carbon dioxide emissions. Twenty eight million older homes need upgrading to achieve net zero carbon emissions. 

“Last winter’s soaring energy bills focused attention on the energy we waste.   It’s a shocking fact, but in many older properties we are paying to generate heat that doesn’t warm our homes, but “leaks out” through poorly insulated, windows, walls, roofs and floors.

“The BMF has long supported a National Retrofit Strategy to enable the delivery of housing retrofit across the UK and is a founder supporter of the National Retrofit Hub. The Hub is helping all stakeholders – including government - understand their role in delivering low carbon homes, which is likely to be a 20 year programme of work.

“With the right support and incentives, retrofit offers one of the best opportunities to create new, meaningful jobs in every region and train thousands of new recruits to the industry, as well as making our homes warmer, greener and cheaper to run. 

“Its success will require long-term, cross-party commitment. But right now, a simple financial incentive will boost consumer confidence and provide the vital kick-start for the retrofit programme. Therefore, we are calling on the current government to eliminate or significantly reduce VAT to 0-5% for retrofit work on existing homes up to a ceiling of £30,000 to provide this kickstart.

“This is the beginning of a long journey, but it is but it is one that we cannot afford to ignore.”

The BMF Reception, which was hosted by Andrew Lewer, MP for Northampton South, and the Chairman of the APPG for SME House-Builders, was also addressed by the Housing Minister, Lee Rowley MP, Bill Esterson MP, speaking as Labour Party Shadow Minister, and Sam Patel, Divisional Director UK Construction Week, the headline sponsor.

     

BMF responds to Chancellor’s Autumn Statement

The Builders Merchants Federation has welcomed the announcement to make full expensing permanent, but says the government has missed an opportunity to create new jobs and boost local growth by failing to support a national retrofit strategy to improve the energy efficiency of millions of existing homes across the UK.

BMF CEO John Newcomb said:

“The announcement on full expensing will be welcomed by builders merchants and building material manufacturers along with many other businesses as they invest to expand and upgrade their facilities. But, beyond a pledge to reform elements of the planning system, there was little direct support for the construction sector in the main headlines of the Autumn Statement.

“We want to get Britain building again, but there was nothing in the budget relating to our number one ask, support for a national retrofit strategy.  This was a missed opportunity to stimulate the repair maintenance and improvement sector, create thousands of appropriately skilled jobs and boost much-needed local growth, while at the same time helping millions of families to improve their homes’ energy efficiency and cut heating bills.

“We will continue to speak directly to government to promote the positive impact of a skilled RMI programme.  Our parliamentary reception next week will focus on the work we are doing to build a workforce to deliver the low carbon solutions that are the essence of the national retrofit strategy and the impact kickstart support from government would make.”

Trade body calls for Chancellor to improve homes and boost jobs in Autumn Statement

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has set out how a nationwide programme of retrofitting energy-saving measures could improve housing, reduce carbon emissions, cut household bills and boost jobs.

John Newcomb, CEO of the national trade body, is calling for a long-term plan to drive progress in areas such as insulation, improved glazing and heating in a letter to Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt, ahead of this month’s Autumn Statement.

The move comes as the latest Construction Leadership Council’s Product Availability Statement reveals an overall decline in construction activity which is predicted to continue into next year.

John Newcomb said: “With interest rates likely to remain around current levels well into 2024, consumer confidence is proving volatile in the short term.

“Based on current sales, one major housebuilder is forecasting a 25 per cent reduction in the number of houses built in the current trading year.

“With a slowdown in new house-building already taking hold, and prospects not looking good, the BMF firmly believes the property repair, maintenance and improvement market offers the best hope to create new, meaningful jobs in every region and boost much-needed local growth.

 

“There are still too many homes without cavity wall, solid wall and loft insulation.

“This reinforces our view there is still significant work to do to fit various types of insulation that are inexpensive and straightforward to complete.”

The BMF represents a major part of the economy, with 900 merchant and supplier company members in the building materials supply chain - employing more than 206,000 people and with combined sales of more than £44.5bn.

It believes a clear strategy from Government is vital to unlock issues with the nation’s poor housing stock and protect jobs.

John Newcomb added: “The Green Deal and Green Homes Grant both failed and closed early. Last year’s Autumn Statement included £6 billion for home energy efficiency from 2025 to 2028, in addition to £6.6bn announced previously, which we have yet to see being fully utilised – as well as announcing the Energy Efficiency Taskforce, which ended in September with the work it had conducted remaining unpublished.

“We need a clear, unambiguous long-term action plan showing how, where and when previously allocated funding will be spent, and the way that local government and other delivery partners will implement the necessary improvements that so many homes urgently need.

“It is only with renewed political determination by ministers, coupled with relentless efforts by local government, energy suppliers and others, that a nationwide programme of retrofitting homes can begin to cut household bills, improve cold, draughty homes, boost jobs and reduce carbon emissions.”

BMF Wins Silver Award

 

November 2023

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has picked up the Silver Award for the Best Trade Association )less than 1,000 members) at the annual Association Execllence Awards event in London. 

BMF CEO John Newcomb said:  “We are honoured and delighted to see the BMF’s work acknowledged by our peers in the membership community.  We are constantly striving to ensure members gain value from their membership.
I’m particularly pleased that the work of the whole BMF team has been recognised through our silver award as Best Trade Association.”

 

BMF calls for reduced VAT for retrofit work to create new jobs and greener homes

 

The Builders Merchants Federation has called on the Government to eliminate or significantly reduce the rate of VAT to 0-5% for retrofit work on existing homes to provide a vital kick-start for a national retrofit programme that will create thousands of skilled jobs as well as making our homes warmer, greener and cheaper to run.

Over 100 people attended the BMF’s Parliamentary Reception at the House of Commons (on 28 November) which focused on the delivery of low carbon retrofit. BMF members and industry partners met with MPs and members of the House of Lords to showcase solutions to upgrade our existing housing stock as well as to create low carbon new homes.

BMF CEO John Newcomb said:

“In terms of energy efficiency our homes are amongst the worst in Europe.  They use 35% of all the energy in the UK and emit 20% of the carbon dioxide emissions. Twenty eight million older homes need upgrading to achieve net zero carbon emissions. 

“Last winter’s soaring energy bills focused attention on the energy we waste.   It’s a shocking fact, but in many older properties we are paying to generate heat that doesn’t warm our homes, but “leaks out” through poorly insulated, windows, walls, roofs and floors.

“The BMF has long supported a National Retrofit Strategy to enable the delivery of housing retrofit across the UK and is a founder supporter of the National Retrofit Hub. The Hub is helping all stakeholders – including government - understand their role in delivering low carbon homes, which is likely to be a 20 year programme of work.

“With the right support and incentives, retrofit offers one of the best opportunities to create new, meaningful jobs in every region and train thousands of new recruits to the industry, as well as making our homes warmer, greener and cheaper to run. 

“Its success will require long-term, cross-party commitment. But right now, a simple financial incentive will boost consumer confidence and provide the vital kick-start for the retrofit programme. Therefore, we are calling on the current government to eliminate or significantly reduce VAT to 0-5% for retrofit work on existing homes up to a ceiling of £30,000 to provide this kickstart.

“This is the beginning of a long journey, but it is but it is one that we cannot afford to ignore.”

The BMF Reception, which was hosted by Andrew Lewer, MP for Northampton South, and the Chairman of the APPG for SME House-Builders, was also addressed by the Housing Minister, Lee Rowley MP, Bill Esterson MP, speaking as Labour Party Shadow Minister, and Sam Patel, Divisional Director UK Construction Week, the headline sponsor.

     

BMF responds to Chancellor’s Autumn Statement

The Builders Merchants Federation has welcomed the announcement to make full expensing permanent, but says the government has missed an opportunity to create new jobs and boost local growth by failing to support a national retrofit strategy to improve the energy efficiency of millions of existing homes across the UK.

BMF CEO John Newcomb said:

“The announcement on full expensing will be welcomed by builders merchants and building material manufacturers along with many other businesses as they invest to expand and upgrade their facilities. But, beyond a pledge to reform elements of the planning system, there was little direct support for the construction sector in the main headlines of the Autumn Statement.

“We want to get Britain building again, but there was nothing in the budget relating to our number one ask, support for a national retrofit strategy.  This was a missed opportunity to stimulate the repair maintenance and improvement sector, create thousands of appropriately skilled jobs and boost much-needed local growth, while at the same time helping millions of families to improve their homes’ energy efficiency and cut heating bills.

“We will continue to speak directly to government to promote the positive impact of a skilled RMI programme.  Our parliamentary reception next week will focus on the work we are doing to build a workforce to deliver the low carbon solutions that are the essence of the national retrofit strategy and the impact kickstart support from government would make.”

Trade body calls for Chancellor to improve homes and boost jobs in Autumn Statement

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has set out how a nationwide programme of retrofitting energy-saving measures could improve housing, reduce carbon emissions, cut household bills and boost jobs.

John Newcomb, CEO of the national trade body, is calling for a long-term plan to drive progress in areas such as insulation, improved glazing and heating in a letter to Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt, ahead of this month’s Autumn Statement.

The move comes as the latest Construction Leadership Council’s Product Availability Statement reveals an overall decline in construction activity which is predicted to continue into next year.

John Newcomb said: “With interest rates likely to remain around current levels well into 2024, consumer confidence is proving volatile in the short term.

“Based on current sales, one major housebuilder is forecasting a 25 per cent reduction in the number of houses built in the current trading year.

“With a slowdown in new house-building already taking hold, and prospects not looking good, the BMF firmly believes the property repair, maintenance and improvement market offers the best hope to create new, meaningful jobs in every region and boost much-needed local growth.

 

“There are still too many homes without cavity wall, solid wall and loft insulation.

“This reinforces our view there is still significant work to do to fit various types of insulation that are inexpensive and straightforward to complete.”

The BMF represents a major part of the economy, with 900 merchant and supplier company members in the building materials supply chain - employing more than 206,000 people and with combined sales of more than £44.5bn.

It believes a clear strategy from Government is vital to unlock issues with the nation’s poor housing stock and protect jobs.

John Newcomb added: “The Green Deal and Green Homes Grant both failed and closed early. Last year’s Autumn Statement included £6 billion for home energy efficiency from 2025 to 2028, in addition to £6.6bn announced previously, which we have yet to see being fully utilised – as well as announcing the Energy Efficiency Taskforce, which ended in September with the work it had conducted remaining unpublished.

“We need a clear, unambiguous long-term action plan showing how, where and when previously allocated funding will be spent, and the way that local government and other delivery partners will implement the necessary improvements that so many homes urgently need.

“It is only with renewed political determination by ministers, coupled with relentless efforts by local government, energy suppliers and others, that a nationwide programme of retrofitting homes can begin to cut household bills, improve cold, draughty homes, boost jobs and reduce carbon emissions.”

BMF Wins Silver Award

 

November 2023

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has picked up the Silver Award for the Best Trade Association )less than 1,000 members) at the annual Association Execllence Awards event in London. 

BMF CEO John Newcomb said:  “We are honoured and delighted to see the BMF’s work acknowledged by our peers in the membership community.  We are constantly striving to ensure members gain value from their membership.
I’m particularly pleased that the work of the whole BMF team has been recognised through our silver award as Best Trade Association.”

 

Proud to be at BMF All-Industry Conference

14 June 2019

Heather Small, one of the seminal British voices of the 1990s, whose iconic solo track “Proud” became legendary for its inspirational lyrics, is set to give a stellar performance at the BMF All-Industry Conference Gala Dinner in Dubrovnik on 16 June.

Heather first came to fame as the soulful lead singer with M People, one of the biggest English dance music bands of the 90s. With hits such as “Moving on Up”, “One Night in Heaven” and “Search for the Hero”, the band sold over 10 million records and won the Best British Dance Act Award at the Brits in 1994 and 1995 as well at the Mercury Music Prize for their album Elegant Slumming.

Heather went on to great success with two solo albums. The title track of her first album, Proud, became the soundtrack to London’s successful 2012 Olympic bid, as well as a host of other special events, including the 60th anniversary of VE Day in Trafalgar Square, the launch of Queen Mary 2 and England’s victory at the Rugby World Cup celebrations. Oprah Winfrey also used the song to sum up the work she’d been striving to achieve over her twenty-year career, inviting Heather to perform live on her show.

In addition to her music career, Heather danced her way into the public’s affection as a contestant in series 6 of Strictly Come Dancing. Since then her infectious personality and trademark sense of humour has been on display in numerous TV appearances on music, chat and celebrity quiz shows. 

Heather is also well known for her charitable work and is appearing at the Gala Dinner as an ambassador for Variety, the Children’s Charity, the BMF’s charity of the year. Variety provides improves the lives of children and young people in the UK who are sick, disabled or disadvantaged, by providing coaches and specialist equipment as well as creating memorable experiences through “Variety Great Days Out”. 

BMF CEO, John Newcomb said: “We are absolutely delighted both to continue our support for Variety, the Children’s Charity, and to welcome Heather Small as our very special guest to close our Conference.  John Newcomb continued: “BMF and merchant industry fundraising for Variety since the BMF All Industry Conference in 2017 has raised over £90,000 for the charity.  A silent auction at the Gala Dinner is aiming to raise another substantial sum to share between Variety and our second charity for the evening, Mental Health UK, in a grand finale to the BMF All-Industry Conference 2019 that promises to be a feast of fun and fundraising.”

The BMF All-Industry Conference 2019 takes place in Dubrovnik from 13 to 16 June. Broadcaster and TV personality, Gethin Jones will host the sold-out event. Our thanks to the BMF All-Industry Conference headline sponsor, Crystal Group.

For more information visit www.bmfconference.co.uk

The Budget: investment needed for a net zero economy

5 March 2020

The Chancellor must be bold, imaginative and use his Budget to lay the foundations for a net zero carbon economy and action to future-proof new homes and retrofit existing properties, according to the BMF.

Tackling regional imbalances in productivity by investing further in training and skills to support BMF merchants and their manufacturers, suppliers and trade customers must be the way forward.

That was the message from John Newcomb, BMF Chief Executive, in a letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak MP, prior to his first Budget next Wednesday.

The BMF wants Mr Sunak and his fellow ministers to concentrate on the two major issues affecting members - narrowing the gap between housing demand and supply, and the decarbonisation of heating and electrification of homes.

John Newcomb, BMF Chief Executive, said: “We welcome the Government’s ambition to help BMF members and the residential, commercial and public sector markets they serve to move towards a net zero carbon economy by 2050.”

“Public and private sector finance will both be required to invest in industrial production and new ways of business operations to make the necessary changes. However, we see a genuine need to support businesses to make that transition. That is why we urge the Chancellor to use his Budget to invest and to demonstrate a willingness to work with merchants and manufacturers.”

Next week’s hotly-anticipated Budget comes only a month after a consultation by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government closed that sought views on the Future Homes Standard aimed at decarbonising new homes. In its response, the BMF said tightening the Building Regulations is realistically the only way. But this means taxpayer funds are necessary to transform markets, improve installer skills and bring about behavioural change.

The BMF has since learned from the recently-appointed Minister for Housing, Christopher Pincher MP, that his officials have received 3,000 responses to the Future Homes Standard consultation.

James Hipkins to chair BMF West Midlands Region

James Hipkins, MD of Emerys Builders Merchants, is the new Chairman of the BMF West Midlands Region.  James takes over from Neil Lawrence, Chief Operating Officer, Jewson & Managing Director Local Merchant Group.   

James, who grew up in the West Midlands, began his merchanting career as a trainee manager with Jewson in North Wales where, at 24, he became their youngest branch manager at the time.  He joined the Joseph Parr Group as MD Designate of Emerys Builders Merchants in 1999 when Emerys was a small merchant in Stoke on Trent.  Now, it is not only the largest merchant in the area, it also operates a thriving second depot in Telford.

Outside of work he is a passionate restorer of classic cars and bikes and his skills will no doubt come in handy as part of the Emerys team in this year’s Pavestone Rally, which raises money for charity.

Commenting on his appointment, James Hipkins said: “I consider it an honour to be asked and a privilege to take on the role of Chair of the BMF West Midlands Region.  I hope my experience within a national merchant and my current role within an independent merchant puts me in a good position to understand the collective needs and challenges faced by all members of the BMF.”

Dean Hayward is appointed Chair of the BMF Tools, Fixings & Workwear Forum 

1 July 2022

Dean Hayward, Head of Sales & Marketing at NMBS, has been appointed Chair of the BMF Tools, Fixings & Workwear Forum, taking the reins from the sectors previous chair, Simon Bicknell, Marketing Director at Toolbank. 

Having been at NMBS for 19 years, Dean is responsible for developing and implementing the sales and marketing strategies at NMBS while also having the commercial responsibility for the Power Tools and Tools categories. Dean is also a Key Account Manager for NBG, H&B and IBC. 

Dean Hayward said the following: “It is a great honour to be elected as the Chair of the BMF Tools, Fixings, Workwear and PPE forum. I am excited to continue my work with the BMF to proactively collaborate with suppliers and merchants. The aim is to create an eagerly attended forum for merchants, manufacturers, and distributors to share best practice and enjoy networking opportunities with their fellow peers within Tools, Workwear and Fixings categories.”

John Newcomb made the following comments: “I am delighted to have Dean as one of the BMF’s sector forum Chairs. Deans first meeting was a success and I look forward to seeing what he will bring to the forums to come.”

Proud to be at BMF All-Industry Conference

14 June 2019

Heather Small, one of the seminal British voices of the 1990s, whose iconic solo track “Proud” became legendary for its inspirational lyrics, is set to give a stellar performance at the BMF All-Industry Conference Gala Dinner in Dubrovnik on 16 June.

Heather first came to fame as the soulful lead singer with M People, one of the biggest English dance music bands of the 90s. With hits such as “Moving on Up”, “One Night in Heaven” and “Search for the Hero”, the band sold over 10 million records and won the Best British Dance Act Award at the Brits in 1994 and 1995 as well at the Mercury Music Prize for their album Elegant Slumming.

Heather went on to great success with two solo albums. The title track of her first album, Proud, became the soundtrack to London’s successful 2012 Olympic bid, as well as a host of other special events, including the 60th anniversary of VE Day in Trafalgar Square, the launch of Queen Mary 2 and England’s victory at the Rugby World Cup celebrations. Oprah Winfrey also used the song to sum up the work she’d been striving to achieve over her twenty-year career, inviting Heather to perform live on her show.

In addition to her music career, Heather danced her way into the public’s affection as a contestant in series 6 of Strictly Come Dancing. Since then her infectious personality and trademark sense of humour has been on display in numerous TV appearances on music, chat and celebrity quiz shows. 

Heather is also well known for her charitable work and is appearing at the Gala Dinner as an ambassador for Variety, the Children’s Charity, the BMF’s charity of the year. Variety provides improves the lives of children and young people in the UK who are sick, disabled or disadvantaged, by providing coaches and specialist equipment as well as creating memorable experiences through “Variety Great Days Out”. 

BMF CEO, John Newcomb said: “We are absolutely delighted both to continue our support for Variety, the Children’s Charity, and to welcome Heather Small as our very special guest to close our Conference.  John Newcomb continued: “BMF and merchant industry fundraising for Variety since the BMF All Industry Conference in 2017 has raised over £90,000 for the charity.  A silent auction at the Gala Dinner is aiming to raise another substantial sum to share between Variety and our second charity for the evening, Mental Health UK, in a grand finale to the BMF All-Industry Conference 2019 that promises to be a feast of fun and fundraising.”

The BMF All-Industry Conference 2019 takes place in Dubrovnik from 13 to 16 June. Broadcaster and TV personality, Gethin Jones will host the sold-out event. Our thanks to the BMF All-Industry Conference headline sponsor, Crystal Group.

For more information visit www.bmfconference.co.uk

The Budget: investment needed for a net zero economy

5 March 2020

The Chancellor must be bold, imaginative and use his Budget to lay the foundations for a net zero carbon economy and action to future-proof new homes and retrofit existing properties, according to the BMF.

Tackling regional imbalances in productivity by investing further in training and skills to support BMF merchants and their manufacturers, suppliers and trade customers must be the way forward.

That was the message from John Newcomb, BMF Chief Executive, in a letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak MP, prior to his first Budget next Wednesday.

The BMF wants Mr Sunak and his fellow ministers to concentrate on the two major issues affecting members - narrowing the gap between housing demand and supply, and the decarbonisation of heating and electrification of homes.

John Newcomb, BMF Chief Executive, said: “We welcome the Government’s ambition to help BMF members and the residential, commercial and public sector markets they serve to move towards a net zero carbon economy by 2050.”

“Public and private sector finance will both be required to invest in industrial production and new ways of business operations to make the necessary changes. However, we see a genuine need to support businesses to make that transition. That is why we urge the Chancellor to use his Budget to invest and to demonstrate a willingness to work with merchants and manufacturers.”

Next week’s hotly-anticipated Budget comes only a month after a consultation by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government closed that sought views on the Future Homes Standard aimed at decarbonising new homes. In its response, the BMF said tightening the Building Regulations is realistically the only way. But this means taxpayer funds are necessary to transform markets, improve installer skills and bring about behavioural change.

The BMF has since learned from the recently-appointed Minister for Housing, Christopher Pincher MP, that his officials have received 3,000 responses to the Future Homes Standard consultation.

James Hipkins to chair BMF West Midlands Region

James Hipkins, MD of Emerys Builders Merchants, is the new Chairman of the BMF West Midlands Region.  James takes over from Neil Lawrence, Chief Operating Officer, Jewson & Managing Director Local Merchant Group.   

James, who grew up in the West Midlands, began his merchanting career as a trainee manager with Jewson in North Wales where, at 24, he became their youngest branch manager at the time.  He joined the Joseph Parr Group as MD Designate of Emerys Builders Merchants in 1999 when Emerys was a small merchant in Stoke on Trent.  Now, it is not only the largest merchant in the area, it also operates a thriving second depot in Telford.

Outside of work he is a passionate restorer of classic cars and bikes and his skills will no doubt come in handy as part of the Emerys team in this year’s Pavestone Rally, which raises money for charity.

Commenting on his appointment, James Hipkins said: “I consider it an honour to be asked and a privilege to take on the role of Chair of the BMF West Midlands Region.  I hope my experience within a national merchant and my current role within an independent merchant puts me in a good position to understand the collective needs and challenges faced by all members of the BMF.”

Dean Hayward is appointed Chair of the BMF Tools, Fixings & Workwear Forum 

1 July 2022

Dean Hayward, Head of Sales & Marketing at NMBS, has been appointed Chair of the BMF Tools, Fixings & Workwear Forum, taking the reins from the sectors previous chair, Simon Bicknell, Marketing Director at Toolbank. 

Having been at NMBS for 19 years, Dean is responsible for developing and implementing the sales and marketing strategies at NMBS while also having the commercial responsibility for the Power Tools and Tools categories. Dean is also a Key Account Manager for NBG, H&B and IBC. 

Dean Hayward said the following: “It is a great honour to be elected as the Chair of the BMF Tools, Fixings, Workwear and PPE forum. I am excited to continue my work with the BMF to proactively collaborate with suppliers and merchants. The aim is to create an eagerly attended forum for merchants, manufacturers, and distributors to share best practice and enjoy networking opportunities with their fellow peers within Tools, Workwear and Fixings categories.”

John Newcomb made the following comments: “I am delighted to have Dean as one of the BMF’s sector forum Chairs. Deans first meeting was a success and I look forward to seeing what he will bring to the forums to come.”

BMF calls for reduced VAT for retrofit work to create new jobs and greener homes

 

The Builders Merchants Federation has called on the Government to eliminate or significantly reduce the rate of VAT to 0-5% for retrofit work on existing homes to provide a vital kick-start for a national retrofit programme that will create thousands of skilled jobs as well as making our homes warmer, greener and cheaper to run.

Over 100 people attended the BMF’s Parliamentary Reception at the House of Commons (on 28 November) which focused on the delivery of low carbon retrofit. BMF members and industry partners met with MPs and members of the House of Lords to showcase solutions to upgrade our existing housing stock as well as to create low carbon new homes.

BMF CEO John Newcomb said:

“In terms of energy efficiency our homes are amongst the worst in Europe.  They use 35% of all the energy in the UK and emit 20% of the carbon dioxide emissions. Twenty eight million older homes need upgrading to achieve net zero carbon emissions. 

“Last winter’s soaring energy bills focused attention on the energy we waste.   It’s a shocking fact, but in many older properties we are paying to generate heat that doesn’t warm our homes, but “leaks out” through poorly insulated, windows, walls, roofs and floors.

“The BMF has long supported a National Retrofit Strategy to enable the delivery of housing retrofit across the UK and is a founder supporter of the National Retrofit Hub. The Hub is helping all stakeholders – including government - understand their role in delivering low carbon homes, which is likely to be a 20 year programme of work.

“With the right support and incentives, retrofit offers one of the best opportunities to create new, meaningful jobs in every region and train thousands of new recruits to the industry, as well as making our homes warmer, greener and cheaper to run. 

“Its success will require long-term, cross-party commitment. But right now, a simple financial incentive will boost consumer confidence and provide the vital kick-start for the retrofit programme. Therefore, we are calling on the current government to eliminate or significantly reduce VAT to 0-5% for retrofit work on existing homes up to a ceiling of £30,000 to provide this kickstart.

“This is the beginning of a long journey, but it is but it is one that we cannot afford to ignore.”

The BMF Reception, which was hosted by Andrew Lewer, MP for Northampton South, and the Chairman of the APPG for SME House-Builders, was also addressed by the Housing Minister, Lee Rowley MP, Bill Esterson MP, speaking as Labour Party Shadow Minister, and Sam Patel, Divisional Director UK Construction Week, the headline sponsor.

     

BMF responds to Chancellor’s Autumn Statement

The Builders Merchants Federation has welcomed the announcement to make full expensing permanent, but says the government has missed an opportunity to create new jobs and boost local growth by failing to support a national retrofit strategy to improve the energy efficiency of millions of existing homes across the UK.

BMF CEO John Newcomb said:

“The announcement on full expensing will be welcomed by builders merchants and building material manufacturers along with many other businesses as they invest to expand and upgrade their facilities. But, beyond a pledge to reform elements of the planning system, there was little direct support for the construction sector in the main headlines of the Autumn Statement.

“We want to get Britain building again, but there was nothing in the budget relating to our number one ask, support for a national retrofit strategy.  This was a missed opportunity to stimulate the repair maintenance and improvement sector, create thousands of appropriately skilled jobs and boost much-needed local growth, while at the same time helping millions of families to improve their homes’ energy efficiency and cut heating bills.

“We will continue to speak directly to government to promote the positive impact of a skilled RMI programme.  Our parliamentary reception next week will focus on the work we are doing to build a workforce to deliver the low carbon solutions that are the essence of the national retrofit strategy and the impact kickstart support from government would make.”

Trade body calls for Chancellor to improve homes and boost jobs in Autumn Statement

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has set out how a nationwide programme of retrofitting energy-saving measures could improve housing, reduce carbon emissions, cut household bills and boost jobs.

John Newcomb, CEO of the national trade body, is calling for a long-term plan to drive progress in areas such as insulation, improved glazing and heating in a letter to Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt, ahead of this month’s Autumn Statement.

The move comes as the latest Construction Leadership Council’s Product Availability Statement reveals an overall decline in construction activity which is predicted to continue into next year.

John Newcomb said: “With interest rates likely to remain around current levels well into 2024, consumer confidence is proving volatile in the short term.

“Based on current sales, one major housebuilder is forecasting a 25 per cent reduction in the number of houses built in the current trading year.

“With a slowdown in new house-building already taking hold, and prospects not looking good, the BMF firmly believes the property repair, maintenance and improvement market offers the best hope to create new, meaningful jobs in every region and boost much-needed local growth.

 

“There are still too many homes without cavity wall, solid wall and loft insulation.

“This reinforces our view there is still significant work to do to fit various types of insulation that are inexpensive and straightforward to complete.”

The BMF represents a major part of the economy, with 900 merchant and supplier company members in the building materials supply chain - employing more than 206,000 people and with combined sales of more than £44.5bn.

It believes a clear strategy from Government is vital to unlock issues with the nation’s poor housing stock and protect jobs.

John Newcomb added: “The Green Deal and Green Homes Grant both failed and closed early. Last year’s Autumn Statement included £6 billion for home energy efficiency from 2025 to 2028, in addition to £6.6bn announced previously, which we have yet to see being fully utilised – as well as announcing the Energy Efficiency Taskforce, which ended in September with the work it had conducted remaining unpublished.

“We need a clear, unambiguous long-term action plan showing how, where and when previously allocated funding will be spent, and the way that local government and other delivery partners will implement the necessary improvements that so many homes urgently need.

“It is only with renewed political determination by ministers, coupled with relentless efforts by local government, energy suppliers and others, that a nationwide programme of retrofitting homes can begin to cut household bills, improve cold, draughty homes, boost jobs and reduce carbon emissions.”

BMF Wins Silver Award

 

November 2023

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has picked up the Silver Award for the Best Trade Association )less than 1,000 members) at the annual Association Execllence Awards event in London. 

BMF CEO John Newcomb said:  “We are honoured and delighted to see the BMF’s work acknowledged by our peers in the membership community.  We are constantly striving to ensure members gain value from their membership.
I’m particularly pleased that the work of the whole BMF team has been recognised through our silver award as Best Trade Association.”

 

Proud to be at BMF All-Industry Conference

14 June 2019

Heather Small, one of the seminal British voices of the 1990s, whose iconic solo track “Proud” became legendary for its inspirational lyrics, is set to give a stellar performance at the BMF All-Industry Conference Gala Dinner in Dubrovnik on 16 June.

Heather first came to fame as the soulful lead singer with M People, one of the biggest English dance music bands of the 90s. With hits such as “Moving on Up”, “One Night in Heaven” and “Search for the Hero”, the band sold over 10 million records and won the Best British Dance Act Award at the Brits in 1994 and 1995 as well at the Mercury Music Prize for their album Elegant Slumming.

Heather went on to great success with two solo albums. The title track of her first album, Proud, became the soundtrack to London’s successful 2012 Olympic bid, as well as a host of other special events, including the 60th anniversary of VE Day in Trafalgar Square, the launch of Queen Mary 2 and England’s victory at the Rugby World Cup celebrations. Oprah Winfrey also used the song to sum up the work she’d been striving to achieve over her twenty-year career, inviting Heather to perform live on her show.

In addition to her music career, Heather danced her way into the public’s affection as a contestant in series 6 of Strictly Come Dancing. Since then her infectious personality and trademark sense of humour has been on display in numerous TV appearances on music, chat and celebrity quiz shows. 

Heather is also well known for her charitable work and is appearing at the Gala Dinner as an ambassador for Variety, the Children’s Charity, the BMF’s charity of the year. Variety provides improves the lives of children and young people in the UK who are sick, disabled or disadvantaged, by providing coaches and specialist equipment as well as creating memorable experiences through “Variety Great Days Out”. 

BMF CEO, John Newcomb said: “We are absolutely delighted both to continue our support for Variety, the Children’s Charity, and to welcome Heather Small as our very special guest to close our Conference.  John Newcomb continued: “BMF and merchant industry fundraising for Variety since the BMF All Industry Conference in 2017 has raised over £90,000 for the charity.  A silent auction at the Gala Dinner is aiming to raise another substantial sum to share between Variety and our second charity for the evening, Mental Health UK, in a grand finale to the BMF All-Industry Conference 2019 that promises to be a feast of fun and fundraising.”

The BMF All-Industry Conference 2019 takes place in Dubrovnik from 13 to 16 June. Broadcaster and TV personality, Gethin Jones will host the sold-out event. Our thanks to the BMF All-Industry Conference headline sponsor, Crystal Group.

For more information visit www.bmfconference.co.uk

The Budget: investment needed for a net zero economy

5 March 2020

The Chancellor must be bold, imaginative and use his Budget to lay the foundations for a net zero carbon economy and action to future-proof new homes and retrofit existing properties, according to the BMF.

Tackling regional imbalances in productivity by investing further in training and skills to support BMF merchants and their manufacturers, suppliers and trade customers must be the way forward.

That was the message from John Newcomb, BMF Chief Executive, in a letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak MP, prior to his first Budget next Wednesday.

The BMF wants Mr Sunak and his fellow ministers to concentrate on the two major issues affecting members - narrowing the gap between housing demand and supply, and the decarbonisation of heating and electrification of homes.

John Newcomb, BMF Chief Executive, said: “We welcome the Government’s ambition to help BMF members and the residential, commercial and public sector markets they serve to move towards a net zero carbon economy by 2050.”

“Public and private sector finance will both be required to invest in industrial production and new ways of business operations to make the necessary changes. However, we see a genuine need to support businesses to make that transition. That is why we urge the Chancellor to use his Budget to invest and to demonstrate a willingness to work with merchants and manufacturers.”

Next week’s hotly-anticipated Budget comes only a month after a consultation by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government closed that sought views on the Future Homes Standard aimed at decarbonising new homes. In its response, the BMF said tightening the Building Regulations is realistically the only way. But this means taxpayer funds are necessary to transform markets, improve installer skills and bring about behavioural change.

The BMF has since learned from the recently-appointed Minister for Housing, Christopher Pincher MP, that his officials have received 3,000 responses to the Future Homes Standard consultation.

James Hipkins to chair BMF West Midlands Region

James Hipkins, MD of Emerys Builders Merchants, is the new Chairman of the BMF West Midlands Region.  James takes over from Neil Lawrence, Chief Operating Officer, Jewson & Managing Director Local Merchant Group.   

James, who grew up in the West Midlands, began his merchanting career as a trainee manager with Jewson in North Wales where, at 24, he became their youngest branch manager at the time.  He joined the Joseph Parr Group as MD Designate of Emerys Builders Merchants in 1999 when Emerys was a small merchant in Stoke on Trent.  Now, it is not only the largest merchant in the area, it also operates a thriving second depot in Telford.

Outside of work he is a passionate restorer of classic cars and bikes and his skills will no doubt come in handy as part of the Emerys team in this year’s Pavestone Rally, which raises money for charity.

Commenting on his appointment, James Hipkins said: “I consider it an honour to be asked and a privilege to take on the role of Chair of the BMF West Midlands Region.  I hope my experience within a national merchant and my current role within an independent merchant puts me in a good position to understand the collective needs and challenges faced by all members of the BMF.”

Dean Hayward is appointed Chair of the BMF Tools, Fixings & Workwear Forum 

1 July 2022

Dean Hayward, Head of Sales & Marketing at NMBS, has been appointed Chair of the BMF Tools, Fixings & Workwear Forum, taking the reins from the sectors previous chair, Simon Bicknell, Marketing Director at Toolbank. 

Having been at NMBS for 19 years, Dean is responsible for developing and implementing the sales and marketing strategies at NMBS while also having the commercial responsibility for the Power Tools and Tools categories. Dean is also a Key Account Manager for NBG, H&B and IBC. 

Dean Hayward said the following: “It is a great honour to be elected as the Chair of the BMF Tools, Fixings, Workwear and PPE forum. I am excited to continue my work with the BMF to proactively collaborate with suppliers and merchants. The aim is to create an eagerly attended forum for merchants, manufacturers, and distributors to share best practice and enjoy networking opportunities with their fellow peers within Tools, Workwear and Fixings categories.”

John Newcomb made the following comments: “I am delighted to have Dean as one of the BMF’s sector forum Chairs. Deans first meeting was a success and I look forward to seeing what he will bring to the forums to come.”

BMF calls for reduced VAT for retrofit work to create new jobs and greener homes

 

The Builders Merchants Federation has called on the Government to eliminate or significantly reduce the rate of VAT to 0-5% for retrofit work on existing homes to provide a vital kick-start for a national retrofit programme that will create thousands of skilled jobs as well as making our homes warmer, greener and cheaper to run.

Over 100 people attended the BMF’s Parliamentary Reception at the House of Commons (on 28 November) which focused on the delivery of low carbon retrofit. BMF members and industry partners met with MPs and members of the House of Lords to showcase solutions to upgrade our existing housing stock as well as to create low carbon new homes.

BMF CEO John Newcomb said:

“In terms of energy efficiency our homes are amongst the worst in Europe.  They use 35% of all the energy in the UK and emit 20% of the carbon dioxide emissions. Twenty eight million older homes need upgrading to achieve net zero carbon emissions. 

“Last winter’s soaring energy bills focused attention on the energy we waste.   It’s a shocking fact, but in many older properties we are paying to generate heat that doesn’t warm our homes, but “leaks out” through poorly insulated, windows, walls, roofs and floors.

“The BMF has long supported a National Retrofit Strategy to enable the delivery of housing retrofit across the UK and is a founder supporter of the National Retrofit Hub. The Hub is helping all stakeholders – including government - understand their role in delivering low carbon homes, which is likely to be a 20 year programme of work.

“With the right support and incentives, retrofit offers one of the best opportunities to create new, meaningful jobs in every region and train thousands of new recruits to the industry, as well as making our homes warmer, greener and cheaper to run. 

“Its success will require long-term, cross-party commitment. But right now, a simple financial incentive will boost consumer confidence and provide the vital kick-start for the retrofit programme. Therefore, we are calling on the current government to eliminate or significantly reduce VAT to 0-5% for retrofit work on existing homes up to a ceiling of £30,000 to provide this kickstart.

“This is the beginning of a long journey, but it is but it is one that we cannot afford to ignore.”

The BMF Reception, which was hosted by Andrew Lewer, MP for Northampton South, and the Chairman of the APPG for SME House-Builders, was also addressed by the Housing Minister, Lee Rowley MP, Bill Esterson MP, speaking as Labour Party Shadow Minister, and Sam Patel, Divisional Director UK Construction Week, the headline sponsor.

     

BMF responds to Chancellor’s Autumn Statement

The Builders Merchants Federation has welcomed the announcement to make full expensing permanent, but says the government has missed an opportunity to create new jobs and boost local growth by failing to support a national retrofit strategy to improve the energy efficiency of millions of existing homes across the UK.

BMF CEO John Newcomb said:

“The announcement on full expensing will be welcomed by builders merchants and building material manufacturers along with many other businesses as they invest to expand and upgrade their facilities. But, beyond a pledge to reform elements of the planning system, there was little direct support for the construction sector in the main headlines of the Autumn Statement.

“We want to get Britain building again, but there was nothing in the budget relating to our number one ask, support for a national retrofit strategy.  This was a missed opportunity to stimulate the repair maintenance and improvement sector, create thousands of appropriately skilled jobs and boost much-needed local growth, while at the same time helping millions of families to improve their homes’ energy efficiency and cut heating bills.

“We will continue to speak directly to government to promote the positive impact of a skilled RMI programme.  Our parliamentary reception next week will focus on the work we are doing to build a workforce to deliver the low carbon solutions that are the essence of the national retrofit strategy and the impact kickstart support from government would make.”

Trade body calls for Chancellor to improve homes and boost jobs in Autumn Statement

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has set out how a nationwide programme of retrofitting energy-saving measures could improve housing, reduce carbon emissions, cut household bills and boost jobs.

John Newcomb, CEO of the national trade body, is calling for a long-term plan to drive progress in areas such as insulation, improved glazing and heating in a letter to Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt, ahead of this month’s Autumn Statement.

The move comes as the latest Construction Leadership Council’s Product Availability Statement reveals an overall decline in construction activity which is predicted to continue into next year.

John Newcomb said: “With interest rates likely to remain around current levels well into 2024, consumer confidence is proving volatile in the short term.

“Based on current sales, one major housebuilder is forecasting a 25 per cent reduction in the number of houses built in the current trading year.

“With a slowdown in new house-building already taking hold, and prospects not looking good, the BMF firmly believes the property repair, maintenance and improvement market offers the best hope to create new, meaningful jobs in every region and boost much-needed local growth.

 

“There are still too many homes without cavity wall, solid wall and loft insulation.

“This reinforces our view there is still significant work to do to fit various types of insulation that are inexpensive and straightforward to complete.”

The BMF represents a major part of the economy, with 900 merchant and supplier company members in the building materials supply chain - employing more than 206,000 people and with combined sales of more than £44.5bn.

It believes a clear strategy from Government is vital to unlock issues with the nation’s poor housing stock and protect jobs.

John Newcomb added: “The Green Deal and Green Homes Grant both failed and closed early. Last year’s Autumn Statement included £6 billion for home energy efficiency from 2025 to 2028, in addition to £6.6bn announced previously, which we have yet to see being fully utilised – as well as announcing the Energy Efficiency Taskforce, which ended in September with the work it had conducted remaining unpublished.

“We need a clear, unambiguous long-term action plan showing how, where and when previously allocated funding will be spent, and the way that local government and other delivery partners will implement the necessary improvements that so many homes urgently need.

“It is only with renewed political determination by ministers, coupled with relentless efforts by local government, energy suppliers and others, that a nationwide programme of retrofitting homes can begin to cut household bills, improve cold, draughty homes, boost jobs and reduce carbon emissions.”

BMF's Irish membership expands with new Topline Group deal   

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has extended its group membership agreement with Topline Group, the leading buying group in Ireland, supplying DIY and building materials to affiliated stores nationwide.  

The agreement brings 42 Topline Group merchant members into BMF membership from 1 November 2023.  This is in addition to the 12 Topline Group members who joined the BMF in 2022 and is part of a three-year development plan announced at that time, to bring the majority of Topline Group merchants into BMF membership.

Hugh O’Donnell, Topline Group CEO said:
“Building long-term partnerships with the best suppliers and support organisations has always been important to us . The BMF has established itself as a useful and valuable resource for Topline Group members that joined last year.  We are delighted that a larger cohort of our members will now benefit from the BMF’s full range of training and support services and hope we can extend BMF membership further in future.”

John Newcomb, BMF CEO said: 
“We are delighted to welcome our latest members in Ireland and look forward to working with them. We are committed to extending the BMF’s reach and strengthening our position in the Irish market by forging strong relationships with two of country’s most important buying groups, Topline Group and Allied Merchants Buying Association.  

“Our latest agreement increases BMF membership in Ireland to over 70 merchants and puts us on track to end the year with a total of 950 members across the UK and Ireland.”

The Budget: investment needed for a net zero economy

5 March 2020

The Chancellor must be bold, imaginative and use his Budget to lay the foundations for a net zero carbon economy and action to future-proof new homes and retrofit existing properties, according to the BMF.

Tackling regional imbalances in productivity by investing further in training and skills to support BMF merchants and their manufacturers, suppliers and trade customers must be the way forward.

That was the message from John Newcomb, BMF Chief Executive, in a letter to the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rishi Sunak MP, prior to his first Budget next Wednesday.

The BMF wants Mr Sunak and his fellow ministers to concentrate on the two major issues affecting members - narrowing the gap between housing demand and supply, and the decarbonisation of heating and electrification of homes.

John Newcomb, BMF Chief Executive, said: “We welcome the Government’s ambition to help BMF members and the residential, commercial and public sector markets they serve to move towards a net zero carbon economy by 2050.”

“Public and private sector finance will both be required to invest in industrial production and new ways of business operations to make the necessary changes. However, we see a genuine need to support businesses to make that transition. That is why we urge the Chancellor to use his Budget to invest and to demonstrate a willingness to work with merchants and manufacturers.”

Next week’s hotly-anticipated Budget comes only a month after a consultation by the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government closed that sought views on the Future Homes Standard aimed at decarbonising new homes. In its response, the BMF said tightening the Building Regulations is realistically the only way. But this means taxpayer funds are necessary to transform markets, improve installer skills and bring about behavioural change.

The BMF has since learned from the recently-appointed Minister for Housing, Christopher Pincher MP, that his officials have received 3,000 responses to the Future Homes Standard consultation.

James Hipkins to chair BMF West Midlands Region

James Hipkins, MD of Emerys Builders Merchants, is the new Chairman of the BMF West Midlands Region.  James takes over from Neil Lawrence, Chief Operating Officer, Jewson & Managing Director Local Merchant Group.   

James, who grew up in the West Midlands, began his merchanting career as a trainee manager with Jewson in North Wales where, at 24, he became their youngest branch manager at the time.  He joined the Joseph Parr Group as MD Designate of Emerys Builders Merchants in 1999 when Emerys was a small merchant in Stoke on Trent.  Now, it is not only the largest merchant in the area, it also operates a thriving second depot in Telford.

Outside of work he is a passionate restorer of classic cars and bikes and his skills will no doubt come in handy as part of the Emerys team in this year’s Pavestone Rally, which raises money for charity.

Commenting on his appointment, James Hipkins said: “I consider it an honour to be asked and a privilege to take on the role of Chair of the BMF West Midlands Region.  I hope my experience within a national merchant and my current role within an independent merchant puts me in a good position to understand the collective needs and challenges faced by all members of the BMF.”

Ibstock to host Sustainability Forum at BMF All Industry Conference

29 October 2021

With this year’s BMF All Industry Conference taking place at the same time as the United Nations Climate Change Conference, COP26, the subject of sustainability takes on particular importance.  The BMF has responded with a dedicated Sustainability Forum, sponsored and hosted by Ibstock Brick. 

Ibstock is one of the 18 BMF members to date who have achieved net zero carbon Business Champion status supporting the Construction Leadership Council’s CO2nstruct Zero initiative.

Commenting on his company’s commitment to sustainability, Michael McGowan, Group Sustainability Manager, Ibstock said:

“Ibstock is proud to be sponsoring the Sustainability Forum at the BMF All Industry Conference.  Sustainability is a key strategic driver for us and our ambition is to be the most sustainable manufacturer of clay and concrete building products in the UK. As a market leader it is our responsibility to be at the forefront in this vital area, a responsibility we take very seriously.  We have developed strong relationships with our merchant partners over many decades so to be sponsoring a forum on such a vital subject for the future of our industry is a great way to continue to strengthen these relationships further as we all work together to identify ways to address the challenges and opportunities that we face in the years ahead.”

Michael will be joined on the platform by James Mitchell of Kerridge Commercial Systems.  Kerridge believes that sustainability and profitability go hand in hand and focus on supporting merchants with digital solutions that support both these twin goals. James Mitchell explains: 

“We view the acceleration of Digital Transformation in the UK’s merchant sector as key to improving performance and customer service and to creating sustainable working practices. We are proud to support the BMF initiatives to promote the Net Zero Carbon strategy, we believe that sustainability and profitability go hand in hand.”

The sold-out, dual-centre BMF All Industry Conference takes place in Harrogate and York from 4-7 November 2021. Further details are available on the Conference website, www.bmfconference.co.uk

The headline sponsor for the second year is the Crystal Group.  Other key sponsors include the Conference Host sponsor ACO, plus BMN, Kerridge Commercial Systems, Knauf Insulation, Marshalls, Marsh Industries, Rockwool, SIG and Xtratherm.

Haulage a priority for BMF

3 September 2021

New data from the BMF reveals the shortage of HGV drivers as the main challenge faced by its members, who are already performing a balancing act to keep the building materials supply chain running across the UK. 

A snap survey of BMF members found 67% of builders’ merchant respondents and 86% of supplier respondents are affected by haulage issues, citing it as their number one concern.

John Newcomb, BMF CEO said: 

“Haulage, and in particular the shortage of HGV drivers, has become our industry’s number one concern, and the results of our member survey have been fed into discussions between the transport industry and government.

“Some suppliers are reporting that the standard five-day lead time has more than doubled. In some cases, we are even seeing increases of up to four weeks. We have heard reports that suppliers are asking merchants to collect orders as they cannot get enough drivers to complete deliveries.

“Driver recruitment is the main challenge. Both suppliers and merchants are prepared to recruit or retrain existing staff as drivers, but there are limited opportunities for training and testing.  They want more testing to be made available to help get new HGV drivers on the road.”

The issue is not confined to the building materials industry.  The Covid-19 pandemic, Brexit and tax changes have contributed to haulage challenges, with transport industry bodies estimating a shortfall of around 100,000 HGV drivers, with an estimated 15,000 lost following the UK’s exit from the EU.

Logistics UK’s May 2021 tracker survey found 61% of respondents considered recruitment of HGV drivers to be a ‘severe’ or ‘very severe’ challenge, while 50% cited the availability of testing as a ‘moderate’ or ‘extreme’ barrier to recovery.

John Newcomb added: 

“Builders merchants have done a fantastic job managing product demand and supply in the face of high global demand and reduced capacity resulting from the pandemic. Haulage is the latest challenge and our top priority.  We are doing everything we can to assist discussions between the freight industry and government as they seek to agree both short and long term solutions.”

BMF calls for reduced VAT for retrofit work to create new jobs and greener homes

 

The Builders Merchants Federation has called on the Government to eliminate or significantly reduce the rate of VAT to 0-5% for retrofit work on existing homes to provide a vital kick-start for a national retrofit programme that will create thousands of skilled jobs as well as making our homes warmer, greener and cheaper to run.

Over 100 people attended the BMF’s Parliamentary Reception at the House of Commons (on 28 November) which focused on the delivery of low carbon retrofit. BMF members and industry partners met with MPs and members of the House of Lords to showcase solutions to upgrade our existing housing stock as well as to create low carbon new homes.

BMF CEO John Newcomb said:

“In terms of energy efficiency our homes are amongst the worst in Europe.  They use 35% of all the energy in the UK and emit 20% of the carbon dioxide emissions. Twenty eight million older homes need upgrading to achieve net zero carbon emissions. 

“Last winter’s soaring energy bills focused attention on the energy we waste.   It’s a shocking fact, but in many older properties we are paying to generate heat that doesn’t warm our homes, but “leaks out” through poorly insulated, windows, walls, roofs and floors.

“The BMF has long supported a National Retrofit Strategy to enable the delivery of housing retrofit across the UK and is a founder supporter of the National Retrofit Hub. The Hub is helping all stakeholders – including government - understand their role in delivering low carbon homes, which is likely to be a 20 year programme of work.

“With the right support and incentives, retrofit offers one of the best opportunities to create new, meaningful jobs in every region and train thousands of new recruits to the industry, as well as making our homes warmer, greener and cheaper to run. 

“Its success will require long-term, cross-party commitment. But right now, a simple financial incentive will boost consumer confidence and provide the vital kick-start for the retrofit programme. Therefore, we are calling on the current government to eliminate or significantly reduce VAT to 0-5% for retrofit work on existing homes up to a ceiling of £30,000 to provide this kickstart.

“This is the beginning of a long journey, but it is but it is one that we cannot afford to ignore.”

The BMF Reception, which was hosted by Andrew Lewer, MP for Northampton South, and the Chairman of the APPG for SME House-Builders, was also addressed by the Housing Minister, Lee Rowley MP, Bill Esterson MP, speaking as Labour Party Shadow Minister, and Sam Patel, Divisional Director UK Construction Week, the headline sponsor.

     

BMF responds to Chancellor’s Autumn Statement

The Builders Merchants Federation has welcomed the announcement to make full expensing permanent, but says the government has missed an opportunity to create new jobs and boost local growth by failing to support a national retrofit strategy to improve the energy efficiency of millions of existing homes across the UK.

BMF CEO John Newcomb said:

“The announcement on full expensing will be welcomed by builders merchants and building material manufacturers along with many other businesses as they invest to expand and upgrade their facilities. But, beyond a pledge to reform elements of the planning system, there was little direct support for the construction sector in the main headlines of the Autumn Statement.

“We want to get Britain building again, but there was nothing in the budget relating to our number one ask, support for a national retrofit strategy.  This was a missed opportunity to stimulate the repair maintenance and improvement sector, create thousands of appropriately skilled jobs and boost much-needed local growth, while at the same time helping millions of families to improve their homes’ energy efficiency and cut heating bills.

“We will continue to speak directly to government to promote the positive impact of a skilled RMI programme.  Our parliamentary reception next week will focus on the work we are doing to build a workforce to deliver the low carbon solutions that are the essence of the national retrofit strategy and the impact kickstart support from government would make.”

Trade body calls for Chancellor to improve homes and boost jobs in Autumn Statement

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has set out how a nationwide programme of retrofitting energy-saving measures could improve housing, reduce carbon emissions, cut household bills and boost jobs.

John Newcomb, CEO of the national trade body, is calling for a long-term plan to drive progress in areas such as insulation, improved glazing and heating in a letter to Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt, ahead of this month’s Autumn Statement.

The move comes as the latest Construction Leadership Council’s Product Availability Statement reveals an overall decline in construction activity which is predicted to continue into next year.

John Newcomb said: “With interest rates likely to remain around current levels well into 2024, consumer confidence is proving volatile in the short term.

“Based on current sales, one major housebuilder is forecasting a 25 per cent reduction in the number of houses built in the current trading year.

“With a slowdown in new house-building already taking hold, and prospects not looking good, the BMF firmly believes the property repair, maintenance and improvement market offers the best hope to create new, meaningful jobs in every region and boost much-needed local growth.

 

“There are still too many homes without cavity wall, solid wall and loft insulation.

“This reinforces our view there is still significant work to do to fit various types of insulation that are inexpensive and straightforward to complete.”

The BMF represents a major part of the economy, with 900 merchant and supplier company members in the building materials supply chain - employing more than 206,000 people and with combined sales of more than £44.5bn.

It believes a clear strategy from Government is vital to unlock issues with the nation’s poor housing stock and protect jobs.

John Newcomb added: “The Green Deal and Green Homes Grant both failed and closed early. Last year’s Autumn Statement included £6 billion for home energy efficiency from 2025 to 2028, in addition to £6.6bn announced previously, which we have yet to see being fully utilised – as well as announcing the Energy Efficiency Taskforce, which ended in September with the work it had conducted remaining unpublished.

“We need a clear, unambiguous long-term action plan showing how, where and when previously allocated funding will be spent, and the way that local government and other delivery partners will implement the necessary improvements that so many homes urgently need.

“It is only with renewed political determination by ministers, coupled with relentless efforts by local government, energy suppliers and others, that a nationwide programme of retrofitting homes can begin to cut household bills, improve cold, draughty homes, boost jobs and reduce carbon emissions.”

BMF Wins Silver Award

 

November 2023

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has picked up the Silver Award for the Best Trade Association )less than 1,000 members) at the annual Association Execllence Awards event in London. 

BMF CEO John Newcomb said:  “We are honoured and delighted to see the BMF’s work acknowledged by our peers in the membership community.  We are constantly striving to ensure members gain value from their membership.
I’m particularly pleased that the work of the whole BMF team has been recognised through our silver award as Best Trade Association.”

 

BMF calls for reduced VAT for retrofit work to create new jobs and greener homes

 

The Builders Merchants Federation has called on the Government to eliminate or significantly reduce the rate of VAT to 0-5% for retrofit work on existing homes to provide a vital kick-start for a national retrofit programme that will create thousands of skilled jobs as well as making our homes warmer, greener and cheaper to run.

Over 100 people attended the BMF’s Parliamentary Reception at the House of Commons (on 28 November) which focused on the delivery of low carbon retrofit. BMF members and industry partners met with MPs and members of the House of Lords to showcase solutions to upgrade our existing housing stock as well as to create low carbon new homes.

BMF CEO John Newcomb said:

“In terms of energy efficiency our homes are amongst the worst in Europe.  They use 35% of all the energy in the UK and emit 20% of the carbon dioxide emissions. Twenty eight million older homes need upgrading to achieve net zero carbon emissions. 

“Last winter’s soaring energy bills focused attention on the energy we waste.   It’s a shocking fact, but in many older properties we are paying to generate heat that doesn’t warm our homes, but “leaks out” through poorly insulated, windows, walls, roofs and floors.

“The BMF has long supported a National Retrofit Strategy to enable the delivery of housing retrofit across the UK and is a founder supporter of the National Retrofit Hub. The Hub is helping all stakeholders – including government - understand their role in delivering low carbon homes, which is likely to be a 20 year programme of work.

“With the right support and incentives, retrofit offers one of the best opportunities to create new, meaningful jobs in every region and train thousands of new recruits to the industry, as well as making our homes warmer, greener and cheaper to run. 

“Its success will require long-term, cross-party commitment. But right now, a simple financial incentive will boost consumer confidence and provide the vital kick-start for the retrofit programme. Therefore, we are calling on the current government to eliminate or significantly reduce VAT to 0-5% for retrofit work on existing homes up to a ceiling of £30,000 to provide this kickstart.

“This is the beginning of a long journey, but it is but it is one that we cannot afford to ignore.”

The BMF Reception, which was hosted by Andrew Lewer, MP for Northampton South, and the Chairman of the APPG for SME House-Builders, was also addressed by the Housing Minister, Lee Rowley MP, Bill Esterson MP, speaking as Labour Party Shadow Minister, and Sam Patel, Divisional Director UK Construction Week, the headline sponsor.

     

BMF responds to Chancellor’s Autumn Statement

The Builders Merchants Federation has welcomed the announcement to make full expensing permanent, but says the government has missed an opportunity to create new jobs and boost local growth by failing to support a national retrofit strategy to improve the energy efficiency of millions of existing homes across the UK.

BMF CEO John Newcomb said:

“The announcement on full expensing will be welcomed by builders merchants and building material manufacturers along with many other businesses as they invest to expand and upgrade their facilities. But, beyond a pledge to reform elements of the planning system, there was little direct support for the construction sector in the main headlines of the Autumn Statement.

“We want to get Britain building again, but there was nothing in the budget relating to our number one ask, support for a national retrofit strategy.  This was a missed opportunity to stimulate the repair maintenance and improvement sector, create thousands of appropriately skilled jobs and boost much-needed local growth, while at the same time helping millions of families to improve their homes’ energy efficiency and cut heating bills.

“We will continue to speak directly to government to promote the positive impact of a skilled RMI programme.  Our parliamentary reception next week will focus on the work we are doing to build a workforce to deliver the low carbon solutions that are the essence of the national retrofit strategy and the impact kickstart support from government would make.”

Trade body calls for Chancellor to improve homes and boost jobs in Autumn Statement

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has set out how a nationwide programme of retrofitting energy-saving measures could improve housing, reduce carbon emissions, cut household bills and boost jobs.

John Newcomb, CEO of the national trade body, is calling for a long-term plan to drive progress in areas such as insulation, improved glazing and heating in a letter to Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt, ahead of this month’s Autumn Statement.

The move comes as the latest Construction Leadership Council’s Product Availability Statement reveals an overall decline in construction activity which is predicted to continue into next year.

John Newcomb said: “With interest rates likely to remain around current levels well into 2024, consumer confidence is proving volatile in the short term.

“Based on current sales, one major housebuilder is forecasting a 25 per cent reduction in the number of houses built in the current trading year.

“With a slowdown in new house-building already taking hold, and prospects not looking good, the BMF firmly believes the property repair, maintenance and improvement market offers the best hope to create new, meaningful jobs in every region and boost much-needed local growth.

 

“There are still too many homes without cavity wall, solid wall and loft insulation.

“This reinforces our view there is still significant work to do to fit various types of insulation that are inexpensive and straightforward to complete.”

The BMF represents a major part of the economy, with 900 merchant and supplier company members in the building materials supply chain - employing more than 206,000 people and with combined sales of more than £44.5bn.

It believes a clear strategy from Government is vital to unlock issues with the nation’s poor housing stock and protect jobs.

John Newcomb added: “The Green Deal and Green Homes Grant both failed and closed early. Last year’s Autumn Statement included £6 billion for home energy efficiency from 2025 to 2028, in addition to £6.6bn announced previously, which we have yet to see being fully utilised – as well as announcing the Energy Efficiency Taskforce, which ended in September with the work it had conducted remaining unpublished.

“We need a clear, unambiguous long-term action plan showing how, where and when previously allocated funding will be spent, and the way that local government and other delivery partners will implement the necessary improvements that so many homes urgently need.

“It is only with renewed political determination by ministers, coupled with relentless efforts by local government, energy suppliers and others, that a nationwide programme of retrofitting homes can begin to cut household bills, improve cold, draughty homes, boost jobs and reduce carbon emissions.”

BMF Wins Silver Award

 

November 2023

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has picked up the Silver Award for the Best Trade Association )less than 1,000 members) at the annual Association Execllence Awards event in London. 

BMF CEO John Newcomb said:  “We are honoured and delighted to see the BMF’s work acknowledged by our peers in the membership community.  We are constantly striving to ensure members gain value from their membership.
I’m particularly pleased that the work of the whole BMF team has been recognised through our silver award as Best Trade Association.”