BMF and PDA announce strategic partnership
The BMF and the Painting and Decorating
Association (PDA) have agreed a strategic partnership designed to raise
the profile of the decorative sector.
The new strategic partnership coincides with the launch of the BMF
Decorative Forum, which meets for the first time on 4th May at Akzo
Nobel’s Dulux Academy in Slough. Stuart Yates, National President of
the PDA will be the main speaker at this meeting, which brings together
merchants and suppliers with an interest in decorating products.
The BMF’s latest trade alliance will support the PDA’s recent work to
encourage end-users to use a quality decorator. The reputation of PDA
members is often reliant on the effective supply of quality decorative
materials by merchants and manufacturers throughout the supply chain.
Sourcing quality products from BMF members offering the highest
standards of service adds value to their proposition.
BMF managing director, John Newcomb said: “Our agreement sets the
foundations for the BMF and the PDA to work together to raise the
profile of a sector with enormous potential. The PDA represents over
1,300 painter and decorating companies members, while 221 of the BMF’s
316 merchant members are selling decorative products and there are also
17 BMF supplier members supplying decorative products to merchants in
BMF membership.”
PDA chief executive officer, Neil Ogilvie said: “The core values of our
two organisations are closely aligned. Like the BMF, the PDA represents
both large national contractor organisations through to small
businesses. The annual market value of decorating sector is £4bn. We
have a clear purpose to ensure that all our members adhere to the
highest standards. By joining with the BMF we are aiming to raise both
the profile of this valuable sector and the professionalism of our
members working within it.”
Another key element of the partnership will involve sharing knowledge
and experience on training and apprenticeships. The BMF is working on
setting up a Trailblazer Trade Supplier Apprentice scheme in
merchanting, and both trade bodies appreciate the importance of
attracting the right new recruits to their respective industries.