BMF News

BMF nominated for four Excellence Awards

The BMF (Builders Merchants Federation) has been shortlisted in four categories of the highly respected Association Excellence Awards, which highlight best practice and excellence in the essential work that associations, trade bodies, unions and professional organisations conduct on behalf of their members.

 Over the past 12 months the BMF has championed, invested in and facilitated the progression of industry initiatives in areas including sustainability, training and development, digital transformation and diversity and inclusivity in recruitment. They have also supported members with market insight reports, political representation and influence, and through networking and events

 The impact of the BMF’s work has been recognised in four categories: Best Membership Engagement, Best Membership Support, Best Celebratory Event (for Top 100 Supplier Influencers).  BMF CEO, John Newcomb has been nominated for the Association Leadership Award (up to 2000 members).

 BMF CEO John Newcomb said:  “Awards like these enable the BMF to assess the impact and effect of our work against trade association peers in many different industries.  It is always gratifying to see the work we undertake in support of our members being shortlisted as a finalist, and to achieve this status in four categories is truly an honour.”

 The Award winners will be announced on Friday 8 November at a ceremony at the QEII Centre in London.

Travis Perkins plc’s Dave Castle joins BMF Board

Dave Castle, who is Group Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director of BSS at Travis Perkins Group has been elected to the Board of the BMF (Builders Merchants Federation). Dave, who received a substantial majority of the electoral college vote, takes up his position at the BMF Board meeting on 17 July 2024.

Dave’s career with the Travis Perkins Group began in 2001 as an apprentice. Since then, he has held a variety of positions within the Group, from branch level to leadership roles. He was appointed BSS Managing Director in 2023, and assumed the added responsibility of Chief Commercial Officer for the Group in May 2024 where he heads up a team which brings together the Group’s extensive buying experience across its merchanting businesses. He has a passion for people-focused leadership, collaboration and business modernisation with a proven track record of being dedicated to meeting customers’ changing needs.

BMF Chairman, Richard Hill said: “I am delighted to welcome Dave to the Board. His expertise and dedication will be invaluable as we continue to drive innovation and growth within the BMF in support of our members.”

BMF CEO, John Newcomb said: “Dave’s values are very much in line with those of the BMF and I am looking forward to working with him as we embark on a major sector awareness programme that will help shape the future of our industry.”

John Carter to speak at 2025 BMF All Industry Conference

The BMF (Builders Merchants Federation) is delighted to confirm John Carter, CEO of STARK Building Materials UK, as the first of its industry speakers at the 2025 BMF All Industry Conference, taking place in Barcelona from 12-15 June 2025.

John Carter, formerly the CEO at Travis Perkins, joined the STARK Group Executive Committee following its acquisition of Saint Gobain Building Distribution (SGBD) in 2023. Since his appointment, he has embarked on a major transformation of the STARK UK businesses and is now working with his newly appointed leadership team to deliver the company's strategic growth initiatives.

John Newcomb, BMF CEO, said: "We are delighted that John has agreed to take part in next year’s Industry Forum. The BMF All Industry Conference is renowned for bringing together leading figures from across the industry to share knowledge and discuss the latest trends and challenges. John’s extensive experience and visionary leadership make him an ideal keynote speaker, to provide valuable insights both into the challenges and opportunities facing the industry and how STARK UK is transforming to bring something new and fresh to our sector.”

The 2025 BMF All Industry Conference is fully booked. For merchants or suppliers that haven’t secured a place, the BMF has opened a waiting list for the event. Please email [email protected] to be added to the waiting list.

The BMF thanks headline sponsor, ACO, and key sponsors BMN, Breedon, Intact, Kerridge Commercial Systems, Knauf, Knauf Insulation, Marsh, Polypipe, Unilin and Velux. For full information on the Conference, please visit www.bmfconference2025.co.uk

2025 BMF All Industry Conference a sell out!

Next year’s BMF All Industry Conference has completely sold out, less than four weeks since details of the event were announced.

BMF CEO John Newcomb said: “We have been overwhelmed by the speed and extent of demand for next year’s Conference.  We are now at our absolute maximum capacity of 460 with confirmed bookings from 78 merchant companies – including 17 of the top 20 by annual sales – and 67 supplier companies, all of whom are sending multiple delegates.”

The BMF All Industry Conference takes place in Barcelona from 12 to 15 June 2025, under the theme Building Tomorrow Together.  Mark Durden-Smith, the sport and lifestyle presenter returns to host the event following his outstanding performance at the BMF’s Istanbul conference in 2023.

John Newcomb added: “With the new Labour government pledging support for house-building and energy efficient RMI, our conference theme will explore how sector collaboration can help develop sustainable solutions for all areas of building and construction.  It’s an event that is equally relevant to heavyside and lightside audiences, and I’m looking forward to welcoming representatives from all parts of the building materials industry.”

For merchants or suppliers that haven’t secured a place, the BMF has opened a waiting list for the event. Please email [email protected] to be added to the waiting list.

The BMF thanks headline sponsor, ACO, and key sponsors BMN, Breedon, Intact, Kerridge Commercial Systems, Knauf, Knauf Insulation, Marsh, Polypipe, Unilin and Velux. For full information on the Conference, please visit www.bmfconference2025.co.uk

BMF welcomes Labour's pledge to 'Get Britain Building Again'

The BMF (Builders Merchants’ Federation) looks forward to working with the incoming Labour Government and is calling for swift action to “Get Britain Building Again”.

Offering congratulations to Kier Starmer and the Labour Party, BMF CEO John Newcomb urged Sir Keir and his soon-to-be appointed ministers to recognise the role, value and importance of the building materials’ supply chain in housing the nation, and talk to the BMF about how they will rise to the challenge in delivering the necessary materials and products to build the 1.5 million new homes pledged by the new government.

Reacting to Labour’s win, John Newcomb commented:

“Sir Keir, Angela Rayner and Rachel Reeves have signalled their desire and determination to be ‘the builders, not the blockers’. We welcome the fresh impetus they bring to inject more urgency into building more new homes and to reform the planning system”.

“The new government has a clear idea of what it wants to do and must now show a sense of purpose to get on with building a million and a half new homes. We look forward to their much-anticipated Housing Recovery Plan and hearing what ministers want to do in their first 100 days”.

John Newcomb emphasised the importance of a nationwide programme of home insulation to cut energy bills, upgrade cold homes and reduce carbon emissions. He said the blueprint for this is the Construction Leadership Council’s 20-year National Retrofit Strategy to improve the thermal and energy performance of existing homes.

John Newcomb continued:

“We note Labour’s manifesto promise for an additional £6.5bn to upgrade the energy efficiency of five million homes to cut bills for families. BMF members have a key role to play as they make and deliver the majority of materials and products needed to upgrade properties and improve living standards as we move towards decarbonising homes and electrifying heating.

“But this can only be achieved with unrelenting efforts by government and industry, working together in partnership, to complete the necessary improvements that many households urgently need”.

“We stand ready to help ministers with this vital work and look forward to our first meeting with Angela Rayner and Matthew Pennycook to Get Britain Building Again”.

April turns up the volume (sales up +14.2) while value sales jump +6.2%

The latest figures from the Plumbing & Heating Merchant Index (PHMI) report show total value sales for April through specialist plumbing and heating merchants were up +6.2% in 2024 compared to April 2023. Volumes rose +14.2% and prices fell -7.0%.

But with three additional trading days in 2024, like-for-like sales for April (taking trading day differences into account), were -9.0% lower than 2023.

Compared to March, April value sales were down -2.4%. Volume sales were up +7.9% while prices fell -9.6%. With one extra trading day in April, like-for-like value sales were -7.1% lower.

Total value sales in the three months February to April 2024 were down -2.4% compared to the same period a year ago. Volume sales fell -1.0% and prices were also down -1.4%. With one more trading day in the most recent three-month period, like-for-like sales were -4.0% lower.

Value sales in the three months February to April 2024 were -2.8% down on the previous three-month period (November 2023 to January 2024). Volume sales were +6.1% higher, however prices decreased -8.4%. With two more trading days in the most recent period, like-for-like sales were down -6.0%.

Plumbing & Heating merchants’ value sales in the rolling 12-month period from May 2023 to April 2024 were +1.2% higher than the previous 12-month period. However, volume sales were down -2.7%, with prices up +4.0%. With four extra trading days this year, like-for-like value sales were flat (-0.4%).

April’s PHMI index was 97.9 with no difference in trading days compared to the base period.

Mike Rigby, CEO of MRA Research, which produces the report says: “It was a better April for specialist plumbing and heating merchants with the monthly volume recovering +14.2% year on year. But, on like-for-like trading days, April’s value sales were -9.0% down compared to April 2023.

“With house building at historic lows, any uplift in plumbing and heating installations is likely to come from the residential repair, maintenance and improvement market. Despite the uncertainty of a general election just weeks away, property prices hit a new average high in May and a survey by Rightmove suggested that 95% of people planning to move weren’t about to change their plans because of the prospect of a government change.

“The GfK Consumer Confidence Index also reflected a growing positivity, as the overall index improved two points to -17 in May, driven by significant jumps in the outlook for consumers’ personal finances and their expectations for the general economic situation. While the announcement of a July election caught many off guard, improving confidence and a wealth of polls indicating a change in government may be just the ticket to get consumers spending on home improvements again.”

The Plumbing & Heating Merchant Index (PHMI) is the first to analyse point of sales data collated from specialist plumbing & heating merchants with combined annual sales of £3bn, to chart their performance month-to-month.

Based on data from GfK’s Plumbing & Heating Merchant Panel, which represents over 70% of the market by value, the report provides reliable data and a platform and voice for the industry, as well as for leading plumbing & heating brands. It is produced by MRA Research for the Builders Merchants Federation. There is no overlap or double counting between PHMI and the Builders Merchants Building Index (BMBI) sales data.

To download the latest report, or learn more about becoming an Expert, speaking on behalf of your market, visit www.phmi.co.uk.

Taylor Wimpey Logistics joins BMF

Taylor Wimpey Logistics (TWL), the supply chain logistics business of Taylor Wimpey UK, has joined the BMF as an Affiliate Member.

Taylor Wimpey is one of the UK’s leading national homebuilders, operating at a local level from 22 regional businesses, with a purpose to build great homes and create thriving communities. In 2023, the company delivered over 10,000 homes for customers.

TWL is a vital component of the company’s supply chain, sourcing bulk materials to prepare ‘just in time’ delivery of build-packs to site for each stage of the building process. They work with selected suppliers using carefully sourced materials, prioritising those with low embodied energy and a low environmental impact. In 2023, the company published its Net Zero Transition Plan, with ambitious targets to reach net zero across its value chain by 2045.

David Gooderham, TWL Logistics Director, said: “We are looking forward to working with the BMF which shares our values and ambitions to help accelerate the transition of the industry to more sustainable building materials and operational practices in the drive to achieve net zero.”

John Newcomb, BMF CEO, said: “We are delighted to welcome TWL into membership. Housebuilding is a key market for our members’ materials and products. Sustainability is high on our agenda and supply chain collaboration will play an essential role in developing industry-wide standards, best practice, information and training.”

BMF Manifesto: a blueprint for ‘Building a Better Britain’

The BMF (Builders Merchants Federation) presents a series of recommendations for the incoming new government in its latest manifesto, ‘Building a Better Britain’.

Fresh impetus from the next government is needed in support of the building industry to speed up the delivery of quality new homes of all types and tenures, and to implement an effective programme of energy efficient retrofit to existing housing stock.

BMF proposals include greater support for SME house-builders, the deployment of AI to speed up uncontentious planning applications, and legislation to amend the nutrient neutrality rule, which has, to date, delayed starts on 160,000 new homes.

The BMF also wants ministers to adopt the Construction Leadership Council’s (CLC) National Retrofit Strategy, with sufficient funding to support a long-term nationwide programme of home insulation to upgrade the energy and thermal performance of millions of existing homes.

BMF CEO John Newcomb said:

“Housing must be at the forefront of the next government’s plans and the BMF’s manifesto sets out credible, long-term proposals for the expansion and improvement of the country’s housing stock.

“Meeting the annual current target of 300,000 new homes means building the homes that people need, in places they want to live. This not only requires a mix of private development, new council houses and affordable and social housing, but also the involvement of smaller firms building homes suited to their local areas.

“The availability of affordable finance will help encourage SME housebuilders back into the market, as will the adoption of planning measures such as ‘permission in principle’ to help de-risk smaller projects.”

John Newcomb added:

“Coupled with this, there is an urgent need to upgrade much of the UK’s existing housing stock, which will also create new skilled jobs and boost economic growth.

“The CLC’s National Retrofit Strategy sets out the vision for a long-term programme. But its success will only be achieved with fresh political determination, backed by sufficient public and private funding, along with unflinching efforts by local government and other delivery partners to plan, execute and complete the programme of work.”

BMF shortlisted for two Memcom Awards

The BMF (Builders Merchants Federation) has been shortlisted in two major categories of the prestigious Memcom Excellence Awards, which celebrate innovation and achievement in UK Trade Associations and Professional Membership Organisations.

For the second consecutive year, the BMF is shortlisted for Best Trade Association, with Chief Executive John Newcomb also shortlisted for the Memcom CEO Leadership Award.

The Awards are run by Memcom, which has been helping individuals and membership organisations shape and achieve their goals since 2000. The Awards are independently judged by experts from the world of membership looking for evidence of innovation, creativity, and originality in the achievement of clearly defined goals.

Over the past 12 months the BMF has championed, invested in and facilitated the progression of industry initiatives in areas including sustainability, training and development, digital transformation and diversity and inclusivity in recruitment.

BMF CEO John Newcomb said: “We are once again 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 nomination as Best Trade Association.”

The Award winners will be announced on Thursday 26 September at a ceremony at the Hilton Bankside in London.

BMF announces shortlists for Supplier and Service Awards

The BMF (Builders Merchants Federation) has announced the companies shortlisted for the BMF Supplier & Distributor Member Engagement Award 2024 and the BMF Service Member Engagement Award 2024.

The Awards recognise the vital role suppliers and service members play within the building materials industry. Those shortlisted have demonstrated their proactive support through participation in BMF activities and events designed to encourage supply chain collaboration.

BMF Supplier Member Shortlist

Forgefix Limited

Knauf Insulation Ltd

OX Products Group UK Ltd / BORA

SIG plc

Talasey Group

Unilin Insulation UK Ltd

BMF Service Member Shortlist

EazyStock UK Ltd

ECI Software Solutions Ltd

Epicor

Intact Software

Kerridge Commercial Systems Ltd

Stirling Warrington

BMF CEO, John Newcomb said: “Each of the shortlisted companies has actively sought to gain the greatest value from BMF membership during the last 12 months. They have all made an outstanding contribution through their involvement in training, forums and

events, sponsorships, and participation in supply chain collaboration working group meetings. I would like to thank them all and wish them the very best in this year’s Awards.”

The winners will be announced at the BMF Members’ Day Awards Dinner, which takes on 19 September 2024, after the BMF Members’ Day Annual Conference at the Leonardo Hotel and Conference Venue at Hinckley Island in Leicestershire.