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