Prospering in changing times  

by John Newcomb, BMF Managing Director
25 June 2017

Nothing is more certain in life than change.  This time last year, the Brexit vote hadn’t happened and David Cameron was still Prime Minister.  Much has changed since then and will continue to do so. I’m writing this in the week that the major political parties publish their election manifestos.  By the time you read it, we will know the colour and shape of our new government.  

Whatever the result, we will continue to press the government of the day to commit to three key policies supported by BMF members, namely  

• action on air quality, where the last Government’s air quality proposals missed a golden opportunity to modernise the use of larger vehicles in cities 
• progress towards a custom agreement based on low or zero tariffs after Britain leaves the European Union  
  
• a commitment to ensure that the construction industry has skilled people in place to keep Britain building.  
  

By now we may also be clearer on the type of Brexit we are heading towards, which will inevitably bring about more change. I am a great believer that out of change and challenge comes opportunity and I’m sure that this is a message that delegates at this month’s BMF Conference in Budapest will hear repeated by our speakers.  

Successful businesses are the ones that can adopt and adapt to change and use it as a vehicle to improve their business performance.  They are also the businesses that are in touch with every facet of their industry.  Having a strong trade body at the centre of that industry is equally important, and the BMF has a clearly defined strategy that places the needs of our members at the heart of our business.  

Supporting our members 

As we look to the future, BMF members will be able to tap into 5 core benefits in key business areas.  

The first is training, in particular the launch of our new Apprenticeship Training Agency, which is set to triple the number of Apprenticeship in the Merchant sector by 2020.  

The second focuses on the development of digital technology and the trade’s continuous thirst for instant information. Here we are driving through the launch of our new Member Engagement system and increasing the number of training courses and forums focusing on digitisation in the merchant sector.  

The third is the provision of accurate market data. Adding to our established BMBI monthly sales data, we will be launching a new forecasting model to provide a more accurate view of the industry's future.  

The fourth core benefit is the continuation of our many networking events, not only Conference and Members Day but also smaller-scale product category and job specific forums that bring suppliers and merchants together to form ever closer working relationships.  

Finally, we are adding value to our merchant members’ business by driving builders, plumbers, installers and decorators to their branches through the new BMF App and through advertising programmes with key strategic partners such as the FMB, the NFRC and the CIPHE. 

Strong partnerships  

The BMF looks for strategic partners to support its work and benefit members. Our latest agreement is with the Institute of Builders Merchants (IoBM). The aims of the two organisations are well aligned. While the BMF represents merchant and supplier companies, the IOBM represents the individuals whose skills and professionalism help make those companies succeed.  Our new strategic partnership will see the two bodies working together more closely to develop the professionalism of the industry.  

The IoBM will promote learning and development across the builders merchants sector, ensure the availability of suitable training and continue to fund training for deserving individuals in support of their personal development. Wherever possible, that training will be provided by the BMF and the IoBM will independently accredit the BMF’s training courses. Applications for IoBM funding will now be open to employees from all BMF member companies, both merchant and supplier  

While the two bodies will operate as separate entities, the BMF will support and promote the IoBM, offering Affiliate membership free of charge to all BMF member company employees.

For the health and wealth of our industry, the dual support of a relevant and progressive trade body and a strong professional institute promoting lifelong learning will offer a great way forward.     
                

This article appeared in the June 2017 edition of Builders' Merchants News