While a great deal of BMF training is classroom or computer based, one of the longest running training offers deliberately takes delegates out of their familiar comfort zones and into the wild outdoors. Held over a weekend in the Lake District, the annual Mastermerchant competition is the perfect teambuilding event.  

Mastermerchant, which first took place in the 1980s, involves teams of four competing in a range of challenges that test their communication and problem-solving ability as much as their physical perseverance. The fun event has a serious purpose as the competition is designed to help colleagues discover how much more can be accomplished through teamwork.  Zip wire and rope climbing tasks were added to the physical challenges this year and, like the Crystal Maze, teams also tackled mental challenges to uncover clues and crack codes.

Chandlers Builders Merchants took the overall prize for the third year running, with first time entrants, Hafele, taking the Super Supplier Award.  And, of course, each of the 14 teams that entered returned to work with a greater understanding of their colleagues’ strengths and skills. If you haven’t tried it already, why not enter a team next year?

Branch Managers Forum

A more recent addition to the BMF’s training programme, the BMF Branch Managers’ Forum, has quickly established itself in the annual calendar.  The two-day event is specifically designed to help Branch Managers and those aspiring to branch management, to run their branches more effectively and to improve performance in every aspect.

This year’s event takes place from 31 October to 1 November and the BMF has geared the subject matter to stimulate new thinking and galvanise action when delegates return to their branches.  Chaired by Sue Reed, a BMF trainer and Fellow of the Institute of Sales Management, an impressive array of industry experts will share their knowledge on a wide variety of branch-related subjects. Topics include, leadership and management, traditional and digital marketing, increasing sales margins, diversity and equality in employment, environmental efficiency, health and safety as well as product masterclasses. 

The programme concludes with a truly inspirational speech from Retired Lieutenant Colonel Stewart Hill, who has dealt with huge changes to build a new life after shrapnel from an IED tore into his brain whilst fighting in Afghanistan. Stewart will deliver an amazing insight into his achievements, reflecting on the significance of teamwork, trust and communication and how life’s obstacles can be met head on and overcome.This is one training event that anyone new to branch management really can’t afford to miss.  To book your place click here or contact Paige Godsell, Training Co-ordinator at [email protected] or call her on 02476 854989.


BMF training ranges from formal Apprenticeships and sector-specific Diplomas and a Foundation Degree in Merchant Management, to on-line product knowledge and other specialist skills training. Find out more and book BMF training courses here.


This article appeared in the September 2019 edition of Professional Builders Merchant (PBM)