BMF calls for reduced VAT for retrofit work to create new jobs and greener homes

The Builders Merchants Federation has called on the Government to eliminate or significantly reduce the rate of VAT to 0-5% for retrofit work on existing homes to provide a vital kick-start for a national retrofit programme that will create thousands of skilled jobs as well as making our homes warmer, greener and cheaper to run.

Over 100 people attended the BMF’s Parliamentary Reception at the House of Commons (on 28 November) which focused on the delivery of low carbon retrofit. BMF members and industry partners met with MPs and members of the House of Lords to showcase solutions to upgrade our existing housing stock as well as to create low carbon new homes.

BMF CEO John Newcomb said:

“In terms of energy efficiency our homes are amongst the worst in Europe.  They use 35% of all the energy in the UK and emit 20% of the carbon dioxide emissions. Twenty eight million older homes need upgrading to achieve net zero carbon emissions. 

“Last winter’s soaring energy bills focused attention on the energy we waste.   It’s a shocking fact, but in many older properties we are paying to generate heat that doesn’t warm our homes, but “leaks out” through poorly insulated, windows, walls, roofs and floors.

“The BMF has long supported a National Retrofit Strategy to enable the delivery of housing retrofit across the UK and is a founder supporter of the National Retrofit Hub. The Hub is helping all stakeholders – including government - understand their role in delivering low carbon homes, which is likely to be a 20 year programme of work.

“With the right support and incentives, retrofit offers one of the best opportunities to create new, meaningful jobs in every region and train thousands of new recruits to the industry, as well as making our homes warmer, greener and cheaper to run. 

“Its success will require long-term, cross-party commitment. But right now, a simple financial incentive will boost consumer confidence and provide the vital kick-start for the retrofit programme. Therefore, we are calling on the current government to eliminate or significantly reduce VAT to 0-5% for retrofit work on existing homes up to a ceiling of £30,000 to provide this kickstart.

“This is the beginning of a long journey, but it is but it is one that we cannot afford to ignore.”

The BMF Reception, which was hosted by Andrew Lewer, MP for Northampton South, and the Chairman of the APPG for SME House-Builders, was also addressed by the Housing Minister, Lee Rowley MP, Bill Esterson MP, speaking as Labour Party Shadow Minister, and Sam Patel, Divisional Director UK Construction Week, the headline sponsor.

BMF responds to Chancellor’s Autumn Statement

The Builders Merchants Federation has welcomed the announcement to make full expensing permanent, but says the government has missed an opportunity to create new jobs and boost local growth by failing to support a national retrofit strategy to improve the energy efficiency of millions of existing homes across the UK.

BMF CEO John Newcomb said:

“The announcement on full expensing will be welcomed by builders merchants and building material manufacturers along with many other businesses as they invest to expand and upgrade their facilities. But, beyond a pledge to reform elements of the planning system, there was little direct support for the construction sector in the main headlines of the Autumn Statement.

“We want to get Britain building again, but there was nothing in the budget relating to our number one ask, support for a national retrofit strategy.  This was a missed opportunity to stimulate the repair maintenance and improvement sector, create thousands of appropriately skilled jobs and boost much-needed local growth, while at the same time helping millions of families to improve their homes’ energy efficiency and cut heating bills.

“We will continue to speak directly to government to promote the positive impact of a skilled RMI programme.  Our parliamentary reception next week will focus on the work we are doing to build a workforce to deliver the low carbon solutions that are the essence of the national retrofit strategy and the impact kickstart support from government would make.”

Trade body calls for Chancellor to improve homes and boost jobs in Autumn Statement

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has set out how a nationwide programme of retrofitting energy-saving measures could improve housing, reduce carbon emissions, cut household bills and boost jobs.

John Newcomb, CEO of the national trade body, is calling for a long-term plan to drive progress in areas such as insulation, improved glazing and heating in a letter to Chancellor of the Exchequer Jeremy Hunt, ahead of this month’s Autumn Statement.

The move comes as the latest Construction Leadership Council’s Product Availability Statement reveals an overall decline in construction activity which is predicted to continue into next year.

John Newcomb said: “With interest rates likely to remain around current levels well into 2024, consumer confidence is proving volatile in the short term.

“Based on current sales, one major housebuilder is forecasting a 25 per cent reduction in the number of houses built in the current trading year.

“With a slowdown in new house-building already taking hold, and prospects not looking good, the BMF firmly believes the property repair, maintenance and improvement market offers the best hope to create new, meaningful jobs in every region and boost much-needed local growth.

“There are still too many homes without cavity wall, solid wall and loft insulation.

“This reinforces our view there is still significant work to do to fit various types of insulation that are inexpensive and straightforward to complete.”

The BMF represents a major part of the economy, with 900 merchant and supplier company members in the building materials supply chain - employing more than 206,000 people and with combined sales of more than £44.5bn.

It believes a clear strategy from Government is vital to unlock issues with the nation’s poor housing stock and protect jobs.

John Newcomb added: “The Green Deal and Green Homes Grant both failed and closed early. Last year’s Autumn Statement included £6 billion for home energy efficiency from 2025 to 2028, in addition to £6.6bn announced previously, which we have yet to see being fully utilised – as well as announcing the Energy Efficiency Taskforce, which ended in September with the work it had conducted remaining unpublished.

“We need a clear, unambiguous long-term action plan showing how, where and when previously allocated funding will be spent, and the way that local government and other delivery partners will implement the necessary improvements that so many homes urgently need.

“It is only with renewed political determination by ministers, coupled with relentless efforts by local government, energy suppliers and others, that a nationwide programme of retrofitting homes can begin to cut household bills, improve cold, draughty homes, boost jobs and reduce carbon emissions.”

BMF Wins Silver Award

November 2023

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has picked up the Silver Award for the Best Trade Association )less than 1,000 members) at the annual Association Execllence Awards event in London. 

BMF CEO John Newcomb said:  “We are 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 silver award as Best Trade Association.”

BMF's Irish membership expands with new Topline Group deal   

BMF supports World Mental Health Awareness Day - Tues 10th October

Join us in recognising World Mental Health Day on Tuesday 10^th October.

At the Builders Merchant Federation, we understand the importance of mental health in the construction industry. This year, we are proud to support the Lighthouse Construction Charity, our 2024 BMF Charity of the Year, who are doing incredible work to promote mental well-being in our industry.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, please don't hesitate to reach out. Visit the Lighthouse Construction Charity's website for valuable resources and information: https://bit.ly/3RNd25C

Together, let's ensure no one faces mental health challenges alone. 

Further support is available via the NHS who are in their fourth year of their Every Mind Matters Campaign. Giving everyone the opportunity to access resources to help better their mental health. From expert advice to talking therapies – there is a wealth of beneficial information.
Visit: https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/

BMF launches new Product Data Template

In a major step towards product data standardisation across the building materials industry, the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has launched a universal product data template which can be used by all manufacturers and merchants.

Product data standardisation is the key to removing inefficiencies in transferring information across the building materials supply chain. The BMF’s product data template has been specifically designed to help members eliminate the problem of inconsistent data content and format requests, thus saving both time, effort and cost.

The first iteration of the BMF product data template, version 1.1, has been through a year of development and testing by a working group of over 30 BMF members, chaired by Jonathan Chard, Director of IT at Bradfords, and spanning national, regional and independent merchants, light-side and heavy-side manufacturers and suppliers, merchant buying groups and e-commerce specialists.

The template is already in use by many of the working group members, and the BMF has a target of 85% adoption across the supply chain by the end of 2024.  The template is available free of charge for members to download from the BMF website.

Designed by the industry, for the industry, the template is easy to use and has been created using a multi-tab Microsoft Excel format.  This provides product data managers with a practical and familiar process with full support via the BMF website. 

However, version 1.1 of the template is just the beginning.  The BMF wants its members to continue development of the product data template and is building a list of testing and adoption partners. Further improvements and updates will be released over the next year, with version control managed via the BMF’s website.  All enhancements and advanced features will be fully tested before release. 

BMF CEO, John Newcomb said:

“The new template sets the standard for a single source of truth for product data in the building materials industry.  Feedback from early adopters is unanimously positive and we are confident it will transform efficiency in the supply chain, making teams more productive, reducing the cost of rework and improving the quality of data.”

Working Group Chair, Jonathan Chard said:

“Data standardisation is about making sure that each data type has the same content and format, essential for tracking, comparing, searching and selling products.  The efficiencies it brings leads to better margin and profit for us all.  

“The challenge we face now is educating the sector about the benefits of developing consistent data criteria.  Mass adoption is key.  I would urge everyone to get on the bus and be part of the solution.  The more we can do the faster it will grow.”

To find out more and to download the template, click on the link below

Download release v1.1

BMF Wins Award for Top 100 Merchant Achievers Event
The BMF was delighted to achieve success at the recent prestigious 2023 Memcom Excellence Awards event held in London.
The 'Top 100 Merchants Achievers' event, run jointly by the BMF in conjunction with BMN magazine, was awarded the 'Best Celebration Event of the Year' award beating off tough competition from across the country.

BMF's Kerry Wilson joins RCI Panel Discussion on Skills Gap 

Kerry Wilson, Learning & Development Manager at the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) will take part in an important panel discussion at the RCI Show discussing how we close the skills gap and recruit new blood into the industry.

Kerry, who has worked in Learning and Development for 15 years, is an advocate for improving diversity and generating awareness of career and development opportunities in the building materials sector.

As well as overseeing the BMF’s apprenticeship programme, Kerry works with the BMF Ambassador group to promote apprenticeships in the industry and is currently involved with various initiatives including the Apprenticeship Pledge through which BMF members are committing to recruit 15,000 new apprentices by 2030.  She is also the BMF’s project lead for the Construction Inclusion Coalition, an industry-wide coalition formed to improve equity, diversity and inclusion across the construction sector.

The RCI Show takes place at the MK Stadium in Milton Keynes on 19^th October.  The Skills Panel starts at 10am.

BMF Research on sustainable building materials
highlights merchant / supplier differences

A new research report by the BMF to establish the current state of sustainability in the building materials sector highlights a disparity between the BMF’s supplier and merchant members.  

Whereas 78% of suppliers place sustainability in the top three priorities for their business, and are leveraging it as a strategic growth driver, only 45% of merchants currently afford it the same high priority. Merchants are more likely to view sustainability in terms of mitigating risk and complying with regulation, while 5% of merchants are yet to have sustainability on their radar. 

The progressive tightening of legislation around sustainability is clearly driving suppliers and manufacturers to take advantage of the commercial window of opportunity available to innovators before legislation requires the same standards from all suppliers.

Amongst merchants, however, a higher proportion are adopting a “wait and see” approach.  The biggest barrier for many is their belief that price-sensitive customers are unwilling to pay more for sustainable products.  

On average BMF members believe their customers would not pay more than a 5% premium, though this varies by product category.  Merchants also cite low customer awareness of the need for sustainable materials and a lack of clarity as to what makes a product more sustainable.

Company size also has a bearing, with the importance of sustainability increasing as turnover rises.  Around 50% of those with a turnover of under £100m place sustainability within their top 3 priorities.  This rises to 75% for companies with a turnover of £100m-£250m and 90% for those over £250m.

In a chicken and egg response, the research found that companies with either an individual or team responsible for sustainability were more likely to view sustainability as an integral part of their business strategy, driving growth and creating value.

Suppliers were more likely to have an in-house sustainability resource with 85% having at least one person in place compared to 64% for merchants.  However, this percentage increased with the size of the business for both merchants and suppliers, rising from 33% for companies in the £1m-£10m range, through 66% for £10m-£50m turnover, 75% for £50m-£100M, 94% for £100m-£2050m to 95% for those over £250m.

The research, which was conducted by the BMF's research and strategy partners CMDi, revealed that members are also looking to the BMF both to help promote greater awareness and understanding for merchants and their customer groups, and for shared industry approaches to sustainability. 

John Newcomb, BMF CEO said: 
“The BMF Sustainability Forum and the BMF Sustainability Working Group are two practical ways in which we are supporting members, wherever they are on their journey. The BMF’s supply chain collaboration will become increasingly essential for creating industry wide standards, best practice, information, training, forums and marketing materials.”
Giles Bradford, Chair of the BMF Sustainability Forum and Sustainability Working Group and Head of Sustainability at Bradfords Building Supplies, said: 

“The BMF launched this working group nine months ago and the research and accompanying report is one of our first major outputs. The research was carried out to create a baseline to measure progress towards the BMF’s goal of accelerating the adoption of more sustainable building materials as well as identifying the barriers preventing it.  We plan to evaluate progress by repeating the survey annually with a larger cross section of the sector each year.”

The full research results are available as a free download for members from the BMF website, along with “Towards more Sustainable Solutions”, the first report from the BMF Sustainability Working Group containing practical advice and guidance from leading sustainability specialists in the building materials sector.

BMF announces ACO to sponsor BMF All Industry Conference 2025

The BMF has announced that ACO Technologies will be the headline sponsor of the BMF All Industry Conference 2025.

John Newcomb, BMF CEO said:

“We are delighted that ACO Technologies has come on board as headline sponsor for our next All Industry Conference at this early stage.  Following on from this year’s fantastic conference in Istanbul, we are looking forward to working with ACO as we develop our plans for another terrific event.”

ACO is known for its surface water management systems and sustainable drainage solutions, developing innovative products that are supported by a comprehensive design service.

Mike Simpson Lane, ACO Technologies Managing Director said:

“ACO is proud to be the headline sponsor of the 2025 BMF All Industry Conference. The builders merchant network has always been important to us since we entered the UK market in 1984.  Our strong relationships with merchants have been built through an ongoing spirit of partnership, working together to grow our product portfolio and mutual business.

“We have been pleased to support the BMF for many years as a trade association that has helped to highlight and engage with many of the macro policies affecting our industry and provide insights that have helped us to deliver dynamic and sustainable water management solutions across the construction sector.

“We look forward to attending the 2025 BMF All Industry Conference, which will be a great opportunity to collaborate and share ideas on how we can make the built environment more sustainable.”

BMF partners with leading organisations across construction industry to launch new coalition to tackle lack of diversity 

• The BMF has partnered with 10 other major organisations across the construction sector to establish the Construction Inclusion Coalition (CIC) to improve equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the sector
• New polling shows nearly half of Brits (46%) say they’d be more likely to actively seek out employment opportunities in the construction industry if it demonstrated a stronger commitment to diversity and inclusion
• New coalition will initially focus on increasing collaboration, networking and knowledge sharing across the sector

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has united with ten leading organisations in the construction industry, representing over two hundred and fifty thousand workers, to launch a new coalition that aims to tackle a lack of diversity across the industry. 

The Construction Inclusion Coalition (CIC) has been established by CEOs at leading organisations including Aliaxis, Baxi, Bradfords, Highbourne Group, Ibstock PLC, Knauf, Travis Perkins PLC, Wavin, Wolseley Group, the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) and the National Merchant Buying Society (NMBS), to raise sector standards on equity, diversity and nclusion, with an immediate focus on gender representation in its first year. 

The Coalition was launched today at the BMF Annual Conference in a session addressed by CIC Chairperson and Toolstation Managing Director, Angela Rushforth, and representatives of two CIC founder members, Sam Grierson, Customer Proposition Director & EDI Chair for Wolseley Group, and James Saunders , Chief People Officer of City Plumbing part of the Highbourne Group.

The Coalition is being launched alongside new polling which shows that only one third (36%) of British people would feel confident that their female family or friends would be safe and respected if they joined the construction industry. The research of over 2,000 adults also outlines the opportunity for the sector, with nearly half of people (46%) saying they’d be more likely to actively seek out employment opportunities in the construction industry if it demonstrated a stronger commitment to diversity and inclusion. 

John Newcomb, CEO of the BMF says:

“This is a vitally important initiative for the building materials sector and others that make up the construction industry, which the BMF is proud to support. In common with other traditional industries, we are faced with an ageing workforce, and one that remains predominantly male and pale. As an industry we must act together to create an environment where opportunities are clearly available to a far wider demographic, to attract and recruit from the diverse pool of talent we have in this country.”

Construction Inclusion Coalition Chairperson and Toolstation Managing Director, Angela Rushforth says:

“Tere is no doubt that the future of our industry is at risk if we don’t create an environment where all our colleagues feel safe, empowered and confident. I want all young women to see the construction sector as I do - full of opportunity.” 

“We aren’t attracting and retaining from a diverse pool of talent, because many think the construction sector is not for them. These are industry-wide challenges that require industry-wide solutions, which is why the Construction Inclusion Coalition has been set up to improve equity, diversity and inclusion. We are calling on businesses across the sector – no matter how big or small - to join our Coalition and commit to taking action in their organisations”.

The construction sector has one of the most rapidly ageing workforces in the UK, with research showing that close to a million construction workers – around a third of the UK’s total workforce – are set to retire in the next ten years.¹ Despite this, the industry is currently only made up of 15% women and 6% from ethnic minority backgrounds², and faces challenges attracting and recruiting from a diverse pool of talent.

Alongside Coalition Partners, the BMF is urging businesses across the industry to join the initiative and take the Built on Better Pledge. The pledge covers seven areas members commit to working on.

The initiative has already gained the support of Bosch, Gerberit and Independent Builders Merchant Group (IBMG) who have joined as Coalition Members, as well as the Construction Products Association (CPA), Energy & Utilities Alliance (EUA), Federation of Master Builders (FMB), National Buying Group (NBG) and H&B Buying Group (H&B) who have joined as Associate Members.

The BMF will work alongside other Coalition Partners to enhance the impact of their individual equity, diversity and inclusion initiatives, by fostering collaboration and establishing a network to share knowledge and resources across the industry, and co-creating solutions that will make a difference. Progress will be tracked annually and shared in a public report.

The Coalition has been endorsed by the Construction Leadership Council, the leading body which draws together business leaders from across the construction sector and links them with the UK government.

Construction Leadership Council Co-Chair and CEO of Mace, Mark Reynolds says:

“The Construction Leadership Council has long been advocating for businesses and organisations in our sector to collaborate to make our industry more welcoming and inclusive. It is clear that ensuring a consistent approach to equity, diversity and inclusion will be vital for the future of construction, which is why we’re pleased to support the Construction Inclusion Coalition. There is much work to be done, however I am confident that sharing knowledge and raising standards, we can make a meaningful impact across the sector.”

About the Construction Inclusion Coalition

The Construction Inclusion Coalition is an industry wide effort with a singular objective to improve equity, diversity and inclusion across the construction industry, to ultimately retain and attract talent, and ensure the longevity of the industry. It has been formed by 11 founding members including: Aliaxis, Baxi, Bradfords, the Builders Merchants Federation, Highbourne Group, Ibstock plc, Knauf, the National Merchant Buying Society, Travis Perkins plc, Wavin, and The Wolseley Group. The Coalition is endorsed by the Construction Leadership Council, the leading body which draws together business leaders from across the construction sector and links them with the UK government.

The Built on Better Pledge

INSPIRE – Work together to inspire the next generation of leaders in the construction industry

• LISTEN – Conduct internal surveys on equity, diversity and inclusion, and to act on the main problems and barriers identified
• SHARE – Develop and share resources from within and beyond the construction industry
• SUPPORT – Support a healthy and collaborative workplace environment, and maintain
• a whistleblowing procedure where colleagues feel comfortable speaking out
• EDUCATE – Educate ourselves, our colleagues, and the wider industry
  around aspects of equity, diversity, and inclusion
• MEASURE – Commit to benchmarking, tracking and sharing equity, diversity,
• and inclusion data within organisations
• REPORT – Assess our equity, diversity, and inclusion progress on an annual basis, publishing a report and outlining a plan for further action every year as a Coalition

Further information about polling

Portland Communications conducted an online survey with 2,009 members of the UK public aged 18+, between 24th and 27th July 2023. 

BMF names Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity as new charity partner

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has nominated the Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity as its charity partner for 2024. 

The Lighthouse Charity’s mission is to reduce construction workforce suicides, improve industry welfare and wellbeing, and  to make welfare and wellbeing support visible and accessible.  It provides emotional, physical and financial support to those working in construction and their families across the UK and Ireland and has become a central provider for those who are either self-employed, agency staff or on zero hours contracts and have nowhere to turn in a crisis.

In 2022 the charity supported over 3400 construction families in crisis through their helpline services and trained 3850 workers in mental health first aid and other wellbeing education programmes.  Their #MakeItVisible onsite tours have engaged thousands of site workers in discussions to start the conversation on wellbeing and ensure that anyone identified at immediate risk receives immediate counselling. Their onsite support services also help workers experiencing the traumatic effects of major site incidents and fatalities. 

Bill Hill of the Lighthouse Charity said: “We are delighted to be selected as the BMF’s charity partner.  The Lighthouse Charity receives no public sector funding and relies on the generosity of the industry to help them help colleagues in need.  You can be assured that every penny is well spent. The charity creates a Social Value of £9.12 for every £1 invested.”

John Newcomb, BMF CEO said: “A report published in Mental Health Awareness Week earlier this year found that 73% of UK builders experience mental health problems such as anxiety or depression every month, and 92% said they did not feel comfortable discussing their mental health with others.  The Lighthouse Charity provides vital support for those most at risk and we are looking forward to fund-raising with our members to help them continue their valuable work.”

Handelsbanken UK Chief Economist to speak at BMF Annual Conference

29 August 2023 

James Sproule, Chief Economist of Handelsbanken UK, has been confirmed to speak at the BMF Members’ Annual Conference on 21 September, where he will offer his perspective on the UK economy.  

Founded in Sweden in 1871, Handelsbanken is one of the world’s strongest banks with home markets serving corporate and private customers in Sweden, Norway, the Netherlands and in the UK where there are now over 200 branches. At Handelsbanken, James is a trusted adviser to a wide range of the bank’s clients, as well as being an integral part of the bank’s broader risk management team.  

For much of 2019 James was a Senior Business Adviser to Prime Minister Boris Johnson prior to which he worked with several think tanks.  

He was the Chief Economist and Director of Policy at the Institute of Directors between 2014 and 2017, before which he spent two decades in the City as an economist in merchant banks and consultancies, eventually helping to found the boutique bank Augusta and Company. 

James was also a visiting fellow in the Department of Management Economics at the London School of Economics for seven years.   

The BMF Annual Conference and black-tie Awards Dinner takes place on 21 September at the Hilton Metropole Hotel in Birmingham. The BMF’s annual Golf Tournament and other social activities will be held on the previous day, 20 September at the Forest of Arden Golf Course.  

The BMF thanks our headline sponsor, Unilin Insulation, and further sponsors announced so far :  Azpects, BDA, Catalyst IT, Crosby Associates, Eazystock, Encon, Epicor, E Tupling, Forgefix, Intact Software, Kerridge, Mannock, Marsh Industries, Monument Tools, Plasson, Professional Builders Merchant, Wavin, the Worshipful Company of Builder Merchants and the Worshipful Company of Marketors.   

For more information and to book your place at the BMF Annual Conference and Awards please visit https://bit.ly/BMFMembersDay2023  or use the QR Code shown below

Shortlists announced for BMF Young Achiever and Marketing Awards

24 August 2023

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has announced the shortlists for its 10th annual Young Achiever Awards, and for a new award for Marketing Excellence, which is presented in association with the Worshipful Company of Marketors.  

The BMF Young Achiever Awards are open to anyone under 35 working in either a merchant or supplier business who has excelled in their role and made a recognised contribution to the success of their organisation.  

Six people have been shortlisted for the Young Merchant Achiever Award: Nathan Arthur, IBMG Zoe Harvey, Bradfords Building Supplies Lauren Penney, Chandler Material Supplies Cameron Smith, Mathewson & Rosemond Charlie Smith, NMBS Joe Smith, Haldane Group (GE Robinson)  

Four people have been shortlisted for the Young Supplier Achiever Award: Ben Farrington, Bostik Anneka Helgesen, ACO Technologies Ryan Lockwood, Fernco Laura Perrett, Wrekin  

The new BMF Marketing Excellence Award is open to merchant, supplier or service members and recognises individuals whose marketing ideas and implementation have enhanced their business.  

Four people have been shortlisted for this Award: Claire Briars, E Tupling Elaine Gilligan, Kilwaughter Minerals Rebecca Range, Terratruck Group George Wright, Ox Tools.

BMF CEO, John Newcomb said: “Congratulations to all those who have earned a place on these shortlists.  I wish them all good luck in the Awards, and I’m sure every one of them will go on to even greater success in their careers.”  

The winners will be announced at the BMF Annual Conference and Awards Dinner on 21 September 2023.   

The BMF thanks our Award Sponsors: Mannok (Young Merchant Winner), E Tupling (Young Merchant Runner Up), The Encon Group (Young Merchant Bronze Award) and Epicor  (Young Supplier Winner) and The Worshipful Company of Marketors (Marketing Excellence Winner).

Building materials price growth slowing

22 August 2023

“The second quarter remained challenging for the whole UK economy, with inflation inching down and interest rates raised to accelerate movement towards the targeted inflation figures for the end of 2023.  Against this background year-on-year building material sales in Q3 will likely remain negative but should see price growth falling further and volume continuing to show signs of recovery.”