Public Affairs

MP's Visits

Most politicians have little or no grasp of how materials and products reach the end-user. To overcome this, we take them on ministerial or constituency visits to merchants or manufacturers to gain insight into a local business and our supply chain. Such visits are either arranged locally by themselves or by us as part of our lobbying. The aim is to show MPs, MSs or MSPs the role, value and importance of BMF members in delivering for customers and communities in all four home nations.  

For 15 years, we have welcomed government ministers, party spokesmen & women, local authority leaders and other elected or appointed members to our members’ branches, showrooms or factories. The gallery above shows a selection of successful visits we arranged. 

Your first point-of-contact is Brett Amphlett on (020) 7451 7316 or [email protected].

Parliamentary Reception

The BMF holds receptions in the Houses of Parliament to showcase excellence in the manufacture and distribution of materials & products. The aim is to engage parliamentarians and explain the role, value and importance of BMF members in delivering for local communities. We want to show that our supply chain is integral to boosting local jobs & growth and national prosperity. 

Our last reception was in February 2025. It attracted 24 MPs and Peers who met 120 BMF members and industry partners. Alison McGovern MP, Minister for Employment, spoke for HM Government. The BMF and DWP are collaborating on a joint initiative to publicise the range & diversity of roles with our supply chain to enable people to get into work and encourage them to choose merchanting as a career. 

This reception was hosted by Bill Esterson, a Labour MP from Merseyside, who chairs the House of Commons’ Energy Security & Net Zero Select Committee. UK Construction Week was our Headline Sponsor and the Band of Builders was our Charity Partner. We were joined by a dozen manufacturers to show the best of British industry. They exhibited their materials, products & systems to show what our supply chain offers residential, commercial and public service customers. 

Download event brochure

Your first point-of-contact is Brett Amphlett on (020) 7451 7316 or [email protected].

Publicity

The BMF writes articles and features for its own communications and the trade press to support the activity described on these pages; to answer queries from our members; and to look ahead to ideas & proposals on the horizon that will affect the BMF. This is in addition to the usual press releases.