IoBM | BMF

Access the IoBM Members' Area

Join

IoBM membership is open to all businesses operating within the building materials supply chain in the UK and Ireland.

Be part of the collective voice of the building materials sector.

Read our comprehensive brochure

Become a member

IoBM membership is for individuals working within the builders merchants sector in the UK and Ireland.

Individual Application

Become a corporate supporter

Show your support for the institute and profession of merchanting by becoming a Corporate Supporter.

Corporate Supporter Application

Contact us

Get in touch

Benefits of the IOBM

IoBM Membership supports your professional development in merchanting. Businesses in the building materials supply chain can join as Corporate Supporters. IoBM Merchant Membership offers industry-recognised evidence of your team's professionalism in merchanting.

IOBM membership benefits

Corporate supporter benefits

IOBM merchant benefits

Professional recognition

Stand out with post-nominal letters that showcase your expertise. Be recognised as a trusted professional in the building materials sector.

Career progression

Gain industry-recognised qualifications to open new opportunities. Learn new skills with IoBM diplomas, apprenticeships, online courses and specialist training.

Access to resources

Build valuable connections with industry peers and leaders. Access valuable resources, people stories and the IoBM newsletter to help you learn and stay current.

Exclusive events

Develop your sector knowledge and expertise. Be part of the professional building materials community, with regional meet-ups and the IoBM conference.

Motivational mentorship

Get personalised support to grow your career and confidence. Industry mentors help you set goals and reach your potential.

Mentoring

Becoming a mentor isn’t about having all the answers, it’s about sharing your knowledge, perspective, and experience while helping someone explore options and solutions. Along the way, you’ll gain fresh insights, build confidence in your own expertise, and strengthen key leadership skills such as active listening, empathy, and problem-solving. Mentoring broadens your perspective, enhances emotional intelligence, and exposes you to new challenges that sharpen your professional growth. Most importantly, it’s deeply rewarding; knowing you’ve made a difference in someone else's career journey. Step into mentoring and discover how helping others can be one of the best investments in your own development.

Access the mentoring platform

Success Stories

How IoBM is advancing careers in Building Materials

Learning and development through the IoBM

Proud to be a member of the IoBM

Training and accredited qualifications

Diploma

Online learning

Apprenticeships

Training roadmap

Funding options

The Worshipshipful Company of Builders' Merchants (WCoBM)

The WCoBM plays a key role within the builders' merchants sector, working to help create a thriving and prosperous industry through networking, philanthropy and the promotion of training and education.

Through the WCoBM Education & Training Fund, the company offers grants to support training for individuals within the sector who wish to develop their skills and learning, as well as companies who wish to support their teams in doing so.

For more information please visit https://wcobm.co.uk/grants-and-funding/

IOBM Charity

The charity's purpose is to offer grants and bursaries to encourage individuals into training, helping with postage and meeting expenses.

These grants and bursaries are open to IoBM members.

For more information please contact [email protected].

IoBM management committee

Executive Directors & Board Advisors

John Newcomb, FIBM

Builders Merchants Federation

Marianna Peet, MIBM

Builders Merchants Federation

Costas Marcou, AIBM

EM Paving Ltd

Edward Parlato, MIBM

Browns Builders Merchants Ltd

George Woollard, MIBM

STARK Building Materials UK Ltd T/A International Timber

Mrs. Emma Louise Champion, AIBM

Independent Builders Merchant Group

Rachel Fryers, FIBM

Merritt & Fryers Ltd

Sharon Maguire

Builders Merchants Federation

FAQS

What is the IOBM?

The IoBM is the professional body for individuals working in the Building Materials sector. It awards accredited qualifications that are recognised as best in class for the merchanting profession. Being a member of the IoBM is a mark of excellence, proof that you are a qualified, committed and ambitious merchanting professional.

Who can join?

Whether you’re a seasoned professional, or new to the industry, the IoBM is for all individuals who want to excel within the builders merchants’ industry, no matter what stage you are at in your career, the role you have, or level of academic qualifications you hold. It’s not just for management level, or senior people, the IoBM is fully inclusive of everyone in the sector. It’s most effective to join early on and progress upwards through the grades overtime, helping you progress up your chosen career ladder.

Why should I join?

There are 3 main reasons to join as an individual, with a host of further benefits.
GET RECOGNISED: Get letters after your name that prove your professionalism, like AIBM.
GET KNOWLEDGE: Gain best in class accredited qualifications that are recognised by employers.
GET CONNECTED: Join the only community dedicated to merchanting professionals like you.

Which member grade is right for me?

The IoBM has 4 member grades, Student, Associate, Full Member and Fellow, depending on your experience and qualifications.
Choose a grade that’s right for where you are now, then aim higher. View our brochure to discover which membership grade is right for you.

How do I join?

Just ask Sharon Maguire at the BMF, she’ll help you take the first step on your IoBM journey.
Call 02476 854980
Email: [email protected]
Or use the join form at www.bmf.org.uk/BMF2/MembershipApplicationForms/IOBMIndividualApplicationForm.aspx