Some 150 merchant and supplier members attended the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) Members' Day on 9 October, for which an Olympic theme was adopted.
Chairman, Terry Parker, ticked off the list of achievements since the last event, which are all designed to return the BMF to the heart of the merchanting industry. These included its incorporation as a limited company, the appointment of a new managing director, the sale of its London headquarters and the purchase of a new base in Coventry.
Managing director, John Newcomb, outlined his vision for the BMF to be the authoritative voice of the merchant industry and a fully inclusive Federation that represents the interests of independent and national merchants, and the companies that supply them.
BMF also made two major announcements. Firstly, leading roof and window manufacturer FAKRO has been secured as the headline sponsor of the All Industry Conference in June 2013. BMF will be working with Unimer and NMBS to create a dynamic and interactive event in which everyone can participate.
Secondly, following the success of the BMF Diploma in Merchanting, 2013 will see the introduction of the new BMF Foundation Degree. Anyone who has completed the BMF Diploma will be eligible to finish their studies with a work-based project leading to a BMF Foundation Degree awarded by the University of the West of England, Bristol.
David Smith, economics editor of the Sunday Times, was the keynote speaker and analysed the recession, examining global factors and policies closer to home.
Two potential candidates for BMF's management qualifications were honoured at the Members' Day. Steven Rennie of Keith Builders Merchants, was named BMF Apprentice of the Year, NVQ Level 3 and Reiss Digby of Digby Stone, was named BMF Apprentice of the Year, NVQ Level 2.
The winners of the BMF MasterMerchant competition, the 'Merchanteers' from Simpson & Allinson, were also presented with their trophy by Stuart Mason-Elliott, Chairman of Builders Merchants Training Trust (BMTT), which sponsors the event.
