TTJ Timber Merchanting Development Award search underway

The TTJ Timber Merchanting Development Award – the annual search for excellence in timber merchanting – is open for entries. The merchanting award, which is organised in association with the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF), forms part of the annual TTJ Awards – the UK timber industry’s leading annual awards event.

 The judged category, open to builders’ and timber merchants, is designed to reward companies which have invested in their businesses to foster growth, improve efficiency and better serve their customers. The Award is particularly aimed at initiatives and investments to develop and improve the timber side of businesses.

This may involve a range of actions covering, for example (but not limited to), improving the timber product range, delivery service, site and infrastructure investment (buildings, handling equipment, storage, showrooms/shop), investment in management/ordering software, machinery and initiatives to educate the end-user in correct timber specification.

“We want to hear about projects, investments and improvements which merchants have made to their timber business,” said TTJ editor Stephen Powney. “Forward-thinking companies are always looking at ways to improve their operations to take their business to that extra level, and together with the BMF, we’d like to shine a light on some of the best initiatives out there.”

The BMF is the only trade association representing merchants and suppliers in the UK and Ireland, with a vision to enable members to build excellence in the building materials sector. Total membership from May 1, 2024 stands at 950 merchant and supplier companies who together have combined sales of over £45.3bn and employ under 200,000 people in the building materials sector. The BMF’s 502 merchant members, including 79 now from Ireland, operate from over 6,400 branches across the UK and Ireland.

To enter the TTJ Timber Merchanting Development Award and download an entry form visit TTJ Awards. Entries should be submitted by June 21.

The TTJ Awards 2024, the 28th edition of the popular event, is a lunchtime awards ceremony that will take place at Hilton London Bankside on September 20. It attracts companies from the whole timber supply chain, including sawmills, distributors, merchants, importers, contractors, specifiers and wood product manufacturers.

For more details visit TTJAwards2024. For more information and Ticket & Sponsorship enquiries about the TTJ Awards contact Chidi Adilih at +44 (0) 20 7406 6739 / [email protected]

Primaflow F&P joins the BMF

Primaflow F&P, the largest distributor of plumbing, heating and bathroom materials in the UK is the latest in a growing cohort of plumbing and heating specialists to join the Builders Merchants Federation.

The company supports 4,500 independent merchants, distributing around 12,500 products on its own fleet of over 100 vehicles. With a mission to “Simply Deliver More”, Primaflow F&P provides a market-leading service, with next day delivery completed out of 10 regional transport hubs.

Primaflow F&P CEO, Charlie Lacey said:

“The majority of our customers are independent merchants who we support with a fast, friendly, reliable, and professional service. Our aim is to understand our customers’ needs and deliver solutions, not just products. Membership of the BMF will provide us with a further opportunity to support this vital sector and we are looking forward to playing an active role in the Federation.”

BMF CEO, John Newcomb said:

“Plumbing & Heating is an important sector within the BMF, with 15% of members categorised as P&H specialists, and most generalist merchants also servicing the P&H needs of their customers. We are delighted to welcome Primaflow F&P to the BMF community and look forward to working with them.”

IBMG CEO to speak at BMF Annual Conference

Martin Stables, CEO of the Independent Builders Merchant Group (IBMG), has been confirmed as one of three industry speakers at the BMF Members’ Annual Conference in September.

Martin joined the Independent Builders Merchant Group as CCO in 2021, following over 20 years in the industry with Saint-Gobain’s Merchanting brands.  He was appointed CEO in 2022 and heads a talented management team overseeing one of the most successful merchant groups in southern England, which has seen rapid growth from a combination of M&A, new branch openings, and organic growth since 2018.

Martin is passionate about the historic legacy and trading DNA of IBMG’s independent brands and how best to integrate and optimise local brands with the investment levels and support functions now available across the wider Group.

He will discuss his experience alongside two other industry speakers representing house builders and building material manufacturers during the Industry Forum, a regular feature at the BMF conference.  The session will conclude with a Q&A.

BMF CEO, John Newcomb said: “The rise of regional merchant groups has been a major aspect of the building materials landscape in recent years. IBMG has been at the forefront of this trend, and I am looking forward to hearing Martin’s views on what the future holds.”

The BMF’s annual flagship event will take place on 18 and 19 September at the Leonardo Hotel and Conference Venue at Hinckley Island in Leicestershire. In addition to informative and entertaining conference sessions, interactive workshops and exhibition, the event encompasses sporting and social networking opportunities, including the BMF Golf Tournament and a black-tie Awards Dinner celebrating members’ achievements.

For more information and to book your place at the BMF Annual Conference and Awards , headline sponsor Unilin Insulation, please visit http://tinyurl.com/5n8xbxrc or contact [email protected]

Young Achievers event boosts BMF charity fundraising

The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) raised £11,000 for its charity of the year, Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity, at a gala dinner for the Top 100 Young Achievers in the building materials sector.

The event, held at the Belfry Hotel, celebrated 100 individuals, aged 40 or under, drawn from merchant, supplier and service companies within the industry. All those recognised have made a significant difference within their company and are set to carry the industry forward in the future.

This is the third year a gala dinner has been held to acknowledge those with the greatest influence in the building materials sector, with merchants and suppliers being honoured at previous events. This year’s celebration, attended by over 200 people, was not only the largest in the series, but it also raised the greatest sum for charity.

John Newcomb, BMF CEO said:

“The status of the Top 100 is growing each year and it was particularly pleasing that our biggest event to date shone a spotlight on a cohort of young leaders who are stepping up to drive our industry forward.

“Our thanks go to our co-hosts, Builders Merchants News and our headline sponsor NMBS One Place, together with our other sponsors and those donating raffle and auction prizes. Thanks also to everyone who helped to raise such a fantastic sum for Lighthouse Construction Industry Charity.”

Lighthouse Construction Industry charity is the only charity that is 100% dedicated to the emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing of construction workers and their families.