Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
The Builders Merchants Federation has begun the launch process for a long-term sector awareness communications programme to raise the public’s knowledge and understanding of the building materials industry, positioning it as a vital, varied, vibrant sector with a wide range of career opportunities.
With the strapline “Materially Different” and messaging encouraging people to join the sector to help “Make a Material Difference”, the campaign will highlight why a career in building materials is different from a role in other industries, and the huge variety of careers it offers.
The main elements of the programme include a dynamic new careers website – which will include details of every BMF member – and a Toolkit providing guidance and assets for members to strengthen their employer brands. These have been unveiled to BMF members in advance of a national launch in the Autumn.
The programme defines the Building Materials sector: one that involves the manufacture, import, distribution and sale of building materials and products, through merchants for construction, infrastructure, house building, property and RMI markets.
BMF Chairman Richard Hill said: “We work in a fantastic sector that offers excellent opportunities to the talented people working here. However, when it comes to attracting new talent we are competing with many other sectors. It is time that we championed the Building Materials sector to the rest of the construction industry and the public at large.”
BMF CEO John Newcomb said: “We have had incredible input from those on the working team to get to this stage, but it’s time for every member to get on board to make this happen. We need members’ help if we are to drive recruitment in our industry and compete harder for talent.”
The BMF has called on each member to appoint a designated Campaign Owner to manage the programme within their business and to download the Toolkit so they can prepare and plan for the national launch.
The BMF will be holding a series of webinars between May and August to help them utilise the materials within the Toolkit and get the most benefit from the campaign. Members are also urged to submit company details, images and career opportunities for the new building careers website, to be launched in August, which will act as a key pathway for those seeking information about the industry.
Dianne Lucas, MD of CMDi, who helped develop the programme, said: “This not just a campaign, this is a fully integrated programme, designed to define, shape and launch Building Materials as a nationally recognised sector. We’re changing perceptions and myth busting current negative perceptions, providing powerful reasons to enter the sector, and making it accessible to all by creating one easy pathway in.”
For further information, to provide contact details for their Campaign Owner, or to access the Toolkit members should contact Jeremy Harris at jeremy.harris@bmf.org.uk
