BMF embraces change at Members Day

The last year has seen more change for the Builders Merchants Federation than the previous 20.
That’s according to managing director John Newcomb, speaking to delegates at the 2013 BMF Members Day event.

“What’s changed since our last Members Day?, ” he asked. “In a simple answer, everything.”

The change has been physical – with a new head office location in Coventry and also in terms of personnel, with 60% of current BMF staff having now been in post for 12 months or less.

In June, the BMF announced its first buying group membership agreement with IBC, which was then followed up by a second agreement with NBG.

“All these changes at BMF are being summed up by our new advertising campaign which is appearing in the trade press. We are encouraging merchants to be part of this change process,” he said.

What is the future for BMF, Newcomb asked. “We will continue to change. We will continue to invest in building relationships with the major buying societies NMBS and Unimer and, in fact, are already working with NMBS on next year’s conference. We will also continue to explore ways we can work together with all the other buying groups.”

Newcomb used the Members day platform to announce a number of other BMF initiatives:

· BMF Trade Credit Pilot Scheme

· An affinity scheme in conjunction with Peugeot guaranteeing merchant and supplier members lowest prices on any Peugeot in the UK, also includes a £250 cash back for BMF training services.

· A further affinity scheme – yet to be launched – with Jaguar Land Rover for executive cars.

· New training initiatives

· New literature for the Apprenticeship scheme

· A new CRM system and database

· Two-day Branch manager event in Coventry in April, exclusively for branch managers of BMF member companies covering employment, H&S management & some product training modules

· Further development of the regional meetings

“I strongly believe that these changes are setting a great example of a business that’s driving for success, one that’s driving real innovation and achieving real success through teamwork with you, our members,” Newcomb said.

“I am very proud to tell you that one year on, your Federation is in much better shape, we are on track to create one industry with one voice.”