Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
Builders merchants organisation the Builders Merchants Federation has seen member numbers grow by over 100 in the last 12 months.
The largest growth has been in merchant numbers, which have increased from 176 to 275. Much of the growth has been driven by the major buying groups, four of whom – IBC, NBC, PHG and LIMA – entered new collective membership agreements last year.
Merchant members are now spread across a broad range of types, from nationals and large independent buying groups to smaller independent outlets, and from generalist merchants to timber, plumbing and heating specialists. Fifteen of the Top 20 merchants are now members, compared to just 12 of the biggest merchants 18 months ago.
BMF MD, John Newcomb, said: “This is a great start to the year and a real demonstration that our objective of supporting members with commercial initiatives, education and training and by representing their views with policy makers is winning hearts and minds.
“We are not resting on our laurels. Our ambition for 2014 is to reach 500 members. The more of the industry we represent, the stronger our voice will be in the wider construction industry and amongst national and local policy makers.”
BMF’s 425 member companies together have combined sales in excess of £12 billion and employ over 75,000 people. BMF’s 275 merchant members operate in excess of 2300 branches throughout the UK.
