Get those nominations going

There are some promotions in life, which, independent of the more substantial rewards they offer, acquire peculiar value and dignity

The wider world is just a bit too horrible to contemplate writing about this week, so, for once, I’m going to stick to stuff that’s more relevant to the day-job. Although, a quick look at LinkedIn and Companies House filed accounts this morning isn’t much more cheerful. Time instead, to look out for something that’s a bit more positive, that will prove a lot more jolly in the end.

Merchanting. It’s a simple business. Just a case of  buying materials from the manufacturers, stocking them in a reasonable depth and breadth, and selling them on to your customers for more money that you bought them for. Easy-peasy. Except, not really. Not when ‘stuff’ gets in the way.

Stuff like interest rates, changes in government policy, changes in government, illegal and unjustified invasions of other countries, rocketing energy prices, inflation. Even pandemics and their aftermath can all play havoc with the general process of buying and selling building materials.

It makes sense then that, in the face of all that’s stacking up against the industry, we do our best to celebrate those that really are working their tails off to make a go of things.

Yes, it’s that time of year again. The nominations window for the BMJ Industry Awards 2026 is open. I’m happy to say that within minutes of the website going live, we had our first entry. And others are following.

It clearly shows that there are people out there who really want to see their colleagues, peers, suppliers and customers – possibly even their competitors – recognised for their efforts and successes.

Whether you are an independent merchant, a national merchant, a branch manager, a plumbing and heating merchant, specialise in selling timber to the trade, run an awesome showroom, have performed some feats of miraculous marketing, or are just and all-round industry good-egg, there is a category for you.

Once again, we’re putting the decisions firmly in the hands of those who best understand how hard it is out there, and how good the nominees really are, the people who work in the sector. This is the industry awards programme that chosen by the industry, for the industry. Again, we’ve made the entry process as easy as possible. Just head over to our brand-new, re-vamped awards website and follow the instructions.

Then, you can set your calendar reminders for the fabulous gala lunch in London where, once the votes have been counted and verified, we’ll announce the winners.

The economy may be taking its time to turn the corner, and the wider world may be going to you-know-what, but in the meantime, why not celebrate what’s great about this sector while we still can?

Here’s a reminder of how much fun we all had last year.