Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
Six independent builders merchants have been nominated for this year’s BMF Merchant Engagement Award.
The shortlisted companies are Bradfords Building Supplies, EH Smith, Harlow Timber Group, IBMG, MGM (Timber) Scotland, and Tippers.
The award highlights and celebrates merchant companies that are helping to drive the industry forward through their sector leadership and active participation with the BMF.
The winner will be announced at the BMF Members’ Day Awards Dinner, which takes place on 17 September 2026, after the BMF Members’ Day Annual Conference.
BMF CEO, John Newcomb said: “The BMF’s purpose is to serve its members and support the sector. Member engagement is a key strategic focus, with over 42 measures used to track involvement and participation. The more members engage, the more they benefit from their membership.”
The shortlist
Bradfords Building Supplies’ ongoing support for the independent merchant sector includes involvement in industry initiatives, and knowledge sharing benefit the wider community. The company believes collaboration is key to the sector’s success and maintains strong ties with the BMF, manufacturers, and partners. Bradfords regularly participates in a wide range of BMF events, sponsors various initiatives, and utilises BMF Campus online Building Block courses for staff training.
EH Smith demonstrates consistent engagement across BMF training, events, forums, and business services, and participates in the Young Merchant Group. They have undertaken a series of Health and Safety training sessions for all key personnel over the past year and use regional courses in their development programmes.
Harlow Timber Group is an ownership trust business with a highly engaged team. It continues to develop future leaders using a BMF Bespoke Management Development Programme and utilises regional training courses and apprenticeships to develop team members. Neil Sabey, group managing director, is on the BMF Board, helping to shape the future direction, and the business has participated in MP visits to promote the building materials sector.
Despite ownership changes and restructuring, IBMG has remained active in various initiatives, investing time and resources to support the BMF and its members. IBMG actively participates in BMF forums, safety groups, and regional meetings, and supports the BM Careers initiative to promote careers and attract talent. Developing people is central to its culture. IBMG advocates for apprenticeships, including the BMF Apprenticeship Pledge, and its commitment to attracting, developing and retaining new talent demonstrates a genuine investment in the future of the building materials sector.
MGM (Timber) Scotland actively engages with BMF through regional meetings, webinars, forums, and events, demonstrating support, sharing best practices, and strengthening industry ties. It embraces BMF opportunities, valuing learning, collaboration, and networking, which benefits both the business and the wider community.
Tippers is an exceptional family-owned business that sets an example for the building materials sector. It develops people through the bespoke “Tippers Way” programme, with a focus on Leadership and Sales to boost sales, margins, and customer service. Tippers actively supports initiatives such as the BM Careers programme to bring more young people into the industry and has participated in MP visits that highlight the role, value, and importance of merchants in delivering for customers and communities.
The BMF Annual Members Conference and Awards will be held at the Belfry Hotel and Resort in Sutton Coldfield on 16 and 17 September. Members can find more information and book their place at https://tinyurl.com/yvtmvpmc
