Simpson & Allinson are BMF Master Merchants 2013

Independent builders merchants Simpson & Alllinson Ltd have been crowned BMF Master Merchant champions for the second year in a row

The team – John Williams, Ian Allchurch, Jonathan Kirk and Nathan Coyle – spent two days in the Lake District battling five other merchant teams in closely contested physical and mental challenges.

Glynis Catterson, Simpson & Allinson’s finance director said: “This is only the third time we’ve entered Master Merchant and we really didn’t expect to win for a second year running. There’s some stiff competition out there and you never know what challenges the organisers are going to throw at you! It’s a great event for the whole company – those taking part and their supporters. The staff thoroughly enjoyed the weekend and I know I won’t be short of volunteers to defend the title again next year.”

The runners-up, Parker Building Supplies, entered two teams, mixing people from different branches and head office in each, which led to some friendly rivalry.

Team member, Daniel Cottell said: “None of us had taken part before, so we were not sure what to expect but each team worked well together to tackle the problem-solving tasks and challenges. Tasks such as code breaking and conundrums use logic and memory, while others like canoeing and ghyll hiking are more physically demanding. We enjoyed all of them and had lots of fun, but you do learn how to communicate effectively and coordinate the team’s efforts to accomplish as many tasks as possible.”

BMF MD, John Newcomb, who said: “I was one of many first-timers at this fantastic event, but it has been running for over 20 years and the experience is as fresh as ever. The mix of mental and physical agility, team building and having fun matches perfectly with the BMF’s Fit for the Future theme. It’s a great way for teams from merchants and suppliers to get to know each other better and to work collectively for the common good. It really should be a key date in the industry calendar.”