The BMF (Builders Merchants Federation) Winter Forecast Report confirms a stagnant market for building materials sales in the second half of 2025, and does not expect significant growth in the first quarter of 2026. After a promising start to the year, Q3 2025 proved challenging for building materials sales, prompting …
Read More »BMF welcomes higher IHT relief threshold
The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has welcomed the government’s plan to raise the Business Property Relief threshold for Inheritance Tax from £1.0m to £2.5m when it is introduced as part of the Finance Bill in April 2026. The increased allowance will enable spouses or civil partners to transfer up to …
Read More »Marshalls to sponsor BMF All Industry Conference 2027
Landscaping, building, and roofing provider Marshalls will be the headline sponsor of the BMF All Industry Conference in 2027. Marshalls is recognised for its product development, aimed at contributing to a more sustainable and resilient future. BMF CEO John Newcomb, said: “We are delighted to confirm Marshalls as the …
Read More »Andrew Griffith MP to speak at BMF events
The BMF (Builders Merchants Federation) has secured Andrew Griffith MP, the Conservative Shadow Secretary of State for Business & Trade, to speak at two of the trade body’s significant events in 2026. He will address guests at the BMF Parliamentary Reception on 25 February and deliver a keynote speech at …
Read More »BMF sustainability report highlights need for greater engagement
The third annual BMF State of Sustainability research report, conducted by strategic agency CMDi, has highlighted that the top three barriers to adopting sustainable building materials are all customer-related. The report states that many trade customers have a low awareness of the need for sustainable materials, expressing scepticism about sustainability …
Read More »Andrew Western MP visits Henshaw for 40th anniversary
MP for Stretford & Urmston, Andrew Western, visited Henshaws Roofing & Building Supplies to see how the merchant helps constituents to build new homes and improve existing ones. This visit was arranged by the Builders Merchants Federation as part of its industry and parliament programme to show MPs the role …
Read More »BMF appoints Finance Forum chair
Group managing director of the Frank Key Group, James Norton, has been appointed sector chair of the Builders Merchants Federation’s (BMF) Finance Forum. The Finance Forum discusses outcomes aligned with Budget announcements and major financial developments that impact on the sector. Norton joined Frank Key in 2005 as finance director …
Read More »Industry reacts to Autumn Budget
Chancellor Rachel Reeves delivered the 2025 Autumn Statement today (November 26), and voices from across the construction industry have been weighing in with their initial impressions of her plans. Bradfords Building Supplies CEO, David Young, says: “Today’s Budget offers some positive signals for construction, particularly around housing ambition, skills and …
Read More »BMF adds online recruitment service to BMCareers
The BMF (Builders Merchants Federation) has launched Building Materials Jobs, a free online recruitment support service. The addition of a dedicated “Search for Jobs” tab, located at the top of every page on the website, BMCareers.com, provides instant access to all current job vacancies, which can be searched by location, …
Read More »New chair for BMF health, safety & wellbeing working group
Simon Raywood, head of health & safety at MKM Building Supplies, has been appointed as chair of the BMF Health, Safety & Wellbeing Working Group. Raywood has been a member of the working group since 2018, providing advice and guidance to help protect the well-being of people working in member …
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