Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
Each player must accept the cards life deals him or her: once they are in hand, he or she alone must decide how to play the cards in order to win the game.
It’s that time of year again when a grizzled old hack’s fancy turns lightly to thoughts of achievements, and the celebrating thereof.
I spent a happy few hours last week on the judging panel of the BMF’s Young Achiever Awards, which takes the best under 35-year-olds that BMF Merchant, Suppler and Service Members have to offer up, and celebrates their achievements in style at BMF Members’ Day & Awards next month.
No spoilers until the evening of the 18th September of course. Partly because no-one wants to ruin the surprise, and also, if I’m honest, in a couple of days I won’t even remember who won unless I look at my notes. The brain’s not what it used to be.
What’s always great about being involved in things like this – and I know that those who judge other awards feel similarly – is the opportunity it gives to see the very real talent that is coming up through the ranks. Talent that is being recognised, natured and encouraged by those further up the chain who have been there and seen it all, but who are only too aware of the need to bring in new ideas, new people, new blood.
Which brings me neatly to…the BMJ Industry Awards 2025. Not for us the judging panel, these awards are entered, and voted for by the people in the industry, those who understand exactly what good looks like, exactly how far certain people and companies are prepared to go in their quest to be the best. I’m not saying that it’s a better way, it’s a just a different way, an alternative, and one that works for us.
The voting has been completed, the numbers crunched and the trophy proofs are ready to check. Again, no spoilers. No hints. It has, however, been really encouraging to see the entries, and find out the people and the companies that customers and suppliers admire enough to vote for. There is some serious talent out there, talent and a desire to put in the hard graft to make the crucial difference.
The gala lunch event is less than one month away. It is selling out rapidly, so if you haven’t booked your table or your tickets get on over to the website www.bmjindustryawards.co.uk/tickets and make sure you’re there to witness the winners receive their trophies from the amazing Lawrence Dallaglio. I will probably go full-on fan girl on the day, be warned.
If you have already booked your table, might I gently nudge you to send us your guest list and any dietary requirements as soon as you can. It will make our event team’s life so much easier. Also, my life, which is more important.
