Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
The government of the people, by the people, for the people shall not perish from the earth
One of the things this industry is so very, very good at is the building and maintaining of solid, worthwhile, profitable business relationships. In many cases those relationships develop into firm, lifelong friendships.
Nowhere is this more evident than at the two most recent industry shindigs I went to – the annual NMBS Grosvenor House party in October and the BMN awards last month. Big congratulations to everyone who was shortlisted and who won.
Awards events aren’t just about the networking opportunities, though that is a big part of their appeal for all of us. They are also about celebrating what is great and good about your industry, which is why BMJ felt that we wanted to offer something along the same lines, but with enough differences to make it complementary rather than conflicting.
On the grounds that people are busy enough without being asked to devote their time to sitting on another judging panel, these awards are to be judged by the industry, for the industry. The rather clever online portal runs on an algorithm that ensures it’s all above-board, so no-one can vote a hundred times for themselves. In true Oscar-style, even I won’t get to find out the winners until the golden envelope is opened, so there’ll be no chance of me voting for all my favourites.
Are you a fantastic medium sized builder’s merchant? Then get yourself nominated now. Do you have a particular favourite amongst the national merchants? Then nominate them now. Who has a fantastic bathroom and kitchen showroom that lifts their business above the rest? If it’s you then get your name down now. If one of your merchant customers is a bit shy about blowing their own trumpet then give them a shove and nominate them yourself. Do you run a corker of an online business – either as part of your existing brand or under another name? Then why not nominate it for our Online Merchant Award.
Have you seen a rock-solid marketing campaign from a merchant that you think deserves greater credit from the industry? We have a Marketing Campaign category that’s perfect for it.
Because an industry has no future without fresh blood coming through, we have two Rising Star awards for those who are headed for greater things. One from a national merchant and one from the independent sector, because what you have to do to shine in a big, national merchant group is different to what you might do as part of a smaller, independent business. Different, and equally valuable. Know someone who fits the bill? Nominate them now.
This industry is all about people so our Industry Personality of the year will be the person you think has done the most for the industry, says the most about our industry or is just an all-round jolly-good egg. Got someone in mind? Get their name down here
And, because these award are a bit different from the norm, we also have categories for brands. Who do you believe has the best brand for heavyside, plumbing, timber, landscaping, kitchens, bathrooms, roofing, heating or distribution? Get the nominations in now.
These are awards by the industry, of the industry and for the industry. So get working on those nominations now and clear your diaries for Friday May 18th 2018.
There are still ways of getting involved in the awards, we’re delighted that Marsh Industries, Marshalls, Stonemarket, BA CLic, H+H, Knauf Insulation and Hanson Cement have already joined us. Drop me a line frussell-horne@datateam.co.uk if you want to be a part of it too.
In any case, I shall be there at the Brewery in Chiswell Street, London, on the day, glass of something cold and fizzy in hand, schmoozing with some of the people I like best in the whole world (you know who you are!). Who’s going to join me?
