One Industry One Voice The benefits of becoming a
BMF Decorative Member
One industry, One voice The benefits of becoming a BMF Decorative Member
Who are the BMF? The Builders Merchants Federation is the only organisation that represents and protects the interests of decorative merchants and suppliers to those merchants.
Our merchant decorative membership ranges from small independents to regional and large multi-branch groups across the UK. Our growing decorative supplier membership includes some of the most well-known brands in the industry.
Our vision is to be the authoritative voice of the industry – to represent as many merchants and suppliers as possible within the industry, and to have one collective voice which is encapsulated in our Vision Statement ‘One Industry, One Voice’.
There are five major benefits of joining the BMF: 1 The value of training and development The BMF runs a comprehensive range of industry specific and specialist training courses that can be run regionally or “in-company” and are accredited as appropriate to national standards. These include: • Apprenticeships and NVQs • BMF Diploma and Foundation Degree in Merchanting
• Distance Learning in Customer Care and Health and Safety (IOSH Certified) • Transport training from CPC driver training to Fleet Manager refresher • One to four-day courses in general management, staff development, operations, sales and management • MOL product modules and BMF Campus online product training
• Post Graduate Diploma leading to Masters Degree
The BMF is striving to recruit new talented young people into the merchanting sector in all areas ranging from counter staff to sales and from manufacturing to marketing. The BMF has launched a dedicated website www.merchant-recruitment.co.uk to promote careers and jobs in merchanting and list job vacancies with BMF members. The website is also supported by promotion on social media and the BMF working in partnership with Jobcentre Plus.
The decorative landscaping sector has developed significantly over the past few years and is an important product area for the merchant industry. The BMF is key to helping and working with merchants to expand this category even further”. RICHARD BOULT Purchasing Director, Carvers Building Supplies
It’s your industry, be part of it What you can expect as a BMF Decorative Member 2 The value of business support • Quarterly industry specific product category data based on The BMF is a ‘one stop shop’ with merchants own sales out data, relevant and expert information, provided by industry experts advice and support on helping to run such as GFK. your business more efficiently and profitably. Member services include: • BMF Model Trade Conditions of Sale & Purchase • Legal Helpline • Business Guides • Staff Awareness Guides The BMF works with insurance brokers and solicitors who have particular expertise in the merchanting sector and we also offer support services on Health & Safety, Transport, Credit Insurance, and Employment. You will receive regular communications from us in the form of: • BMF Business e-news - monthly • BMF One Voice magazine • Regular email updates on Forums, meetings, training courses, etc • A visit at least once a year from your BMF Regional Manager. 3 The value of access to market data The BMF provides a wide range of statistical business reports including:
“Our vision is to be the authoritative voice of the industry...” John Newcomb, BMF MD 4 The value of networking Take part in a range of networking opportunities and events throughout the year. Share your views with fellow merchants and suppliers, raise the issues that concern you and feedback your ideas to the BMF team. Opportunities include: • Specialist Decorative Forums 2-3 times a year • Regional meetings open to merchants and suppliers • Specialist functionally specific Forums for Branch Managers, Health and Safety Executives, Security, HR, Finance and Marketing Directors and Managers • Annual BMF Members’ Day and Awards Dinner
• Builders Merchants Building Index • Bi-Annual All-Industry Overseas • Remuneration Survey Conference. • KPI report
5 The value of political representation The BMF provides an authoritative, co-ordinated and collective voice for the decorative merchant trade. We provide a collective perspective by advancing, defending or supporting the interests of our members, and fighting to ensure that merchants’ way of working is recognised and protected. We arrange visits from local MPs and local Government officials to merchant members’ premises. The BMF offers government and regulatory bodies reputable, balanced and convincing input to inform strategy, policy and funding options, and to protect our members’ interests against unwelcome or unworkable regulations. The BMF collaborates with a number of major industry partners such as the CBI, CPA and the FMB to further the interests of the building materials industry. We explore common aims, forge alliances and conduct joint assignments to channel members interests with other trade associations, professional societies and environmental or consumer groups.
Our vision is to be the authoritative voice of the industry... to represent as many merchants and as many suppliers within the industry and to have one collective voice. BMF Head Office 1180 Elliott Court, Coventry Business Park Herald Avenue, Coventry CV5 6UB Tel: 02476 854980 Fax: 02476 010390 Email: info@bmf.org.uk BMF London Office The Building Centre, 26 Store Street London WC1E 7BT Tel: 0203 581 1313 Fax: 0203 6024747 Email: info@bmf.org.uk
BMF Charter The BMF has a Charter that commits its members to provide the highest standards of customer service throughout the building materials supply chain. BMF merchant and supplier members will be required to commit to the Charter, and are encouraged to display it with pride at the merchant counter, at their site and on their website.
Decorative Merchants Decorative Suppliers As a bonafide Decorative merchant you promise to: As a bonafide Decorative supplier you promise to: • Deal with our customers promptly and fairly • Offer prompt and fair dealings with merchant member customers • Ensure that any complaints are handled equitably • Help to stock and display our products • Hold comprehensive and quality stock • Supply sustainable products and materials • Promote sustainable products and materials wherever appropriate • Give technical support and product training • Offer product advice from experienced teams • Commit to improve the effectiveness of the building • Provide prompt deliveries materials supply chain • Provide structured credit facilities • Commit to best standards of health and safety • Minimise any adverse effects which our operations might have on our surroundings and neighbours • Minimise and recycle waste and manage waste disposal in a safe and controlled manner The cost of membership is determined by annual turnover and subscription rates are available on request.
Our merchant members include
Our supplier members include
www.bmf.org.uk MF854 - 09/16