BMF Plumbing & Heating News issue 2

Plumbing & Heating

Issue 2: Winter/Spring 2017

in this issue

Pg2: National Apprenticeships Show

Pg3: BMF and CIPHE Alliance

Pg4: SNIPEF

Pg6: Wavin Regional Centre of Excellence

Pg10: BMF Conference, Budapest

Pg11: BMF Members’ Day

Plumbing & Heating Forum – 10 November

GfK Plumbers Merchant Panel In today’s difficult economic climate, market intelligence is an extremely valuable tool and provides a competitive advantage for those with access in their marketplace. For independent merchants, tapping into this wealth of information can be very expensive. GfK, a world leading insights company and market experts in processing and analysing EPOS data, have recently set up a Builders Merchant Panel with 80% market participation and are currently recruiting contributors to their new Plumbing Merchants Panel.

As a potential ‘GfK Data Exchange Panel Partner’ you are eligible to receive our reports free of charge through our data share scheme provided that you meet our criteria.

Your information is safe with us.

Absolute confidentiality is the cornerstone of the GfK business

model. All panel member data is submitted anonymously and then aggregated within our reports ensuring the protection of our data sources.

What our reports tell you The reports are useful to multiple stakeholders including managers, buyers and a marketing team. They help you to set clear strategies for commercial growth, negotiate with suppliers and increase return on investment. With accurate, granular retail sales data, our partners gain understanding of how products are performing in the market.

As a ‘GfK Data Exchange Panel Partner’ you will be given access to our secure knowledge portal. This will entitle you to view all the reports relevant to your industry as well as a detailed ‘Economic Overview.’

For further information about becoming a data exchange partner please contact Jane.Hills@gfk.com or Nathan.Dupisanie@gfk.com

BMF Plumbing and Heating Chairman Keith Jones welcomed 50 members to the Forum at BMF in Coventry in November. Presentations included: • “The Smart Revolution” by Floris Blok, Head of Digital Solutions of Baxi • “Merchanting the Belgian way”– Caroline Van Marcke, CEO of the Van Marcke Group and FEST President • Presentation on CiPHE by Richard Soper of CiPHE • BMF Marketing update by Christine Wall, BMF Marketing Manager • GfK market information update by John Newcomb, BMF MD • ISH 2017 by Stefan Seitz, Director, ISH Brand Management The Forum also included an open discussion on various topics.

David Gledhill, MD of Grahams Plumbers Merchants said “This was the best BMF P&H Forum to date. It was encouraging to see the biggest turnout yet, with a good mix of merchants and manufacturers taking part.

Presentations and lively discussions around innovation and the need to attract young people into careers in both merchanting and the plumbing trade showed that we all face similar challenges and that this Forum can be a strong platform for taking the sector forward.”

Join us for the next P&H Forum on 23 May at Fernox, Woking (visit www.bmf.org.uk/events for more details). Book your place via alyssa.moore@bmf.org.uk or contact alex.clifford@bmf.org.uk for more information about getting more involved with the BMF.

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Latest News BMF comment: Apprenticeships funding changes The UK Government is right to listen to the building materials’ supply chain if it wants to switch the emphasis for investing in apprentices from taxpayers to employers, the BMF said in October.

The BMF was responding to decisions announced in late October by Justine Greening MP, Secretary of State for Education, about the Apprenticeships Levy that is due to be introduced next April.

The BMF has issued a briefing to all its members to outline the policy as it stands in England, highlight the main changes and explain the likely effects for building, plumbing and timber merchants and suppliers.

John Newcomb, BMF MD comments: “The BMF has been involved in the Apprenticeships Levy since the then Chancellor, George Osborne, announced it in July 2015 Budget. We did not ask for a compulsory new levy to be imposed on our members. There is a case for greater employer participation in the training and funding of apprentices, and we were not convinced the early proposals were the right ones “Taking on the youngest apprentices has additional costs for employers, such as extra time taken to supervise and mentor them. We are pleased that ministers

have recognised this in additional payments for 16-18 Luke McEvoy, Buttles – BMF year olds.

Apprentice of the Year 2014 We are also pleased that training for 16-18 olds by our members who employ fewer than 50 people will be met in full by the taxpayer”. Small and micro businesses play a crucial role in helping young people into work for the first time.

These companies are the overwhelming majority of customers of merchants that the BMF represents. Moves to clarify funding, eligibility and administration are welcome. Concessions have been won on additional payments and allowing longer for BMF members to spend their Levy contributions.

The absence of clarity on how the Levy will operate in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland continues to give the BMF cause for concern.

Education and training and skills’ policy is devolved to Edinburgh, Cardiff and Belfast. Their schemes have different funding arrangements, procedures and qualifications. John Newcomb said “there is a more to do between the four nations - especially on cross-border rules for BMF members who trade across internal borders. It is imperative that different rules and rates are clear to employers, training providers and training assessors.”

BMF helps merchants to rise to Apprenticeship challenge The BMF has joined with the organisers of the National Apprenticeship Show to offer BMF members discounted exhibition space at all five apprenticeship shows taking place around the country this year.

Four of the shows take place in March and April, with the final one at the start of the academic year in September.

The timing of the first tranche coincides with the introduction of the Apprenticeship Levy paid by businesses, which is part of the Government’s drive to create 3 million new apprenticeships by 2020 to help overcome the growing skills shortage in many sectors. This should give companies an even greater incentive to take on and train the next generation. The 2017 dates are shown in Dates for your Diary on the back page.

FREE ENTRY

Over 100 stands offering thousands of apprenticeship opportunities Free careers advice workshops Free entry Evening session for parents and carers (1st day 4pm-6.30pm) For more information or to register to visit

www.nationalapprenticeshipshow.org/midlands

Market data for members The BMF provides a wide range of statistical business reports for members, including: • • • • • •

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Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) BMBI with Sales Indicator Boiler sales report Remuneration survey KPI report CPA weekly notes

If you would like a copy of any of these documents contact Ammar Qayyum at ammar.qayyum@bmf.co.uk.

For more information about BMBI visit www.bmbi.org.uk

As part of its industry youth recruitment campaign, the BMF will be exhibiting at all five National Apprenticeship Shows.

By offering discounted rates to bring members together in a dedicated BMF Exhibitor Zone, it hopes to create an impressive and memorable demonstration of the wide variety of career opportunities offered within our industry. To find out more, and to book your exhibition space, please contact James.Spillane@bmf.org.uk

Latest News

BMF and CIPHE announce collaborative alliance The BMF and the Chartered Institute of Plumbing and Heating Engineers (CIPHE) have agreed a strategic alliance that will see the two organisations collaborating in key areas.

The BMF and the CIPHE are both committed to raising quality and standards within their respective industries. Progressing this ambition is one of the main objectives of their new alliance. They have also committed to have one voice on mutually agreed topics to government and other relevant bodies, and to add value to both existing memberships through guidance, training and standards.

As the professional body for the UK plumbing and heating industry, CIPHE has over 7,000 members including consultants, specifiers, designers and practitioners, as well as some 170 manufacturers and distributors, which support its work as Industrial Associates.

CIPHE CEO, Kevin Wellman said: “There are a great many synergies between our two organisations.

Working together, we can more effectively promote the need for professional plumbing and heating engineers to install quality products supplied by stockists who really understand the process.”

Proud to be a professional Richard Soper, Director of International Development at CIPHE, explains at Richard Soper CBE the start of 2016 the Institute entered a new phase in development and growth with the launch of its ‘Proud to be a Professional’ campaign, the result of a collaboration between the CEO of the CIPHE, Kevin Wellman, his team at HQ in Hornchurch and a newly formed group of people from the wider industry - all of whom are passionate about championing professionalism, highlighting career opportunities and celebrating the fantastic work being carried out by highly skilled and fully qualified installers around the country.

Richard says “Working with me, this team includes some well-known faces from the plumbing, heating and bathroom sectors who have pledged their time on a voluntary basis. Familiar names include Roger Webb, formerly CEO of the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council (HHIC) and now Director of External Affairs for the CIPHE; Paul Massey, Group CEO at AKW Ltd, who holds the position of Chairman of the Industrial Associates (IA) Development Group; Yvonne Orgill, who is the Chief Executive of the Bathroom Manufacturers Association

Training to stay ahead

and Martin Orrill, former Head of Energy Technology and Innovation, British Gas Business Services.”

“Together we have a wealth of industry experience and contacts that we are making best use of, in order to encourage other like-minded people to join the CIPHE and get involved.”

Merchants supporting the CIPHE Building links with the wider industry has always been a key aim of the ‘Proud to be a Professional’ campaign, and the Institute has had amazing levels of support from other like-minded organisations to date.

Richard concludes “We would therefore welcome the support of any BMF members who are not yet registered with the CIPHE, but would like to get involved in the conversation and help pass the message on as a vital link in the wider supply chain.”

Get in touch If you would like to become an Industrial Associate (IA) supporter of the CIPHE, please contact the team via email at info@ciphe.org.uk or call 01708 472791.

Alternatively, to get in touch with Richard Soper by email at richardsoperciphe@gmail.com

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Latest News Scottish and Northern Ireland Plumbing Employers’ Federation We take pride in professional plumbing As the leading trade association for plumbing and heating businesses in Scotland and Northern Ireland SNIPEF know how important it is for their members to have access to reliable, informed and customer-focused merchants.

SNIPEF members offer the highest standards in plumbing and heating services, so SNIPEF think it makes sense to buy from merchants who share the same view.

SNIPEF member businesses must show they have: • • • •

skilled and qualified operatives comprehensive insurance cover expert knowledge and experience business development skills.

Partner with SNIPEF? SNIPEF partner with a range of organisations to bring benefit to their members and the industry. SNIPEF are currently developing a programme of technical events aimed specifically

New team to head BMF Young Merchants Group The BMF’s Young Merchants’ Group has elected Victoria Fiddies, Regional Sales Manager at Catnic – Tata Steel, as Chair and Glenn Paddison, Branch Director at MKM Building Supplies, as Vice Chair.

Victoria, who was previously Vice Chair, takes over from Jamie Pierce, who has just completed his two-year term

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BMF launch new training roadmap Customer Care Award winners 2016: L-R: Fiona Hodgson (SNIPEF CEO), winner of the SNIPEF Merchant Customer Care Award 2016/17, Jon Marshall (William Wilson) shortlisted nominee, Sean Hassan (William Wilson) and, Brian Warrender (SNIPEF President)

at members. These events provide an excellent platform for merchants and manufacturers to meet SNIPEF members face-to-face and to showcase their products and services.

SNIPEF also run a programme of annual awards, including one recognising exceptional customer care. This award is nominated by members and for the past 2 years has been won by frontline staff from BMF Merchant Member William Wilson, part of Wolseley UK. Join SNIPEF Why not join SNIPEF in taking pride in professional plumbing by becoming an Associate Member? SNIPEF welcome applications from reputable merchants in the plumbing, heating and renewable technologies sector.

The BMF have launched a Training Roadmap which is a multi-lateral visualisation of all current BMF training courses, showing BMF training can be done in various pathways. There is no prescribed path of progression.

The Roadmap highlights the wide range of BMF training and skills development for employees of merchants, distributors and suppliers, be they Yard and Counter Staff, Sales Staff and Managers or Directors. Training can be arranged privately in your company or you can send employees to open courses the BMF organises at venues local to your company.

For more information contact James Spillane at james.spillane@bmf.org.uk

To find out how to get involved with technical events and the annual awards programme, or to enquire about associate membership please contact Ruth Gibb, Communications Manager.

Email SNIPEF at contact@snipef.org or call Tel: 0131 556 0600. Or visit www.snipef.org. heading up the group.

Victoria said “I am very excited to have the opportunity to take on the role of Chair and I am looking forward to working with Glenn. Jamie set a high standard and the Young Merchants Group has grown rapidly over the last couple of years through the hard work that we put in to promote it and make it relevant to the younger generation working in our industry.”

Commenting on his appointment as Vice Chair, Glenn Paddison said: “I’m

really honoured to have been selected by my peers as Vice Chair. There are a lot of talented young people in our great industry and I feel really lucky to be involved in such a passionate group of like-minded people, all striving to achieve great things in their careers.”

Latest News 07- 0 9 M A R CH 2 0 1 7 EXCEL LONDON Join the BMF Pavilion at Ecobuild 2017

Martin Hurn, Brand Director of Ecobuild, commented: “Merchants have an important role to play in helping move the regeneration and The BMF will have its own branded sustainability agenda forward. We’re Pavilion at Ecobuild, the UK’s largest event for construction, design and energy therefore excited to work with the BMF to create a dedicated platform in the built environment, which takes for their members to maximise the place at Excel, London on 7-9 March. opportunities available at Ecobuild.”

Exhibition space within the Pavilion will be reserved for BMF members.

The BMF has negotiated special exhibitor rates for members, both Ecobuild is the leading exhibition and within the BMF Pavilion and the main conference for construction, design exhibition area. For further information, and energy in the built environment, or to reserve space within the BMF attracting over 33,000 high calibre, Pavilion at Ecobuild, please contact senior level decision makers and trevor.crawford@ecobuild.co.uk influencers from architects and For more info visit developers, to local government www.ecobuild.co.uk and major infrastructure clients.

Young people are critical to the future of construction

Kelly-Lea Woolley

The BMF called for greater youth recruitment during its 2016 Members’ Day conference in Leicestershire.

The BMF recognised two leading apprentices with awards highlighting the importance of youth engagement and employment to the merchanting industry’s future. The BMF also reiterated its pledge to the Young Women’s Trust and its ambitious target to double the number of women entering the profession by 2020.

Daniel Bartos of Buildbase Farnworth and Kelly-Lea Woolley of Parker Building Supplies Crowborough won the Level 2 Apprentice award, receiving a trophy and £1,000 towards training. Each apprentice has a bright future ahead of them.

The BMF is pleased that the Government recognises the importance

Daniel Bartos

of apprentices, but they are concerned that the new apprenticeship levy could lead to a reduction in the number of apprenticeships and calls for a more significant publicity campaign to support the policy and raise awareness.

John Newcomb said “We are proud to recognise the hard work of our apprentices. Our members are at the heart of everything we do and it is our apprentices today who will provide our leadership tomorrow. We have set ourselves high expectations and ambitions but we believe that with increased youth engagement, we will continue to grow and succeed in future.”

Careers campaign success Over the last 12 months the BMF has stepped up its Builders Merchants Careers campaign, designed to attract and recruit young job-seekers to the wide variety of opportunities in merchanting and supplier companies.

A big part of this campaign is our Ambassador Scheme. Over 40 Ambassadors from BMF member companies are actively promoting opportunities to students and young job-seekers across the UK by visiting schools and working with their local Jobcentre.

One of the first Ambassador success stories comes from GPH Builders Merchants, who recently filled two vacancies with candidates introduced by Aberdeen Jobcentre.

GPH said: “Our MD, Mike MacLellan and I had a meeting with Gillian Gilchrist from Aberdeen Jobcentre, who was keen to encourage us to consider individuals her team have been working with, albeit that most are from nonmerchant backgrounds.”

“We are pleased to say that we have appointed two new members to our team, both from the Jobcentre candidates, and they have been working well at the branch since June.”

With more Ambassadors actively working with local schools and Jobcentres, we anticipate many more success stories of this kind. To find out more about becoming a BMF Ambassador, please contact James Spillane at james.spillane@bmf.org.uk or visit www.merchant-recruitment.co.uk

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Latest News

L-R: John Stephenson, (BMF), Chris King, (Wavin), John Newcomb, (BMF).

Wavin to host latest BMF Regional Centre of Excellence Wavin are providing the BMF’s latest Regional Centre of Excellence, the first in Yorkshire, at their Doncaster manufacturing and distribution centre of Hep2O Plumbing & Heating Systems. The BMF plans to open over 20 such centres (2 per region), each designed to give members in the local area access to BMF training and events much closer to home.

John Stephenson, BMF Regional Manager Midlands/North, attended the launch with BMF MD John Newcomb and Chris King, Wavin UK & Ireland Commercial Director.

He said “Wavin are providing the BMF with a superb facility which will be widely used by our members in Yorkshire. They have been extremely hospitable and I look forward to working with them to plan and host a wide range of our regional events.”

So far BMF Regional Centres of Excellence include: • Dulux Academy, Slough • Encon Insulation, Chorley

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• JCB International Training Centre, Rocester • John A Stephens, Green Energy Centre, Nottingham • Keystone Group, Cookstown, Northern Ireland • Norbord, Stirling • RGB, Tiverton • Ridgeons Green Light Centre, Cambridge • Saint Gobain Innovation Hub, Glasgow • Wavin, Doncaster (pictured) Commenting on the Regional Centres of Excellence, BMF MD John Newcomb said: “We have been working with members to identify appropriate spaces as regional hubs where local groups can come together for meetings and training.

Further Centres of Excellence will launch during 2017. We have also increased our team of Regional Managers, with five now covering the UK. Localisation is an important strategy for the BMF going forward. With a network of Regional Centres of Excellence alongside our enhanced Regional Management team we are in an excellent position to engage with our growing membership on their home ground.”

For more information contact Christine Wall at christine.wall@bmf.org.uk

ISH upgrade package – exclusive to BMF members ISH is the world’s largest trade exhibition for innovative bathroom design, sanitary installations, energy-efficient heating, building, air-conditioning technology and renewable energies. Held from 14–18 March 2017 in Frankfurt am Main, it is the industry’s meeting place for the trade.

BMF Members can benefit even more from their visit with the ISH Upgrade benefit package. This package offers a range of exclusive services to enjoy ISH as a VIP Guest • Free ISH season ticket including cloakroom service and use of local public transport on the RMV network to and from the fair • Access to the exclusive Upgrade Lounge in Hall 5 with breakfast, refreshments and free WiFi • Reduced price hotel accommodation in selected Frankfurt hotels (subject to availability) • Ideal conditions for networking with industry contact Register free at www.ish.messefrankfurt.com/ upgrade or contact info@uk.messefrankfurt.com for more information.

Latest News BMF boosts support for Northern Ireland members October saw the official foundation of the BMF’s Northern Ireland Region, boosting support for BMF’s growing membership in Northern Ireland.

Eighteen people, including BMF MD John Newcomb and BMF Chairman, Peter Hindle MBE, attended the inaugural BMF NI regional meeting, which took place at Windsor Park, the national football stadium and was sponsored

by Lagan Cement Products.

During the day, David Haldane was appointed as the BMF’s first ever Northern Ireland Regional Chairman.

David is MD of Haldane Fisher, one of the region’s largest independent builders merchant, with 10 of its 16 branches in Northern Ireland.

David Haldane said: “I am honoured to be the first NI Regional Chairman for the BMF. We had a fantastic response from merchants and suppliers to our first meeting, which offered many insights into the support BMF can bring to all of us operating in Northern Ireland. There were useful discussions in the room and I am looking forward to playing my part in bringing even more members together for future meetings.”

During his visit to Northern Ireland John Newcomb also opened the latest BMF Regional Centre of Excellence at Keystone Group’s design, production and distribution centre in Cookstown.

John said: “I’m delighted that so many members from Northern Ireland are keen to participate and work with the BMF. A trade association is only as strong as its members and I am confident that our latest region will quickly form a cohesive group.”

In recent years the BMF has strengthened its support for Plumbing & Heating Merchant and Supplier members, with initiatives such as the bi-annual P&H Forum. John Thompson, Chief Executive of the APHC has already agreed to speak at a future BMF P&H Forum.

BMF and APHC form trade alliance to benefit members The BMF and the Association of Plumbing & Heating Contractors (APHC) have agreed to work more closely in a number of areas that will benefit the members of their respective organisations.

The core values of the two organisations are closely aligned, with both seeking

Both BMF and APHC understand the importance of attracting new recruits to their respective industries and each is planning to introduce enhanced apprenticeship schemes. to promote best practice and provide business and training support to members. They are also committed to raising the profile of reputable tradespeople within the P&H sector.

APHC operates a Licensing Scheme for its 1,000 Installer members in England and Wales and BMF members can recommend them with confidence.

APHC’s membership also includes a number of active BMF suppliers, such as Worcester Bosch and Baxi.

BMF MD, John Newcomb, said “A key element of our alliance will involve sharing knowledge and experience on training and apprenticeships. The BMF is looking to set up sector-specific Trailblazer Apprentice schemes for different areas of merchanting. The APHC is at an advanced stage in the creation of a Trailblazer Apprentice scheme for installers, and is well placed to advise us as we progress our apprenticeship programme for P&H merchants.”

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Focus on New Members

Ideal Standard has joined the BMF, further strengthening the Federation’s dynamic Plumbing and Heating Sector.

Grundfos Pumps Ltd, the UK subsidiary of the world’s largest dedicated pump company, is the latest supplier company to join the BMF.

With a 200 year heritage, Ideal Standard is the UK’s leading manufacturer and supplier of residential, commercial and healthcare bathroom solutions and products. The company comprises three market leading brands – Armitage Shanks, Ideal Standard and Sottini – and employs 1,000 people in the UK and Ireland with flagship production operations located at Hull in East Yorkshire and Armitage in Staffordshire.

The Grundfos Group that employs 19,000 people worldwide, and produces 16 million pumps each year. It is estimated that every 10th newly installed pump, anywhere in the world, bears the Grundfos name.

The business places customer service, quality and technical expertise at the centre of its proposition. As a true industry expert it offers support at each point of the purchase process and uses the best materials and skilled craftsmanship to create trusted, enduring and innovative products.

Jim Moore, Ideal Standard MD said: “The activity level of the BMF is really impressive and energetic.

We are looking forward to taking part in the Plumbing & Heating Forum as well as other groups.

In our 200th year we have lots of great stories to tell.”

BMF MD John Newcomb said: “I’m delighted to welcome Ideal Standard into membership.

It is testament to the growing importance of the BMF to the wider P&H sector and I’m sure that Ideal Standard will gain value from participating in a wide range of our activities.”

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In the UK Grundfos is the market leader in domestic and commercial heating circulators and produces pumps for everything from shower boosting to boreholes. The company has a reputation for quality, reliability and innovation. For example, the recently launched Grundfos ALPHA3 system combines with the GO balance app to offer domestic heating installers a simple solution to hydronic balancing of heating systems and saves homeowners up to 17% on their energy bills. In 2017 they will be launching an improved range of pressure boosting shower pumps and the ground breaking SCALA2 whole house booster.

Dave Lacey, Grundfos Pumps’ Director of Sales said: “We are delighted to be joining the BMF and will fully support their members with our unrivalled comprehensive heating and plumbing product ranges. We are looking forward to building upon the already strong relationships enjoyed with our merchant customers.”

John Newcomb, BMF MD said: “The BMF is the trade association that brings together merchants and their suppliers and I’m delighted that Grundfos already has plans to utilise their membership to the full. I am looking forward to working with them in 2017.”

The Plumbing and Heating Division of Travis Perkins, which includes City Plumbing Supplies and PTS and six other brands, has joined the BMF. Travis Perkins’ P&H division has a turnover of £1.4bn, operates from over 400 UK branches, and serves a broad range of customers.

City Plumbing focuses on local plumbers, heating engineers and bathroom installers, while PTS serves larger contract customers.

Other brands within the division distribute to independent local merchants, and offer specialist services, such as solar, thermal and underfloor heating packages.

BMF MD, John Newcomb said: “Plumbing and Heating is one of the fastest growing areas of BMF membership and we are delighted that Travis Perkins’ P&H division is joining. Travis Perkins’ General Merchanting division returned to membership a year ago. During that time they have proved themselves proactive members.”

Paul Tallentire, Divisional CEO, P&H Division, Travis Perkins said: “The BMF plays an important role in bringing the industry together and representing its interests. We recognise the value in that and look forward to becoming involved, in particular by contributing to the BMF’s specialist P&H Forum.”

Focus on New Members Drakes Plumbing Supplies Ltd

Drakes is an independent plumbers’ merchant that has been serving trade and retail customers for over 30 years.

Their first branch opened in Tunbridge Wells in 1983 and they have grown to eight very busy locations across the South East.

Drakes started out for the tradesperson, but this soon included the DIYer, the developer, the homeowner and the engineer so they needed to adapt quickly to offer value for professional and non-professional customers alike.

As Drakes aimed to be the ‘one stop shop’ for customers, they wanted the same benefits themselves from an organisation that could give them expert advice and services to make the business run as efficiently as possible.

Drakes saw the solution as becoming a

merchant member of the BMF and soon benefitted from their statistical business reports, OFT approved trading advice and many literature guides.

Tom Taylor, Head of Marketing and eCommerce at Drakes says “We sell a vast range of traditional products and innovative new technologies and it’s important that we maintain excellent working partnerships with our suppliers and ensure that all of our staff are fully trained with access to on-going development. Being a member of the BMF has improved our supplier relationships by association and we look forward to attending the regular meetings, informing us of new sustainable products, regulations and industry opportunities.”

“BMF training is something that we will soon be implementing, as their online and modular courses look a perfect fit for advancing new starters and keeping current staff informed – all at a pace and time that they are comfortable with.”

Sevenoaks branch

“As a local independent company we are always trying to show our customers that we can compete with the larger national outfits not only on price, but on our customer service and product knowledge as well. The training and advice issued by the BMF will be key to maintaining our high standards in the future. We have plans to grow the company and introduce new locations and online sales but, whatever size we are, we take confidence from being part of a larger organisation such as the BMF that has the strength to fight for our interests and our business.”

For more information about Drakes visit www.drakes.biz

Rob Pond Plumb Heat Solutions

Rob Pond Plumb Heat Solutions specialises in unique and niche products for the plumbing and heating industry.

Operating for over 10 years, the company strives for innovation and puts the needs of the independent merchants at the heart of what it does.

The company has grown from supplying a handful of products in the south of England, to supplying merchants and distributors across the UK, with a mix of everyday plumbing essentials and innovations. With an ever-growing catalogue, the company aims to keep bringing in new products to the plumbing and heating industry.

Rob Pond Plumb Heat Solutions provide a friendly and personal service to all their customers, big or small, saying “Our main focus is to listen to our customers and respond to their needs. Whether it’s sourcing some hard to find items, or just providing help and advice with our products, our small and dedicated team are only a phone call away.”

The training and advice issued by the BMF will be key to maintaining our high

standards in the future, and we take confidence from being part of a larger organisation such as the BMF that has the strength to fight for our interests and our business.

For more information about Rob Pond Plumb Heat Solutions visit www.robpondplumbheatsolutions.com or email sales@robpondplumbheatsolution.com

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Events The BMF 2017 All-industry Conference, Budapest, 15-18 June 2017 The BMF 2017 Allindustry Conference will be held at the Five Star Intercontinental hotel in Budapest. Our host will be broadcaster and TV personality Gethin Jones. The Conference takes place 15-18 June 2017 and has already sold out.

This year we will hold the first Plumbing and Heating workshop at the Conference, hosted by Keith Jones, BMF P&H Chairman. Senior representatives from both merchants and suppliers will be attending the workshop, which will be sponsored by Monument Tools. More details will be announced over the coming weeks.

Key speakers include: Lord Paddy Ashdown One of the UK’s most influential politicians and former leader of the Liberal Democrats, Paddy Ashdown now sits in the House of Lords as a Liberal Democrat peer. His experience extends far beyond the bounds of domestic politics. Before entering Parliament in 1983 he served as a Special Forces Commando in the Royal Marines, then joined the Foreign Office where he was posted to the British Mission to the United Nations in Geneva. As a leading international political strategist Lord Ashdown is well placed to speak on the future of the UK outside the EU. Steve Ingham, Page Group CEO Steve is CEO of Page Group, worldwide leader in specialist recruitment. He will address the challenges of recruiting young talent into the building materials industry and draw on lessons that can be learnt from other sectors.

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Glen Sabin, Polypipe MD Glen has a long and distinguished career in building products manufacturing and construction. After an early career with Wimpey and Redland, he spent 22 years in a variety of sales, commercial, business development and marketing roles at Marshalls. He is currently MD of Polypipe’s Plumbing & Drainage Division, having been a member of the company’s executive team for 12 years.

Shanker Patel, Lords Group CEO Shanker never planned a career in merchanting. He intended to be a lawyer, but after graduating during the early 90s recession he was drawn into the family business only to discover it was on the brink of insolvency. Since becoming MD in 1997 and CEO in 2010 he has turned the merchanting business around and diversified the group’s holdings to encompass manufacturing, distribution, retail, real estate, e-commerce and care homes growing annual turnover to £50 million.

Andrew Harrison, Travis Perkins Director Andrew Harrison, a member of Travis Perkins’ Group Executive Committee, started his merchant career in 1980 as a management trainee with Graham Reeves in Cornwall. Following branch and area management roles, he moved to Sharpe & Fisher as Operations Director prior to its acquisition by Travis Perkins in 1999. Andrew was MD at CCF, Benchmarx Kitchens and Joinery, and Keyline before becoming Divisional CEO, General Merchanting in 2013. In January he became Group Commercial and Business Development Director.

Floyd Woodrow Since leaving the SAS in 2008, where he earned a Distinguished Conduct Medal for his work in Iraq and an MBE for his work in Afghanistan, Floyd Woodrow has brought the motivational lessons and techniques learnt in the world’s toughest environment to businesses, governments, sports teams and the police. Floyd is challenging, supportive and committed to developing elite commercial value in strategic planning and execution. He regularly lectures on leadership all over the world.

Michael Jackson Michael was voted Speaker Magazine’s 2016 Speaker of the Year, and has carved an enviable reputation over the last 15 years as one of the best business-to-business speakers and facilitators on the global professional circuit. He regularly speaks at around 150 events each year worldwide.

Steph McGovern, awardwinning broadcaster Steph McGovern not only hosts the Industry Forum and its lively Q&A session, she will also help set the agenda by speaking about her own career, the importance of recruiting more women to work in industry, and the significance of the construction industry to the UK economy.

Registration Register your individual delegates now on the conference registration website at www.bmfconference2017.co.uk.

For more information please contact Chris Harding at bmfconference2017@btinternet.com

Events Nominations open for FMB Master Builder Awards Builders Merchant of the Year BMF Members Day 2017 BMF Members’ Day takes place on 20 September at Jurys Inn Hinckley Island Hotel in Leicestershire, which proved an excellent location last year.

Along with a new format and new headline sponsor – Encon Insulation, the new Business Programme theme will be “Building Beyond Brexit”, focusing on the national need for more house building, as well as challenging BMF members to consider if they are doing enough to continue to build their businesses in a changing political and trading landscape.

Keynote speaker, Jadon Silva, Procurement Director at McCarthy and Stone (pictured), will focus on critical supply issues for a national house building group.

A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Purchasing and Supply, Jadon was previously Director of Procurement at HomeServe, Head of Procurement at BT and also held procurement positions at both Carillion and Tarmac.

The Business Programme and Black-tie Awards Dinner celebrating the achievements of young people working in the industry (sponsored by Marsh Industries) will both take place on 20 September. The annual Golf Tournament (sponsored by Monument Tools) will be held on 19 September.

For more information or to book your place contact June Upton at june.upton@bmf.org.uk

The BMF’s relationship with FMB continues to grow stronger in 2017.

BMF is sponsoring the FMB Master Builder Awards for the first time ever. The BMF will be looking for the builders merchant that has most successfully developed and improved its business in 2016.

Whether you are a merchant self-nominating or a supplier/ manufacturer, you are all welcome to take part. FMB’s 8,500 members are also being encouraged to join the nomination process.

Nominate now and join the BMF and FMB in helping to recognise the valuable contribution made by our merchants to the construction industry. To submit a nomination please visit the Events page at www.bmf.org.uk and send your entry to awards@fmb.org.uk. The closing date for nominations has been extended to 10 February 2017.

Regional finals will take place across seven UK regions in the spring and the national final will be held at the Intercontinental Hotel, Park Lane, London on 15 September 2017.

BMF Mastermerchant Competition Following a very successful event in 2016, the BMF is making plans for this year’s event, sponsored

by Merlin and MRA Marketing.

The event will remain at Ambleside YHA. The popular rock climbing activity, Ghyll scrambling and water activities will remain in the programme, together with many other challenging and fun activities.

BMF Mastermerchant takes place on 14-16 July 2017. If you have any questions, call June Upton on 02476 854980. Team entries are limited but there are still a few merchant places remaining.

Visit the Events pages at www.bmf.org.uk to download a booking form and return to june.upton@bmf.org.uk to secure your place.

Vado Rally The BMF and BMF Young Merchants entered the VADO Rally this September (UK to Monte Carlo), raising a fantastic £2,561 for the Rainy Day Trust, towards the overall Rally fundraising total of around £65K. Many thanks to all our sponsors and congratulations to the BMF/First Event team (pictured) for finishing in second place.

For more information about the Rainy Day Trust visit www.rainydaytrust.org.uk

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BMF to boost charity fundraising in 2017

New Members

Merchant Members The BMF has nominated the Teenage Cancer Trust as its charity partner for 2017. During the year the Federation will raise funds through four major events, the proceeds to be shared equally between the Teenage Cancer Trust and the merchant industry’s own charity, the Rainy Day Trust.

May 3-4

Supplier Members

The Pavestone Rally, a fun event that involves teams driving from Dover to Monte Carlo in old cars purchased for £500 or less, will take place from 7–10 September 2017. Teams from the BMF and the BMF Young Merchants Group enjoyed the 2016 Rally so much they are both taking part for a second year. If you would like to join them the closing date for entries is 28 February.

Contact Aaron Frogley at aaron.frogley@pavestone.co.uk for further information.

Feedback We welcome any comments about this edition or feedback for future editions.

Contact Christine Wall at christine.wall@bmf.org.uk.

Plumbing & Heating

February 22 BMF Northern Ireland regional meeting, Keystone, Cookstown 23 BMF West Midlands regional meeting, JCB, Cheadle 28 BMF Scotland regional meeting, Norbord, Stirling March 1 BMF South Wales regional meeting, Rockwool, Pencoed 2 BMF Anglia regional meeting, Newmarket Racecourse 6-7 National Apprenticeship Show – London and South East, Sandown Park 7-9 Ecobuild, London 9 BMF North West regional meeting, Encon, Chorley 9-10 National Apprenticeship Show – Yorkshire and North East, Harrogate 13-14 National Apprenticeship Show – Central, Milton Keynes 14-18 ISH, Frankfurt 15 BMF South West regional meeting, RGB, Tiverton 23 BMF North East regional meeting, Ramside Hall, Durham 29 BMF East Midlands regional meeting, Nottingham

Fundraising initiatives will be held at the BMF’s three main industry events in 2017 – its Burns Night Supper in January, the BMF All Industry Conference in June and Members’ Day in September.

In addition, the BMF has agreed with the organisers of the Pavestone Rally (formerly Vado Rally) that the proceeds of this event will also be divided equally between the Teenage Cancer Trust and the Rainy Day Trust. This year’s Vado Rally raised £60K for charity, and the Pavestone Rally 2017 is aiming to raise an amazing £100K.

Dates for your Diary

BMF welcomes new Plumbing & Heating Members into membership:

Builders Merchants Federation Limited 1180 Elliott Court, Coventry Business Park, Herald Avenue, Coventry CV5 6UB Tel: 02476 854980 | Fax: 02476 010390 Email: info@bmf.org.uk | www.bmf.org.uk Registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965 No 31516R

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National Apprenticeship Show – South West, Westpoint Exeter BMF Marketing Forum, ACO, Shefford BMF Yorkshire region meeting, Wavin, Doncaster BMF Plumbing and Heating Forum, Fernox, Woking

June 15- 18 BMF All-Industry Conference, Budapest July 13 Bob Beaver Memorial Clay Pigeon Shoot 14-16 BMF Mastermerchant competition, Ambleside September 7-10 Pavestone Rally - Dover to Monte Carlo 13 South West regional meeting, RGB, Tiverton 15 FMB Master Builder Awards final, London 19-20 BMF Members’ Day, Jury’s Inn Hinckley Island October 11 BMF Anglia regional meeting, Ridgeons, Cambridgeshire 16-17 National Apprenticeship Show – Manchester/N West, Manchester Central 18 BMF South Wales regional meeting, Rockwool, Pencoed 19 BMF North East regional meeting, Ramside Hall, Durham For more details about each event visit www.bmf.org.uk/events