Builders Merchants Federation Elliott Court, Coventry Business Park, Herald Avenue, Coventry CV5 6UB Tel: 024 7685 4980 Fax: 024 76010390 info@bmf.org.uk www.bmf.org.uk


Recruitment guru to speak at BMF Conference Steve Ingham,


CEO of Page Group, worldwide leader in specialist


recruitment, is the second speaker to be confirmed for the BMF All Industry Conference in Budapest next June. 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.


UFEMAT win for BMF


When Steve joined Page thirty years ago he was tasked with expanding and diversifying a company known for one specialism, accounting, into a broad-based ‘people’ business. He has overseen the company’s growth to become a FTSE 200 business with 6,000 employees in 35 countries. He rebranded the business in 2012 bringing together the Michael Page, Page Personnel and Page Executive brands as Page Group.


Young people are critical to the future


The BMF called for greater youth recruitment during its annual Members’ Day conference. The BMF recognised two leading apprentices with awards and reiterated its pledge to the Young Women’s Trust and its target to double the number of women entering the profession by 2020.


The BMF has won a Best Practice award at UFEMAT’s AGM held in Berlin in September. John Newcomb received the award on behalf of the BMF.


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 Members Day, 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.


He said: “I am honoured to be the first NI Regional Chairman for the BMF. We had a fantastic response from


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 of apprentices. However, they are concerned that the new apprenticeship levy could lead to a reduction in numbers and calls for a publicity campaign to support the policy and ensure that everyone affected is aware of it. John Newcomb said: “We


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, John Newcomb opened the latest BMF Regional Centre


BMF acts on Welsh Nest Fuel Poverty Scheme


Although the Welsh Government has limited powers over low incomes and energy prices, the BMF has urged Cardiff to continue helping residents to improve the thermal and energy performance of homes inthe most deprived areas of Wales.


The BMF was responding to a consultation asking for views on the Warm Homes Nest and Arbed schemes.


The BMF said to Lesley Griffiths, the Environment


BM November 2016J


Minister (pictured), that Nest should continue beyond the current end date of August 2017. Spending caps are necessary


to control public funds that must be spent on homes in most need - and on fitting the right improvements in as many homes as possible. A higher cap for off-grid properties is right and recognises higher rural costs. Nest should provide support


with:


• installing free energy-efficient measures, where eligible


• advice on ways to save on energy and water costs, switching tariffs, and managing money


The BMF welcomes the continued existence of the Welsh National Home Improvement Loan Scheme that offers finance to the owners of sub-standard properties.


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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.”


are proud to recognise the hard work of our apprentices at our conference this year. Our members are at the very heart of everything we do and it is 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 the future.”


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