AND FINALLY
WCoBM awards celebrate excellence and dedication
The Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants held its annual City & Awards luncheon, at the spectacular Painters’ Hall on Monday March 17, where it recognised the achievements of rising stars in the builders’ merchant sector, as well as highlighting exceptional service among WCoBM’s military affiliations and rewarding the accomplishments of other organisations or individuals the Company supports through its Education & Training Charitable Fund.
WCoBM Master Steve Boyer said: “I am delighted to stand here today to celebrate the very best of our industry. We have gathered to celebrate the excellence achieved by individuals both in the building materials industry and beyond, to the brilliant merchants who shape our
environment, to the dedication of the men and women in our armed forces and the inspiring cadets who are the future of our nation, and we cannot thank you all enough.”
The BMF student winners were:
• Best Online Student: George Longworth, Peppard Building Supplies. • Best Performing Diploma Student: Elliot Taylor, Branch Manager, Silvertons. • Best Performing Apprentice of the Year: Tiffany West, Sales Assistant, MKM Building Supplies. Each year, the Master presents an award to someone within the Livery who has gone above and beyond to support the Company and its works. This year’s winner of The Master’s Award was Past Master Andy Williamson, of whom The Master said: “As a direct result of Andy’s work, the
Company now has the highest number of Liverymen and Freemen ever, and he has demonstrated time and time again his
commitment to the Company’s future growth and success.” The prizes were presented by Guest of Honour Alderman Tim Hailes FKC JP who, subject to election, will become the 698th Lord Mayor of London in November 2025
The other awards were won by: Build Up Foundation Leadership Award for Design and Construction: Lisa Hoang Ka and Bewaji Oyesanyg WCoBM Award nominated by No Going Back for Design and Construction Rising Star: Arno Smit
WCoBM Award winner nominated by HMS Forth for Outstanding Service to the Royal Navy: Chief Petty Officer Adam Thompson WCoBM Award for All Round Contribution to Unit Effectiveness: Leading Seaman Dominic Gregory, Chief Bosun’s Mate, HMS Forth
Rainy Day Trust CEO Bryan Clover to retire
After nearly 10 years in the role, industry charity the Rainy Day Trust’s CEO Bryan Clover is to retire at the end of June and recruitment is underway to fill the post.
Clover has become a welcome fixture at countless events and exhibitions throughout the home improvement industry and during his time at the helm, the Charity has broadened its scope of support as well as its profile among employees and businesses.
“This has been my first CEO
role,” he said. “It has been an incredible journey and I have made a lot of new friends along the way. I must thank the Trustees whose support for the Rainy Day Trust and me as CEO has been fabulous and I am grateful for their trust. The time is right for someone else, someone with natural fundraising skills, to take over.”
Chair of Rainy Day Trust trustees, Richard Campbell-Drew from Akzo Nobel, said Bryan had worked tirelessly to get the Charity in front of businesses, not only to raise funds but also to spread the
word of how their employees could benefit. “Bryan’s skill has been to recognise the hidden nature of many problems that employees and retirees in our industry face and he has also been responsible for expanding our remit into supporting young people at the start of their careers, with our apprenticeship packages.” Among the initiatives that Clover has championed and that are a core part of the Rainy Day Trust’s
WCoBM Awards nominated by Third Battalion, The Princess of Wales’ Royal Regiment: Best Soldier: Private Robin Dryden
Best Recruit: Private William Mills
WCoBM Awards nominated by Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
Award for Excellence: Sgt Stephen Lynch
Aviator of the Year: Corporal Connor Jenkin
WCoBM Award-winner nominated by Beckenham & Penge Sea Cadet Unit Outstanding Service: Cadet First Class Adam Ogidel
work today are the Let’s Save Energy programme, welfare benefits calculator, telephone counselling and debt advice. Who can forget his dogged determination over the years to complete countless coastal walks and challenges (including the Jurassic Ultra next month). He has raised over £2.5million for the Charity.
He said: “There are plenty of people who really do need the Charity’s help. But we can’t help them if they don’t know what we can do. Let us come and chat to staff members to make them aware. Those businesses who have arranged for us to do that have certainly seen a positive outcome for staff and the business itself.”
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www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net April 2025
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