NEWSROUND
Exploring risk at BMF All Industry Conference
Caspar Berry, an expert in risk, is the latest speaker confirmed for the BMF All Industry Conference in June.
He studied Economics and Anthropology at Cambridge and forged an early career as a screenwriter, but his expertise comes from a life-changing decision he made at 25, when he became a professional poker player in Las Vegas.
Berry has long since retired
from poker, but he retains many of the lessons learned and applies them directly to business. He identifies risk as the single most important though least understood factor in turning potentially innovative managers into dynamic leaders.
John Newcomb, BMF CEO said: “Risk plays a central role in life and in business. But what makes a calculated risk different from
Miliband visits Vaillant
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband MP visited Vaillant’s new multi- million-pound manufacturing plant, which, not far from its existing Belper headquarters where it makes heat pumps and boilers, will now produce the company’s latest uniSTOR high recovery slimline cylinder models. He said: “The clean energy transition is the economic opportunity of the 21st century. This government intends to seize the chance for Britain to lead. What this new Vaillant plant shows is the different economic opportunities we can get from becoming a clean energy superpower. By building heat pumps in Britain and continuing
a reckless gamble? In addition to his speaking session, Caspar will be leading a workshop that demonstrates the difference. Both sessions will be sponsored by Opus Safety.”
The 2025 BMF All
Industry Conference is fully booked. The event takes place in Barcelona from 12 – 15 June. For merchants or suppliers that haven’t secured a place, the BMF has opened a waiting list for the event. Please email June.Upton@
bmf.org.uk to be added to the waiting list.
BMF and NMBS join up to form data pool
The BMF (Builders Merchants Federation) and NMBS (National Merchant Buying Society) have formed a strategic partnership to launch an Industry Data Pool. The initiative aims to create a centralised, digital platform for seamless product data exchange within the building materials sector.
The Industry Data Pool will provide an industry-owned resource containing high- quality, e-commerce-friendly information on hundreds of thousands of products. The Industry Data Pool will deliver a range of benefits, including:
• Centralised product data management for improved accuracy, consistency and accessibility
• Enhanced supply chain efficiency through seamless data exchange
their roll out, we can not only ensure people have warmer, lower carbon homes but support jobs like these in Derby.” Henrik Hansen, managing director of Vaillant Group UK and Ireland, added: “This investment in a purpose-built cylinder plant marks an exciting move for
IBMG unveils landscaping brochure
The build brands of Independent Builders Merchant Group have launched a new, comprehensive landscaping brochure, designed to inspire homeowners and landscape enthusiasts, regardless of size or budget. The guide brings together a curated selection of premium landscaping products from brands such as Digby Stone, Day Group, Brett Landscaping, Nexus, and Grange Fencing.
It’s the first time the group has presented a unified offering in this region, streamlining customer choice and unlocking sales growth potential for valued partner suppliers. The brochure will be available online and in all Grant & Stone Build, BuildIt, Fairalls, Parker & Chandlers Building Supplies branches, as well as RGB, Kent Blaxill and CRS from April 2025. Alongside the launch, the brands will be running promotional campaigns to encourage customers to visit their local branch and discover the endless possibilities for transforming outdoor spaces.
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Vaillant as we continue to lead the transition to decarbonised homes. The move to heat pumps in the UK requires commitment from manufacturers to invest in the UK infrastructure, build consumer confidence in the technology and generate additional jobs in the sector.”
• Increased regulatory compliance and transparency The joint venture will be managed by Building Materials Digital Services Ltd, a non-profit entity equally owned by the BMF and NMBS.
The structure provides an immediate opportunity for merchant and buying groups and software providers to invest in the company’s success as shareholders, helping to create a product data pool by the industry, for the industry. Other key financial elements of the project include a tiered subscription model for manufacturers and suppliers. Gareth Thomas has been appointed as managing director of the start-up business. He has extensive experience in data management and business change and previously spearheaded the UK launch of the product data management data pool solution at EZ-base.
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net April 2025
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