Rebuilding the consensus for green homes INDUSTRY
VOICE
The BMF was in Parliament last month for the opening session of the Net Zero All- Party Parliamentary Group’s new programme, “Rebuilding net zero consensus - delivery for the country”. Co-chaired by Dr Simon Opher MP (Lab, Stroud) and Edward Morello MP (Lib Dem, West Dorset), the meeting focused on making the transition work for households by delivering visible benefits - lower bills, warmer homes and greater energy security.
The panel explored how to move towards a “demand-led” transition. Mark McAllister,
prices and carbon reduction. He noted that bringing the public with us is crucial if we want to hit UK targets - such as getting 20% of households on heat networks from its current level of 2%. The price of energy will come down, he assured the room, just not as soon as everyone would like.
Above: Simon Opher MP, Co-Chair Net Zero APPG
Chair of Ofgem, focused on staying the course to solve the “trilemma” of energy security,
Registrations are now live for BMF Annual Members Conference
The BMF Annual Members’ Conference and Awards is set to be held at the newly extended Belfry Hotel and Resort in Sutton Coldfield on 16-17th September. This year’s conference programme looks to the future, taking the forward- thinking theme “Digitise, Diversify, Decarbonise”, and will once again be hosted by Colin Murray, the TV and radio presenter and current anchor of Countdown on C4. Murray’s return marks his third year as compère, following glowing feedback from previous attendees.
Delegates can anticipate informative and entertaining conference sessions, interactive workshops, and an engaging exhibition of suppliers and service members. The two- day programme also features sporting and social networking events, including the BMF Golf Tournament, a plethora of adventure based activities
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and a black-tie Awards Dinner celebrating members’ achievements.
The BMF has also confirmed NMBS as the event’s headline sponsor for a second year. John Newcomb, BMF CEO, said: “Our annual flagship gathering continues to grow, both in ambition and attendance. We aim each year to surpass previous achievements, and we’re pleased to welcome members to the Belfry, which offers excellent conference accommodation, state-of-the- art golfing facilities, and a luxurious spa for relaxation.” Registrations for the BMF Annual Conference and Awards are now open. Members can find more information and reserve their place at https://
tinyurl.com/yvtmvpmc.
Madeleine Gabriel from Nesta emphasised that public support hinges on the transition being seen as fair and effective. She spoke about the important role intermediaries with contact to the trades and public are in “talking up” clean technologies like heat pumps to build
BMF DIARY DATES
Please check the BMF website at
www.bmf.org.uk for all the latest news and events updates in this ever-changing environment.
confidence through a “show instead of tell” approach. Professor Aaron Gillich of London Southbank University argued that winning over the public is simple if the focus remains on solving everyday problems like mould, damp and fuel poverty through insulation and ventilation. However, significant hurdles remain. Edward Morello MP noted that while a like for like boiler replacement takes 48 hours, the process to install a heat pump can take weeks - policies must be implemented that make clean choices the easy choices.
BMF members to benefit from new Building Materials Zone at Build North Expo
Build North Expo will return to the Exhibition Centre Liverpool on June 16 2026, bringing together professionals from across the built environment for a day dedicated to networking, industry insight, product and service discovery. Delivered in partnership with leading industry organisations, including the BMF, the event aims to connect contractors, suppliers, developers and key decision-makers while addressing the challenges and opportunities shaping the construction sector. This year’s exhibition will feature a number of dedicated zones designed to help visitors easily connect with specialist suppliers. Among them is the new Workwear & Tool Hire Zone, which will provide a focused platform for companies supplying PPE, site clothing as well as tool and plant hire solutions. The zone is intended to connect these suppliers directly with buyers looking to enhance site safety, efficiency and productivity.
Another key addition is the Building Materials Zone, which will bring together manufacturers, distributors and merchants supplying essential products to the construction supply chain. As part of the event partnership, BMF members will receive an exclusive 10% discount on exhibition space within this zone, creating a valuable opportunity to showcase their offering and engage with contractors and procurement professionals from across the North of England. With a strong emphasis on innovation, collaboration and practical solutions, the event will give both exhibitors and visitors the chance to build new relationships, explore emerging opportunities and stay ahead in an evolving construction landscape.
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net April 2026
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