INDUSTRY VOICE


Among the distinguished keynote speakers for the 2025 BMF All Industry Conference, set to take place in Barcelona from 12-15 June 2025, are Harriet Harman KC and John Carter.


Harriet Harman KC Harriet Harman, whose parliamentary career spanned over four decades, represented Camberwell and Peckham as a Labour MP from 1982 until her retirement in 2024, was appointed to the House of Lords as a life Peer in 2024. She has been a leading advocate for women’s rights, holding key positions in both the Blair and


Brown governments, serving as Deputy Leader of the Labour Party, Shadow Deputy Prime Minister, and twice as Interim Leader of the Labour Party. John Newcomb, BMF CEO, commented, “Harriet Harman’s career has been marked by significant contributions to politics and society. Her insights will be particularly valuable at our conference, coinciding with the first BMF All Industry Conference under a Labour Government during my tenure as CEO.”


John Carter


John Carter, CEO of STARK Building Materials UK, previously


served as CEO of Travis Perkins, joining the STARK Group Executive Committee after its acquisition of Saint Gobain Building Distribution in 2023. He has since led a major transformation of STARK UK, focusing on strategic growth initiatives. John’s extensive experience in the industry and his leadership style are expected to


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.


Harriet Harman and John Carter to Speak at 2025 BMF All Industry Conference


provide valuable insights into current industry challenges.


Newcomb said, “We are delighted to have John Carter participate in next year’s Industry Forum. His leadership and experience are unparalleled, and we look forward to his perspectives on the evolving landscape of the building materials sector.”


Although the event is fully booked, the BMF has opened a waiting list for merchants or suppliers who still wish to attend. Interested parties can contact June.Upton@bmf.org.uk to be added to the list.


Dave Castle of Travis Perkins plc Joins BMF Board


Dave Castle, Group Chief Commercial Officer and Managing Director of BSS at Travis Perkins Group, has been elected to the Board of the BMF. Dave, who received a substantial majority of the electoral college vote, officially joined the BMF Board during the meeting held on 17 July 2024.


His journey with Travis Perkins Group began in 2001 as an apprentice. Over the years, he has held numerous roles within


the company, advancing from branch-level positions to senior leadership. In 2023, he was appointed Managing Director of BSS, and in May 2024, he


took on the additional role of Chief Commercial Officer for the Group. In this capacity, Dave leads a team that consolidates the Group’s extensive buying experience across its merchanting businesses. He is known for his commitment to people-focused leadership, fostering collaboration, and driving business modernisation, with a strong focus on adapting to the evolving needs of customers.


Richard Hill, BMF Chairman, Rising UK carbon emissions from vans


The BMF has seen new research from Transport & Environment, a clean transport and energy lobbying group, which indicates that there is a continuing rise in carbon emissions from vans.


Since 1990, carbon emissions from vans in the UK have increased by 63%. During the same period, nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions have only decreased by 38% in vans and are currently higher than they were in 2011. This contrasts sharply with an 88% reduction in NOx emissions from cars and a 91% reduction from HGVs. The research found that there are a million more vans on the road


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since 2014 - nearly all are diesel. Electric vans remain significantly more expensive than diesel.


That is why the BMF argues for further financial assistance to help van owners - especially to retrofit rather than scrap their vehicles - if they cannot afford to buy an EV.


Currently, there are government grants of up to £5,000 a van to make the switch. However, this electric van grant is due to end on 31 March 2025. The BMF would like to see Ministers support SMEs by extending the grant.


www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net August 2024


said: “I am delighted to welcome Dave to the Board. His expertise and dedication will be invaluable as we continue to drive innovation and growth within the BMF in support of our members.” BMF CEO, John Newcomb added: “Dave’s values align closely with those of the BMF. I am looking forward to working with him as we embark on a major sector awareness programme that will help shape the future of our industry.”


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