BMF Parliamentary Reception INDUSTRY


VOICE


This annual event takes place at the House of Commons. A welcome speech was given by the Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on SME Housebuilders Andrew Lewer MP, with the opening speech given by Sam Patel from UK Construction Week who are the main event sponsor.


BMF CEO, John Newcomb then addressed the reception, talking about Net Zero and smarter heating systems, as well as the importance of retrofit solutions. He also outlined the widespread opportunities within the building materials sector, which demands a diverse range of talent and how the BMF is actively supporting


training and development through a pledge to provide 15,000 new apprenticeship opportunities by 2030, and plans for a major sector awareness campaign in 2024. Shadow Minister for Roads Bill Esterson MP, then took to the podium with a talk on emissions, energy efficiency and decarbonisation of housing and other property. He indicated support for a prosperity fund to support retrofit solutions and touched on the skills agenda and the many short courses available to the building materials sector. The final talk of the day was given by Minister for Housing in the Levelling Up Department, Lee


BMF’s Annual Award Winners – 2023


BMF Apprentice of the Year 2023 Level 2 - NATHAN COLLIER, JT Dove


BMF Apprentice of the Year 2023 Level 3 – BETHANY COLLINS, Building & Plumbing Supplies


Best Performing Student 2023 (BMF Diploma in Merchant Management) - DAVID CLEGG, Howarth Timber & Building Supplies


Best Performing Online Student 2023 (BMF Building Blocks) - MICHAEL MOULAND, Mid Sussex Timber


BMF Training Company of the Year 2023 - IBMG BMF Supplier Engagement Award 2023 - VELUX BMF Service Member Engagement Award 2023 - INTACT Sustainability Award 2023 - JOHN A STEPHENS Marketing Excellence Award - REBECCA RANGE, Terratruck BMF Young Supplier Achiever 2023 - BEN FARRINGTON, Bostik


BMF Young Merchant Achiever 2023 - LAUREN PENNEY, Chandler Material Supplies Runner Up - CAMERON SMITH, Mathewson & Rosemond Bronze - NATHAN ARTHUR, IBMG


BMF Honorary Achievement Award - IAN HALDANE 32


Rowley MP who praised the BMF before discussing proposals within the Autumn Statement, focusing on the importance of skills and finishing with his thoughts on Net Zero.


Here’s a selection of pictures from the BMF Parliamentary Reception 2023 which took place on 28th November.


Apprentices are our future…


If we all agree that apprentices are essential for the future development of the building materials sector, then BMF members should seriously consider the opportunities that the BMF’s Apprenticeships Plus service offers. It is a unique approach to the recruitment and management of apprentices which removes the uncertainties and ‘pain points’ that businesses can worry about. The BMF’s partnership with LEAP Apprenticeships and Early Careers is specifically designed and regulated to support both large and small members who wish to take advantage of the many benefits of an apprentice. LEAP Apprenticeships & Early Careers will manage the process from beginning to end, and monitor monthly progression, claiming additional learning support and employment incentives on the employer’s behalf. The service can be used for new apprentices and existing employees being upskilled.


How it works:


The BMF will support your business to advertise and recruit


a new apprentice and identify the BMF apprenticeship


development opportunity tailored best to your business needs. LEAP Apprenticeships and Early Careers will then discuss your options and your specific business needs, giving your new apprentice the very best start in your business and the development they need to become a well-trained and valued colleague.


LEAP Apprenticeships & Early Careers together with the BMF can support you in discussions with your existing colleague regarding personal development and future potential to help identify the appropriate BMF apprenticeship to give them the knowledge, skills and behaviours needed to upskill and advance them within your business.


www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net December 2023


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