Builders Merchants Federation Follow us


1180 Elliott Court Coventry Business Park, Herald Avenue Coventry CV5 6UB Tel: 02476 854980 info@bmf.org.uk www.bmf.org.uk


BMF Training – Something for everyone


The builders’ merchant industry is constantly changing, with new products and services coming onto the market all the time plus, of course, all the new business and financial regulations to keep track of. Merchants (and their suppliers) need to keep on top of such developments in order to stay up- to-date, legally compliant and to take steps to take advantage of any new opportunities that may present themselves to develop their business.


Whilst the larger, national merchants may well have in- house training support staff that can undertake this task, smaller independent merchants are not so lucky. This is where membership of the BMF can bring a real advantage, as the BMF understands the kind of training that our sector staff need, and they only use training consultants who deliver courses specifically tailored to the sector.


BMF training covers all bases – in-person, remote (virtual) or a


Committing to Apprenticeships: In June 2023, the BMF launched an Apprenticeship Pledge to facilitate the recruitment of 15,000 new apprentices within BMF membership organisations by 2030, and to encourage BMF members to tackle the industry- wide skills gap, ‘growing’ their own talent through specific sector, work-based learning programmes.


We believe that everyone should have the opportunity to reach their full potential and apprenticeship programmes provide an exciting opportunity to both develop and retain staff who are the future for our industry.


Why is the BMF making this pledge? • To drive commitment, recruit and develop a clear career pathway


hybrid approach. Courses can be delivered at our purpose-built facility in Coventry, at a regional centre of excellence (we have these across the UK and Ireland), or at member premises. The courses are suitable for all types of merchants and there are also adapted courses specifically suitable for suppliers to merchants. BMF training covers various different areas of a business’s operations: • Management Development • Leadership • Sales • Induction & Operations • Marketing • Online Learning (BMF Campus) • Virtual Learning


Training always needs to add value to both the individual and the business and that is what we at the BMF always strive to deliver. If you want to find out more about how BMF training can help your business to develop then check out the training pages on the BMF website (www.bmf.org.uk) or email training@bmf.org.uk.


and succession plan that enables the building materials sector to take control of the skills gap – through new talent and upskilling existing colleagues. • By sharing resources and learnings, making shared commitments, and holding each other accountable, we can support our growing industry. • To drive the utilisation of the Levy funds across the building materials sector - use it, don’t lose it.


Together with our BMF members who support the Pledge commitment, we will: • SUPPORT – a collaborative workplace environment, offer our existing staff the opportunity to develop through apprenticeships and recruit apprentices for talent succession and vacant roles. • EDUCATE – ensure we educate


December 2023 www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net


BMF Training Open Day – 24th January 2024, 9.30am – 1.00pm Join us here in Coventry at the first-ever BMF Training Open Day, allowing BMF members to meet our expert trainers and Regional Managers, and also to have your say on what more we should be offering to our members! • Provide your input and feedback on how we can improve our offering, or what more we can do to help you.


There will also be 10-15 minute presentations happening in separate meeting rooms with discussions on how you can access more tailored and specific training needs from our in-house trainers.


9th January 2024 – Dignity & EDI in the Workplace


EDI, DEI, ESG are all big agenda items across all businesses and all sectors at the moment. Millions of pounds are being ploughed into this area because “we are a people company – right?!” People are our biggest asset; they are also our


ourselves, our colleagues, and the wider industry on why apprenticeships are important to the industry and a key route into the sector. • REPORT – on a six-monthly basis, the number of apprentices we have in the business, and our current plans for future apprentices. • INCREASE - have a minimum of 1% of our employees completing an apprenticeship with an ambition of working towards 5% in line with government statistics.


Members can access the benefits of BMF Apprenticeships Plus or find out more about committing to the Apprenticeship Pledge by simply speaking to their BMF Regional Manager or contacting the BMF’s Head of Training & HR Support, Kerry Wilson


kerry.wilson@bmf.org.uk Tel - 0247 685 4982


For more details or to book any of the courses listed above please contact Kerry Wilson


kerry.wilson@bmf.org.uk Tel - 0247 685 4982


biggest cost and biggest risk. This course focuses on Dignity at Work, a spin on DEI training that majors on a culture of dignity and respect at work – no matter who you are.


16-17th April 2024 – People Management Skills This 2-day course focuses on the importance of the effective management of people within any business. It will equip Managers with the skills to professionally lead individuals or teams, whilst maintaining productivity and meeting company objectives. It is ideally suited to Team Leaders, Supervisors and other Managers who have a direct responsibility for managing people.


The BMF welcomes the following new members:


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.


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