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BMF Appoints Digital Specialist as Board Advisor


As the building materials industry advances towards digitalisation, the BMF has appointed James Mitchell, Managing Director of Kerridge Commercial Systems as a specialist Advisor to the BMF Board.


James’ appointment brings a new skill set to the BMF Board. He has 28 years’ experience of IT and software solutions, and his current company provides digital solutions to many in the building materials sector.


James has a BSc (Hons) in Business and Computer Science, an Executive MBA from Cranfield University Business School and he is a member of the Institution of Engineering and Technology and a Fellow of the Chartered Management insitute. Commenting on the


appointment, BMF Chairman,


Richard Hill said: “The BMF Board is responsible for the general control and management of the Federation, developing strategy and scrutinising performance. It is, therefore, important that its members bring


a diverse range of experience and skills to the overall Board. James’’ appointment reflects the increasing importance of digitalisation in our members’ business, and I am delighted to welcome him on the Board”. James Mitchell added: “I am delighted to be joining the BMF board as an advisor. “The use of digital tools for business operations and processes is a subject I am very passionate about; the right digital tools generate efficiencies and improve services and importantly help merchants grow their business and profits sustainability. “I am very much looking forward to working with the BMF Board and its members to discuss, advise and provide insights on the future of digitalisation for the merchant industry.”


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.


The BMF welcome the following new members:


BMF Advises Energy-Intensive Users to Apply for the New Energy Bill Relief Scheme


Following the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s announcement regrading changes to


government support for business energy costs from 1 April 2023, the BMF is advising members to check whether they should apply for the higher level of financial assistance available to energy- intensive industries. The UK- wide Energy Bill Discount Scheme (EBDS), which replaces the current Energy Bill Relief Scheme, is set to provide a discount on energy prices, rather that the existing arrangement which caps energy prices. Most businesses will find that their energy supplier will automatically apply the standard discount to their bills. However, there are slightly


different proposals for energy- intensive industries, which include manufacturers of building materials, and they may need to register for this higher level of assistance.


Commenting on the changes, BMF CEO, John Newcomb said “The overall package being offered by the government from 1 April 2023 is substantially below the level of support provided over the winter months.


“This will be a major concern for energy-intensive manufacturers but they should also be aware that the may not automatically receive the proposed discount and may have to register to receive it. “Details of how to do that


February 2023 www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net


have not yet been released, but we will be advising members soon as they become available”.


The government’s proposals for the new EBDS scheme are as follows:


All Businesses


For eligible customers who have a contract with a licensed energy supplier, the offer is: From 1 April 2023 to 31 March 2024, all businesses that have a contact with a licensed energy supplier will see a unit discount of up to £6.97/MWh automatically applied to their as bill - and a unit discount of up to £19.61/MWh on their electricity bill.


This will be the subject to a wholesale price threshold


- set with reference to the support provided for domestic consumers - of £107/MWh for gas and £302/MWh for electricity. This means that businesses facing energy costs below this level will not receive support.


Energy-Intensive Industries Eligible businesses will receive a discount reflecting the difference between a price threshold and the relevant wholesale price.


The price threshold will be £99/MWh for gas and £185/ MWh for electricity.


This discount will only apply for 70% of energy volumes and will be subject to a maximum discount of £40.o/MW for gas and £89.1/MWh for electricity.


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