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NEWSROUND


Merchant sector embraces apprenticeship schemes


To celebrate its 60th anniversary, builders’ merchants buying soci- ety, NMBS is launching a recruit- ment drive for 60 Apprentices across the sector. The organisa- tion did something similar for its 50th anniversary.


NMBS launched the initiative during National Apprenticeshp Week, earlier this month, with support from the Builders Mer- chants Federation.


NMBS CEO Chris Hayward said: “NMBS is 100 per cent commit- ted to strengthening independ- ents. Apprentices can bring big benefits to businesses, and we are delighted to work with BMF as part of our recruitment drive to attract 60 new apprentices into the industry during our 60th an- niversary year.”


In 2023, NMBS plans to enrol 15 apprentices every quarter into training programmes at a variety of levels, including trade supply, business administration and sales. BMF CEO, John Newcomb added: “BMF has long been a champion of the benefits of ap-


prenticeships both to people look- ing to enter the industry and to businesses seeking to attract new talent. Our established partner- ship with training provider LEAP has allowed us to team up with experts in training provision and combine their in-depth knowl- edge with our industry insight and experience to create a series of apprenticeship programmes that are carefully tailored to the needs of the industry.” l Travis Perkins Group ,has celebrated its 1,000th apprentice graduate following the introduc- tion of the apprenticeship levy and reforms in 2017. Travis Per- kins plc is committed to develop- ing the next generation of the UK construction workforce, through LEAP.


David Hood, a Category Assis- tant at CCF; the Group’s insula- tion and interior building busi- ness, is the 1,000th apprentice. He says: “I am over the moon to be the 1,000th apprentice graduate and grateful to the team for supporting me throughout


November Plumbing & Heating sales up +6.9% year-on-year


The latest figures from the Plumbing & Heating Merchant Index (PHMI) report show total value sales for November 2022 through specialist plumbing and heating merchants were +6.9% higher than November 2021.


Price inflation (+9.8%) was again the driving factor behind year-on-year growth with volumes falling -2.7%. Month-on-month November value sales were +9.7% higher than October 2022. Volume sales saw positive growth (+6.8%) while prices were also up (+2.7%). With one extra trading day in November, like-for- like sales were +4.7% up. Year to date value sales in the period January to November 2022 were +7.0% higher than the same period in 2021. However, with volume sales down (-1.5%) it was price inflation (+8.6%) driving the increase. With two less trading days this year, like-for-like sales were +7.9% higher.


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the process. The programme has massively developed my business skills, enabled me to do more for our customers and I enjoyed learning with colleagues from across the group. No matter age or profession, I would absolutely recommend taking up the oppor- tunity to do an apprenticeship.” l MKM used National Appren- ticeship Week to highlight its own programme. One area in which the merchant has identified a skills gap is in kitchen and bath- room design, so the merchant has invested in its Showroom Design and Sales Level Three programme, which combines customer service and sales skills with practical know-how on designing kitchens and bathrooms. All MKM apprentices have the same contract as any other employee across the business and are paid a competitive wage, while the apprenticeship posi- tions at MKM are supported by various training providers as well as in-house teams ensuring both business and vocational training


is available in all roles across every area of the business. The program started 18 months ago with just three participants and now has over 70 apprentices across Central Support and its nationwide branch network. The goal is to reach at least 125 col- leagues in apprenticeships at any one time, equating to some 5% of MKM’s employees. l Distributor The Encon Group has become a member of the 5% Club – a not-for-profit organisa- tion that encourages employers to identify ‘earn & learn’ oppor- tunities in their business as part of building and developing their workforce.


By joining, members aspire to achieve 5% of their workforce in earn and learn positions within five years of joining. These include apprentices, sponsored students and graduates on formalised training schemes.


Wolseley Group cools off with distributor Kooltech


Wolseley group has bought air conditioning equipment distributor Kooltech.


The family-owned company will continue to operate as a standalone business within the Wolseley Group under its current management team. In addition a 10-year lease extension has been signed on Kooltech’s Glasgow headquarters. “We’re really excited about the opportunity and the benefits that this deal will bring,” says id Kooltech commercial director Jonathan Brown. “Kooltech is a business that is performing well and experiencing exceptional


growth. Wolseley is a great business that aligns with our culture and ambitions.” Simon Oakland, Wolseley


Group chief executive says:. “Kooltech joining our group will enable us to extend our offer to customers further across the sector and create new opportunities for Kooltech as part of a broader business.”


www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net February 2023


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