COMMENT
Material matters
I
t’s been over two years in the making, and has the potential to open up the building materials sector to the world. The national launch of the Building Materials Careers campaign, led by the BMF and supported by its merchant, suppler and service members, was finally unveiled in London on 5 February.
This is a fabulous industry to be in. We all know that, but as BMF chairman Richard Hill pointed out at the launch, too few other people understand what this sector has to offer. Indeed, too few people understand what it is that this sector actually does. I’ve written for many years about the knowledge gap of the mainstream media when it comes to what happens with building materials. The big boy national media understands what a builder does, it knows what a manufacturer of building materials does. It doesn’t really have a grasp on what happens between the making and the building. The Building Material Careers Campaign is a pan industry campaign, covering not just builders’ merchants, but material suppliers too. By effectively rebranding the sector Building Materials, the campaign is highlighting the symbiotic relationship between the two sides of the materials supply chain.
As Hill went on the say, the campaign has two clear purposes, to launch Building Materials as a clear sector in its own right as part of the broader construction industry and to position Building Materials as a desirable place to work. There are campaigns and groups across the wider construction industry that are seeking to fill the skills gap and recruit the workers that are needed if we are to get anywhere near the Government’s housing targets. What this campaign will do is to attract recruits with a real diversity of skills needed for the huge range of jobs and careers that building material presents.
Every single product that goes into construction
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EDITORIAL
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All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, by any means, electronic or mechanical including photo-copying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system without the prior written consent of the publisher. The title Builders Merchants Journal is registered at Stationers’ Hall. Suppliers have contributed towards production costs of some photographs in this issue.
needs researching, designing, developing, making, warehousing, delivering, marketing, selling, tracking, financing, supporting, and probably other things that I haven’t even thought about. Whatever the interests of anyone looking for a career – school and college leavers, graduates, those looking for a change of direction – there is a role in building materials that will suit them. Got a head for numbers? Yep, we’ve got roles that will suit. Love being in the fresh air in all weathers? There are yard roles with your name on them. Fascinated by engineering? We have roles with building material suppliers that will suit you. Could you sell snow to eskimos? Then this industry is meant for you. The programme will harness the power of both mainstream and social media channels, direct engagement via open days, school and college visits, apprentice and careers exhibitions, to connect with all target audiences. It will make use of every BMF channel, including its Young Merchant Group, Ambassadors and the newly appointed Social Media Influencers, to amplify campaign messages. There’s also a National Launch Action Pack, containing templates, social media content, suggested copy for websites, material for on-site advertising, a BMCareers logo and “Proud to support” digital badge for BMF members. It’s all about creating a consistent identity for Building Materials and increase its visibility to those outside the sector. Hearts and minds. That’s what this campaign will need to capture if it is going to work. Getting out there and talking to the people who can influence career choices is going to be vital: parents, teachers, college lecturers, careers advisors will all need to be brought into the mix if any fledging interest by youngsters isn’t going to be snuffed out before it can light up. BMJ
Fiona Russell-Horne Group Managing Editor - BMJ
CIRCULATION
ABC audited average circulation
July 2018-June 2019: 7,801 SUBSCRIPTIONS
UK 1 year: £97 UK, 2 years: £164 Outside UK: one year £113/$204; two years: £196/$353
“ And thou in
this shalt find thy monument,
When tyrants’ crests and tombs of brass are spent.
William Shakespeare ” CONTENTS
4 Newsround What’s happening this month
10 People
Who’s moved where and our usual 10 Minutes With…
12 Meet the Future Our latest Rising Star
14 Business Helpdesk BMF launches its Building Material Careers programme nationally.
16 BMJ Industry Awards Launch
The official launch of the BMJ Industry Awards 2025
18 Viewpoint
Our regular and guest columnists 24 Apprentice Focus
BMJ shares some of the latest up and coming apprenticeships
26 Merchant Focus
Builders merchant MGN has opened a new branch in Orpington, Kent.
28 IT The latest news from the IT sector
31 Plumbing & Drainage BMJ takes a look at the plumbing industry trends and challenges
35 Timber Sharing the latest trends in timber
38 BMF Industry Voice News and views from the BMF 40 Product News
The latest product news and launches from suppliers
42 And Finally News and our Prize Crossword
February 2025
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net 3
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