Home Office plans knife licensing scheme INDUSTRY
VOICE
The BMF alerts readers to a Home Office consultation regarding a proposed mandatory licensing scheme for sellers and importers of knives and bladed articles. The aim is for it to apply to both businesses and private sellers to prevent underage and illegal sales.
The scheme is intended to be administered by the police on a full cost recovery basis - meaning sellers will be required to pay a fee to obtain and periodically renew their license - suggested as every three years.
The operational impact on merchants could be significant. Larger multi-site businesses would need to appoint a designated licence holder to act as a primary contact for the police. The police would conduct background and suitability checks and each branch would require its own licence, similar to alcohol licensing, with premises assessed for their suitability to store and sell knives. Licensed retailers will be required to implement ‘Challenge 25’ age verification for all sales and deliveries. Furthermore,
knives would need to be stored and packaged securely - likely requiring staff intervention to release a product from a display to prevent theft or immediate use.
Restricting the sale of retail diesel
The BMF has seen a recent report by the think-tank New AutoMotive which suggests that some garage forecourts, particularly in London, could stop selling diesel as early as 2030 - with many of the UK’s 8,400 forecourts expected to remove diesel pumps by 2035. This projected tipping point is driven by plummeting demand - the number of diesel cars is forecast to fall from 15.5 million in June 2025 to
source in ten years. Instead preferring to repurpose forecourt space for high-powered EV chargers and expanded retail offerings.
just 250,000 within a decade. For retailers, stocking the fuel is becoming less viable because diesel “does not keep well” and degrades if not sold in good time. Consequently, 57% of Petrol Retailers Association members believe fuel will no longer be their primary revenue
For BMF members the switch away from fossil fuels presents a complex challenge. While the shift to electric is viewed by some as a rational choice driven by technology, the RAC warns against writing off the fuel too soon. Their belief is that the “White Van Man” and the
Meeting and event rooms available for hire at BMF headquarters
Did you know that BMF Headquarters offers a range of modern rooms available for hire, providing a convenient and well- equipped solution for meetings, training sessions and small events?
Conveniently situated in the centre of Coventry, BMF Headquarters is ideally positioned for businesses seeking accessible facilities with excellent transport links. The venue offers a
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professional and welcoming environment, suitable for everything from board meetings and workshops to team training and collaborative sessions. Each room is fitted with new, modern technology designed to support presentations, hybrid meetings and interactive working. This ensures delegates can connect seamlessly, whether attending in person or remotely, helping organisations maximise
productivity and engagement.
Room hire is available to both BMF members and non-members, with preferential rates offered to BMF members. This provides an added benefit for members while keeping the facilities accessible to the wider industry.
With flexible spaces and up-to- date amenities, BMF Headquarters provides a practical alternative to
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.
For merchants or buying groups who import tools directly from overseas, the Home Office proposes several options including an authorised importer scheme or a combined import and sellers’ license to minimise administrative burdens.
The consultation closes February 24. Please send views to help assemble a response to:
ben.scobie@
bmf.org.uk. The 16- page consultation document can be found here:
https://www.gov. uk/government/consultations/ licensing-for-knife-sales
haulage industry still rely heavily on diesel-fuelled vehicles and will do so for some time yet. While the UK government says there is no evidence of forecourts ending the sale of diesel in 2030, the BMF can foresee a logistical headache for members (and their SME trade customers) if diesel is restricted before viable, heavy-duty electric alternatives are fully established.
Those wishing to read the report can find it here: https://
newautomotive.org/research
traditional conference venues - with rooms availible to cater from 12 to 100 people on site. To find out more about availability, room options or pricing, please contact us at
reception@bmf.org.uk.
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net February 2026
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