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info@bmf.org.uk www.bmf.org.uk
BMF Burns Night raised an incredible £17,500 for charity The BMF Burns Supper raised
an incredible £17,500 for our charities, the Maddie Rose Foundation and The Educational Frontier Trust (TEFT). This year’s Burns Supper welcomed 304 guests to the stunning Cameron House on Loch Lomond for an evening of traditional Scottish hospitality, complemented by live music from ceilidh band Whisky Kiss. The BMF extends its sincere thanks to headline sponsor Velux, the sixth consecutive year of its partnership with this event. Additional sponsors were: Specialist Driver Resourcing (table gifts), Brett Martin (drinks reception), and Fakro (menu sponsor).
The event was further enhanced
by the presence of special guests Steve Collinge, managing director of Insight Retail Group, and his partner Nicola, and Marnix Van Hoe, director general of UFEMAT & FEST, who travelled from Belgium to attend.
The evening was hosted by Nick Boyle, national sales director, Jewson Civils Frazer, with the Address to the Lassies by Gordon
Nelson, Scotland director of the Federation of Master Builders, and the Reply for the Lassies given by Rachel Davies, head of key accounts at Velux. Fundraising was boosted through a highly successful auction, featuring a range of prizes, including golf days at 59 Club UK (donated by Talasey) and Trump Turnberry in Scotland (donated by PDM), Aston Villa hospitality tickets from Intercity, and Ladies Day at Aintree, VIP tickets to Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, and hospitality tickets for Celtic v Rangers, all kindly donated by Peritum.
We would like to thank all guests, sponsors, donors and contributors for their generosity, as well as our Piper, Kevin McLeod, for helping to make the evening truly memorable. The funds raised will provide valuable support to both the Maddie Rose Foundation and TEFT.
BMF Branch Management Workshop returns to
develop future-ready branch leaders The BMF is holding its popular Branch Management Workshop, on 17-18 March 2026.
Designed exclusively for existing and aspiring branch managers, the workshop supports delegates in strengthening leadership capability and driving branch performance across every area of operation. The event will be hosted by Kevin Parr, a leadership specialist and experienced communicator known for his work in high- performance environments. Kevin will guide delegates through both days, ensuring maximum value is gained from the diverse agenda. Day One opens with an overview of the BMF’s Strategy and Core Values from John Newcomb, while other highlights include Kat Dancey’s session on The Communication Leader, insights into modern leadership from Chris Fisher of ECI Software,
who will explore the impact of AI, and MKM Building Supplies’ Rachel Constable who will share perspectives on sustainability. Day Two turns attention to logistics, culture and inspiration with sessions covering transport, time management and team motivation. A key feature of the morning programme will be The Inspiring Leader, delivered by Frank Elkins (Selco), sharing his insights into real- world leadership experiences. The afternoon programme addresses vital topics including health, safety and learning and development, with contributions from Huws Gray, PGS, Lighthouse
February 2026
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net and BMF’s learning &
development manager, Marianna Peet.
Closing the workshop, keynote speaker Stuart Barker will deliver a powerful address drawn from his experience commanding soldiers on operations worldwide, from the Gulf War to Afghanistan. He will reflect on leadership under pressure, sharing lessons in courage, adaptability and clarity that resonate strongly with today’s branch management challenges. Alongside the structured programme, the workshop offers valuable networking opportunities throughout, enabling delegates to connect with peers and industry experts, exchange best practice and strengthen professional relationships.
For more information or to register, visit
www.bmf.org.uk or contact
Tina.Skinner@
bmf.org.uk.
BMF’s summer of team building and competition
The BMF is bringing back its Charity Dragonboat Race in June 2026, and MasterMerchant in July. Both events offer members unique opportunities to step away from day-to-day business, strengthen professional
relationships and enjoy memorable shared experiences. The Charity Dragonboat Race is on Friday 26 June 2026 at Grendon Lakes in Northamptonshire, raising funds for the Maddie Rose Foundation and Kisima Mixed Secondary School in Kenya.
Dragonboat Racing, one of the world’s oldest sports with origins dating back over 2,500 years, sees teams of 11 compete in canoe-like vessels across a series of timed heats, culminating in a Grand Final. Each team comprises 10 rowers and a drummer who sets the pace, with organisations able to bring up to 22 participants to rotate across races and enter multiple teams if they wish. Full training is provided on the day, making the event accessible to all. BMF’s MasterMerchant competition runs from 9-11July 2026, in a new venue in Ingleton, North Yorkshire. Open to all BMF members, MasterMerchant is a demanding but rewarding team competition which builds collaboration at both company and individual level.
Teams of four will take on a programme of mental and physical challenges from code breaking, map reading, logic problems, climbing and abseiling to ghyll walking, zip wires, canoeing and clue trails.
The entry fee for a team of four is £1,500 plus VAT, which includes two nights’ b&b accommodation, sandwich lunches, instructors and equipment for all activities. Transport is arranged by the individual teams.
BMF members interested in entering or sponsoring the events should contact Stacey Lock at
Stacey.Lock@bmf.org.uk.
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