INDUSTRY VOICE


Paul Bence to Chair new BMF Kitchen & Bathroom Forum


The BMF has announced the launch of its latest special interest Forum, which will focus on Kitchens and Bathrooms bringing together members with responsibility for these important product areas.


The new Kitchen and Bathroom Forum will be chaired by Paul Bence, Managing Director of the George Bence Group.


Paul’s original role within the family run business was with Obsidian their retail brand, which was struggling to gain traction in their local market. Paul quickly turned this around and Obsidian’s award-winning showrooms now showcase the best in kitchens and bathrooms from the world’s


the Group’s bottom line. Paul took over as MD in 2010 and has overseen similar growth in the Group’s branch network across product sectors in heavyside, roofing and decorating. He is also an active member of the Fortis Buying Group where he is Trading Director of all Showroom business across the member network. Commenting on his


top manufacturers. The Group’s lightside business encompasses multiple retail and trade showrooms with specification and design teams adding real value to


Croydex joins the BMF during


Centenary celebrations One of the latest members to join the BMF is Croydex, the UK-based bathroom accessories manufacturer.


Trusted by the most prominent brands in the trade, Croydex is celebrating 100 years of successfully developing and manufacturing practical bathroom solutions ideal for skilled professionals and tradesman. Croydex is


looking forward to another 100 years of success and promises to be a key supplier member of the BMF family. Jon Langford, Croydex Commercial Director says, “The history of our business is deeply rooted within the UK merchant industry. Our products and services are heavily aligned to the RMI channel and we have worked for many years with key national, regional and local merchants, delivering excellent


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product solutions.” “Our more recent focus on the specification market and commercial washroom applications through our Metlex brand leads to even higher levels of engagement with the merchant channel, so engaging with the key trade association makes impeccable sense. We are really looking forward to supporting the BMF and our merchant partners as part of our recent membership.”


BMF CEO, John Newcomb said: “We are delighted to welcome Croydex into membership in this special year of celebrations. This innovative company clearly recognise the value of being part of the largest Trade Association in the Building Materials sector and the only Association representing both Suppliers and Merchants in the industry.”


appointment, Paul Bence said: “Product diversification is an important aspect of the merchant industry, especially amongst the shrinking margins associated with the traditional commodity building material products. The BMF has clearly embraced the sector by creating this Forum.


BMF DIARY DATES


SEPTEMBER 5 BMF South West regional meeting, RGB, Tiverton


5-8 Pavestone Rally, Reims to Lake Como


11 BMF Civils and Drainage Forum, Geberit, Warwick


13 BMF London/South East regional meeting, Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, White Hart Lane, London


18-19 BMF Members’ Conference and Awards, St George’s Park, Tatenhill


OCTOBER 1-2


National Apprenticeship Show, West, Cheltenham Racecourse


2 BMF Marketing Forum, BMF, Coventry


3 BMF South P&H Forum, Geberit, Warwick


4 BMF North P&H Forum, Shefield Utd Football Ground


7-8 B & K Conference, Carden Park 8-10 UK Construction Week, NEC, Birmingham


15 BMF North East regional meeting, Sage, Newcastle Upon Tyne


15-16 National Apprenticeship Show , North West, Bolton Arena


17 BMF Finance Forum, BMF, Coventry


17-19 UFEMAT Congress, Montreux, Switzerland


22 BMF Health & Safety Forum, BMF, Coventry


22 BMF Scotland regional meeting, Superglass, Stirling


29 BMF Parliamentary Reception: Innovation, Members’ Dining Room, House of Commons


31 BMF Branch Managers Forum, BMF, Coventry


NOVEMBER 6 BMF East Midlands regional meeting, Xtratherm, Chesterfield


7 BMF South Wales regional meeting, Rockwool, Bridgend


12 BMF Bathroom & Kitchen Forum, Roca, Leicester


14 BMF East Midlands regional meeting, venue TBC


21 BMF Timber Forum, BMF, Coventry


4 BMF Yorkshire regional meeting, Middlethorpe Hall, York


2020 JANUARY 24 BMF Burns Supper, Double Tree Hilton, Dunblane


APRIL 22 NMBS Exhibition, Ricoh Arena, Coventry


www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net July 2019


Personally, I am honoured that the BMF has asked me to chair the group and I look forward to engaging in insightful conversation around the kitchen and bathroom supply chain.” BMF CEO John Newcomb said: “Paul is the ideal Chair for the K&B Forum, both for his knowledge of and success within the sector and for the breadth of his contacts amongst merchants and suppliers with an interest in this increasingly important area. The Forum concept is greatly appreciated by BMF members and the launch of the K&B Forum means we are now running 14 of these successful special interest groups.” The first Kitchen & Bathroom Forum will be held on 12 November 2019 at Roca’s new conference and showroom facility in Leicester. For more information email joanne.exeter@bmf.org.uk


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