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Regulators are looking at own-brand goods Prompted by concern from
unnamed manufacturers, the Office for Product Safety & Standards is running an industry working group to study the problem of non-compliance (real or perceived) and write new guidance. The BMF serves on this working group - as do NMBS, the CPA and others. It follows the CPA’s own guidance to manufacturers on “Understanding Your Declaration of Performance Obligations for the GB Market” dated 13 October 2025. There is a growing realisation
that merchants may not be passing the manufacturer’s DoP onto their customers. Failure by a manufacturer to draw up a DoP is a criminal offence. Merchants and distributors ought to pass on a DoP when providing goods – either on paper or electronically. There are also fears that some genuine DoPs are being cloned by unscrupulous suppliers or importers for untested goods.
The OPSS is developing guidance on the sale of own-brand goods. It is assessing the prevalence &
impact of this practice to identify any gaps in compliance. The OPSS has raised this with the BMF and Data Yard. The perception is that non-compliant practices are tolerated.
A further risk is that if merchants & distributors re-brand or re- label goods – or modify goods in some way – the liability as “manufacturer” transfers to the merchant or distributor. There is a distinct difference between the term “manufacturer” and “maker”. The worry is that little
The Chancellor’s announcements on transport taxes
The Chancellor of the Exchequer last month announced tax policy changes to help employers & staff with rising road transport bills caused by the ongoing Middle East Crisis.
The three policies directly affecting BMF members are as follows:
Vehicle Excise Duty
A 12-month ‘holiday’ from paying HGV Vehicle Excise Duty. The BMF understands that:
• The offer runs from 1 July 2026 to 30 June 2027 but not before;
• Qualifying HGV operators renewing their VED will pay £1
plus the HGV Levy (the levy is not changed);
• Operators who have already renewed at the standard rate before 1 July will benefit - although the saving is towards the end of the period as you re-license; • The offer applies to multiple vehicle tax classes - inc. HGVs (TC01); HGV trailers (TC02); Small Islands vehicles (TC16); Combined Transport vehicles (TC23); and Special Types vehicles (TC57). Road Fuel Duty
An extension to the temporary 5 pence per litre cut in fuel duty for a further 4 months from 1 September until 31 December
Call for nominations for BMF’s leading individual achievement awards The BMF is calling for
nominations for two of its most prestigious individual honours. Nominations are now open for the BMF Young Achiever Award and the Marketing Excellence Award, providing an opportunity to celebrate individuals who have made a significant contribution to their businesses through fresh thinking, commercial success and innovative approaches.
Presented annually at the BMF Annual Conference & Awards,
the accolades shine a spotlight on the people helping to drive progress across the building materials sector, whether through exceptional leadership, innovative marketing strategies or the introduction of new ideas that deliver measurable business benefits.
The Marketing Excellence Award, delivered in partnership with the Worshipful Company of Marketors and CMDi, recognises marketing professionals who have gone above and beyond in their role. Judges
July 2026
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
2026. This came into force on 15 June 2026. She also made a temporary cut of 3.7ppl in the rebated rate for gas oil (red diesel), bio-diesel and bio-blend from 15 June to 31 December 2026. Details of all the amended rates for 2026-2027 are at: https://
www.gov.uk/government/ publications/amended-fuel- duty-rates-for-2026-to-2027. Approved Mileage Allowance Payments
A 10 pence per mile increase in the tax-free Approved Mileage Allowance Payment rate for the first 10,000 miles travelled.
The HMRC-approved rate for
will be looking for individuals who have successfully developed and implemented creative marketing initiatives, identified new market opportunities, or delivered campaigns that have strengthened customer engagement and business performance.
The BMF Young Achiever Awards celebrate the next generation of industry leaders and consists of three categories: Young Merchant, Young Supplier and Young Service
Achiever.Open to individuals aged under 35, the award recognises those who have demonstrated exceptional business acumen, initiative and innovation through
attention is paid to this in our supply chain – and one day, enforcement or prosecution will occur. It is wise to develop such guidance that the BMF can then promote to its members. Alternatively, merchants may decide to discontinue own-brand goods – because margins are thin – or that with extra regulation, it is simply not worthwhile.
cars & vans applies to (a) staff driving their own vehicles for work (excluding normal commuting) and (b) self-employed individuals using the simplified expenses regime - on which they do not pay either tax or National Insurance. • The rate goes up from 45p to 55p per mile for the first 10,000 miles - but remains unchanged at 25p per mile over 10,000 miles p.a.;
• The increase is back-dated to 6 April 2026 and applies to all qualifying business mileage from the start of this financial year; The official guidance is at:
https://www.gov.uk/ government/publications/ rates-and-allowances-travel- mileage-and-fuel-allowances
the implementation of new ideas, concepts or opportunities that have had a positive impact on their organisation.
The deadline for nominations is Friday 31 July 2026. If you know someone who deserves recognition for their contribution to the industry, contact Stacey.
Lock@bmf.org.uk for the nominations form.
The winners will be announced at the BMF Annual Conference & Awards on 17 September 2026, where industry leaders from across the supply chain will come together to celebrate excellence and achievement.
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