Five shortlisted in BMF Training Awards INDUSTRY
VOICE
Five companies that have been nominated for the title BMF Training Company of the Year 2023. They are Haldane Fisher, Harlow Timber Group, Howarth Timber and Builders Merchants, the IBMG Group and Robert Price. Nominated by BMF Regional Managers, the five shortlisted companies were selected for their commitment to supporting and developing their teams through their use of BMF training. • Haldane Fisher earns a place on the shortlist for a second time as they continue to encourage and enable colleagues to fulfil their potential through training and development programmes that benefit both the individual and, ultimately, Haldane Fisher customers. In addition to in-person and virtual courses focused on sales, margin development and customer service, the company commissioned a bespoke 4-part hybrid programme covering Operational Excellence & Four Pillars for Non-Branch Managers. • Harlow Timber Group has consistently taken a pro-active approach to learning and development, both to enhance their teams’ skills and to enable
colleagues to achieve their potential with courses designed to strengthen their knowledge as well as the customer experience. Over the past year, Harlow has developed team leadership with a bespoke “Supervisor Toolkit” programme delivered by BMF Trainer Jason Routley. The BMF’s “How a House is Built” workshops have been delivered to teams across the group, and Harlow is also supporting colleagues with programmes devoted to mental health awareness. • Howarth Timber and Builders Merchants supports the training and development of its teams with thorough appraisals to assess individual needs. The company has consistently run its own BMF Diploma in Merchant Management group and has committed to continue this development approach for junior managers. New employees gain a sound foundation and understanding of the building process through the BMF’s “How a House is Built” course. They have also embraced informal development opportunities through attendance at BMF Forums, with 11 delegates attending the Branch
Management Forum alone. • The IBMG Group has also been shortlisted for the second successive year due to the consistent approach of its HR and Training Team, which has rolled out Business & Development Training Plans across the group that focus on colleagues at every level from new starters to directors. People development and engagement is a core part of their strategy and they have worked with four BMF trainers to develop bespoke training packages that are implemented throughout the business. This includes a full BMF training schedule for entry level staff which develops into stage one advancement, currently running at four locations across the UK. • Robert Price employs apprenticeships, classroom based and online learning, such as BMF Campus, within its learning and development programme. The company’s ethos “to strive to meet all customer requirements” led them to work with BMF Trainer, Sue Reed to create a bespoke
Building Regs: “Flos” transition ends
Last summer, we alerted you to new Approved Documents from the Department for Levelling Up, Homes and Communities for Part F (Ventilation), Part L (Conservation of Fuel & Power), Part O (Overheating) and Part S (Infrastructure for Electric Vehicle Charging) of the Building Regulations in England. After consultation, ministers introduced stricter regulations on new homes that mean builders have to achieve a 31% improvement in carbon
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emissions against the old 2013 Regs. These changes came into force on 15 June last year - with a 12-month grace period allowed if an initial notice was given to (or full plans deposited with) a local authority before 15 June 2022. But construction work must have begun onsite before 15 June 2023. This revision covers (a) new residential & non-residential buildings and (b) extensions & refurbishments to existing properties. It reflects the interim uplift in thermal performance
required as a step- change towards the Future Homes Standard (due in 2025) which will require new homes
to achieve a 75-80% reduction in emissions.
But according to new research from Polypipe, almost half (48%) of heating installers are unaware of the revised Part L - while over a third (35%) admit they do not bother to keep up-to-date with changes to Building Regs. When asked if they understood
Excellence in Branch Management programme focused on self- development, team engagement and network collaboration. All 20 delegates taking the programme achieved an Institute of Sales Management qualification and are using their new skills to enhance the customer experience. Commenting on the nominations, BMF CEO, John Newcomb, said: “Training is an essential resource for merchants seeking to continue the ongoing development of core competencies and management skills. The five companies nominated by BMF Regional Managers are committed to developing staff at all levels. I am delighted that they are making full use of the broad range of formal and specialist training offered by the BMF. Whoever wins the title, each of the nominated merchants are clearly winning in terms of building excellence within their own business.”
The overall winner will be announced at the BMF Members’ Day Awards Dinner, which takes on 21 September 2023.
the Regs, over a third (36%) said they had read Part L but do not understand how it will affect their work. And 23% admitted that while they know the Regs affect them, they had not read the Approved Document. Now the grace period has ended, the trades must familiarise themselves with Part L to ensure they fully understand the revised regulations. If not, they risk hefty fines and serious penalties.
BMF members wanting further information on these changes can visit the Future Homes Hub guidance webpage.
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net July 2023
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