INDUSTRY VOICE
Historic Welsh merchant returns to the BMF
THE BMF IS pleased to welcome Robert Price (Builders’ Merchants) Ltd back into membership. Established in 1847, Robert Price is one of the oldest merchants in country. Today it is the largest independent merchant in South East Wales employing some 250 people and serving a diverse customer base that encompasses housebuilders, commercial contractors, public sector organisations, local tradesmen and DIYers. The group operates a network of 23 branches that includes timber, roofing and insulation specialists and an agricultural division as well
as 16 general merchants. Robert Price has a wealth of previous experience as an active member of the BMF, and its predecessor the National Federation of Builders and Plumbers Merchants, with senior team members serving on a number of committees and Managing Director, Will Godfrey serving several terms as Area Chairman.
Molly Pike, Marketing Director at Robert Price said: “We are delighted to join the BMF again and looking forward to utilising the benefits that membership will bring. The past twelve months
THE SHIFT TO a low-carbon economy will provide industrial and employment opportunities for many people in several parts of the country - but only if government and private enterprise work together, Bridget Phillipson MP, Shadow Chief Secretary to the Treasury, has told the BMF. We took part in an invitation- only conference call last month to hear Mrs Phillipson, Labour MP for Houghton and Sunderland South, outline Party’s thinking on topics such as public spending priorities, regional infrastructure and a net zero economy.
The BMF questioned her on whether it is Labour Party policy
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In light of the continuous changes to events due to COVID-19 precautions, please check the BMF website at www.
bmf.org.uk for all the latest news and events updates in this ever-changing environment.
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Labour urged to cut VAT to 5% to have a 5%
reduced rate of VAT for energy- efficient homes to decarbonise heating and electrify homes.
Bridget Phillipson agreed that using tax as a driver of change has its place in encouraging people to improve their home. She cited the 5p plastic bag tax as a successful example of tax to change behaviour for the better. But with 3½ years until the next General Election, Mrs Phillipson said it was too early to commit to VAT changes because the state of the public finances would be very different from today.
On “levelling up”, Mrs Phillipson wondered if a proper definition would help voters understand what it meant. She thought a thorough review of business rates was needed to help town centre and high streets recover from the Covid pandemic.
Bridget Phillipson MP has met the BMF before - notably at the Labour Party Conference we attended in Liverpool two years ago lobby MPs and Party Spokesmen.
have showcased the benefits of industry collaboration, especially when it comes to lobbying and regulatory updates. We are eager to get involved with the BMF’s exciting networking and collaborative opportunities, the wealth of staff training provision available and other brilliant initiatives and schemes they deliver.”
Richard Jones, BMF Regional Manager for Wales said: “I am very happy that we are able to welcome Robert Price back into BMF membership at this time. Our aim is to help every member build excellence in their business and I
am looking forward to working with the senior management team on a range of business support services, including Welsh Government public sector initiatives, and helping them identify learning and development opportunities for their growing team.”
BMF sustainability forum IN RESPONSE TO the
Construction Leadership Council’s ambition to drive carbon out of construction the BMF launched a new Sustainability Forum, which met for the first time on 9 June. Chaired by Giles Bradford, Communications and Engagement Manager at Bradfords Building Supplies and sponsored by BMF service member, Peak, the Sustainability Forum will bring together merchants and building material manufacturers for briefings and discussions to share progress and best practice.
The first Forum featured a presentation about the CLC’s Construct Zero initiative from Hannah Vickers, CEO of the Association of Consulting Engineers.
Sustainability Forum Chair Giles Bradford leads Bradfords’ commitment to the sustainable built environment. He said:
The BMF welcome the following new members:
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net June 2021
“I’m delighted to chair the BMF Sustainability Forum. Bradfords’ approach to sustainability is underpinned with a deep-rooted understanding of the responsibility the business has to support its communities and their futures. We must all work together.” BMF CEO, John Newcomb said: “BMF members are in the vanguard of the supply chain and have a vital role to play in championing and delivering the changes necessary for success in the Race to Zero carbon. Our new Forum will raise awareness and shine a spotlight on the work members are doing to deliver low carbon solutions.” Mark Perkins, Construction Territory Lead at Peak said: “Artificial intelligence helps merchants and manufacturers to drive growth sustainably. Peak are proud to be sponsoring the BMF Sustainability Forum and look forward to sharing ideas on best practice and innovation.”
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