INDUSTRY VOICE
A strategic partnership set to transform how product data is managed and shared across the building materials sector, the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) and the National Merchant Buying Society (NMBS) have announced a landmark joint venture to establish an Industry Data Pool.
This collaborative initiative is designed to centralise and streamline product data, providing a high-quality, e-commerce-ready resource for manufacturers, merchants, and suppliers. Hosted on a shared digital platform, the data pool will offer consistent, reliable product information covering hundreds of thousands of SKUs, supporting everything from
improved operational efficiency to regulatory compliance. At the heart of the venture is Building Materials Digital Services Ltd, a newly formed, not-for-profit company equally owned by BMF and NMBS. Its purpose is clear: to build a trusted data infrastructure developed by the industry, for the industry. The initiative opens the door for merchant and buying groups, along with software providers, to become stakeholders in shaping this industry-owned resource.
The project introduces a tiered subscription model for manufacturers and suppliers, allowing scalable participation across the supply chain. Gareth Thomas has been appointed Managing Director of the new
BMF Charity Golf Day 2025
business. With a proven track record in data management and digital transformation—including leading the UK rollout of EZ-Base, he brings a wealth of experience to the role.
John Newcomb, CEO of the BMF, commented: “We are excited about the potential of the Industry Data Pool to transform our sector. This collaborative, scalable platform will not only improve product data integrity but also drive overall industry efficiency.
“It is a major step forward in the drive to achieve consistent, digitised product data throughout the building materials supply chain, which the BMF has been working towards through our support and promotion
countryside, the JCB Golf & Country Club once again lived up to its reputation as a premier destination for golfing excellence and hospitality. The event featured a 4-Ball format, with players enjoying halfway house refreshments and a relaxed rolling BBQ in the luxurious Champions Lounge.
BMF DIARY DATES
Please check the BMF website at
www.bmf.org.uk for all the latest news and events updates in this ever-changing environment.
A milestone in data collaboration: BMF and NMBS unite to launch Industry Data Pool
of the ETIM standard and the introduction of BMF Product Data Templates.”
Chris Hayward, CEO of NMBS, added: “The Industry Data Pool represents a significant advancement in how we manage data and interact as an industry. A digital solution is key, and by working together, we can leverage our combined expertise to deliver a solution that meets the needs of all parties involved.”
In the coming weeks, BMF and NMBS will be engaging with industry stakeholders to explore strategic investment opportunities. Those interested in finding out more should reach out directly to John Newcomb or Chris Hayward.
The day concluded with a raffle and presentations, adding a celebratory finish to a memorable occasion.
With places in high demand, the event underscored both the generosity and enthusiasm of the merchanting community in coming together to support worthwhile causes.
The BMF’s return to the acclaimed JCB Golf & Country Club on 20th May 2025 proved to be another resounding success, with the event raising an impressive £13,000 in support of Variety, The Children’s Charity, and TEFT, The Educational Frontier Trust
38
— the BMF’s Charity Partners for 2025.
Held at one of the UK’s most stunning golfing venues, the day offered participants a rare opportunity to experience the world-class course envisioned by JCB Chairman Lord Bamford. Set in the rolling Staffordshire
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net June 2025
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