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1180 Elliott Court Coventry Business Park, Herald Avenue Coventry CV5 6UB Tel: 02476 854980
info@bmf.org.uk www.bmf.org.uk
BMF Spring Forecast Report 2025 now available
The Builders Merchants Federation has published its Spring 2025 edition of the Builders Merchants Industry Forecast Report, offering members and industry stakeholders a comprehensive look at recent trends and future market expectations. This latest release provides an in-depth review of merchant performance throughout 2024 and into the first quarter of 2025. Using insights drawn from the Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) and examining over 20 economic variables, the report delivers a robust projection of expected sales activity across 2025 and into 2026. The forecast takes into account both internal industry dynamics and wider UK economic indicators to provide a meaningful outlook for those operating in the sector. It is an essential resource for strategic planning, budgeting, and market benchmarking. Access to the full report is free for BMF members, while non- members may purchase it directly.
In addition to the Spring Forecast, the BMF also offers a range of regular publications and market insights, including: • Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) • Monthly Sales Indicator (subscription required) • Regional Builders Merchant Building Index • BMBI – Summary Edition • Plumbing & Heating Merchant Index – Summary • Remuneration Survey • KPI Report • Weekly Economic Bulletins • Builders’ merchants industry forecast
These resources provide valuable support for merchants looking to stay informed, competitive, and well-prepared in a dynamic market.
BMF Members’ Day Annual Conference & Awards 2025: Engaging with the future
The industry’s most anticipated event is just around the corner! With less than three months to go, the BMF Members’ Day Annual Conference & Awards 2025 is set to take place on 17–18 September at the Hilton Metropole, Birmingham. This year’s theme, “Engaging with the Future,” reflects a bold focus on innovation, progression and the next generation of merchanting. Exploring how merchants,
SME housebuilders State of Play survey
Our industry colleagues at the Home Builders Federation and Close Brothers Property Finance - in partnership with Travis Perkins - have launched their annual SME insight survey, now in its sixth year, to encourage SMEs to give their views on, and experiences of, government housing policies.
The responses will inform the upcoming State of Play report which will evaluate the effect of Labour’s early housing policy moves a year on from the General Election. The survey covers topics including (a) the impact of regulation and tax burdens on the financial viability of schemes (b) planning delays (c) and the crisis in the affordable homes’ Section 106 market.
The survey is aimed at SME house-builders and asks them for opinions on policies that they want government to focus on to achieve its ambitious housing targets.
Last year’s report
and radio presenter Colin Murray returns as host, the BMF has also confirmed that NMBS will be the headline sponsor for the two-day event.
suppliers and service providers can embrace opportunities, drive advancement and future-proof their businesses in a rapidly changing market.
Following his hugely popular debut in 2024, acclaimed TV
June 2025
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
BMF CEO John Newcomb commented: “Our annual members’ conference continues to expand in its scope, scale, and attendance. Each year, we aim to build on the success of the previous year, and we look forward to welcoming even more members in 2025.” Join industry leaders for two impactful days of learning, connection, and celebration.
• To register your place today, visit:
https://tinyurl.com/ BMFMembersDay2025
revealed that: • 94% of SME housebuilders would like Ministers to do more to support them; • 51% of SMEs waited more than a year to obtain planning permission; • 56% of SMEs reported a 30% increase in the cost of obtaining planning permission; • 47% of respondents cited land availability as a major barrier; • 80% of survey participants said securing suitable offers for Section 106 affordable homes was a barrier to growth. BMF members will know that there has been a dramatic fall in the number of SME housebuilders over the last 20-30 years. We have long argued of a pressing need to encourage SMEs back into the market to do what they do best - build a few homes, in many locations, in keeping with local surroundings, that people want to buy - to boost housing. This survey is open until the close of business on 10 June.
New chair for
BMF Forum John Cave,
Executive Director of the
EH Smith
Group, has been appointed Chair of the BMF Bricks, Blocks and Landscaping Forum, succeeding David Young. With over 20 years in merchanting and the last six leading sales and strategy for the brick and façade category at EH Smith, one of the UK’s largest independently owned merchants, Cave brings deep sector knowledge to the role.
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