BMF agrees group membership with PHG INDUSTRY


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The BMF has agreed a group membership scheme with PHG, the merchant buying group for the plumbing, heating, and bathroom sector.


Formed in 2012 by a group of like-minded plumbing, heating, and bathroom merchants, PHG connects leading regional P&H specialists across the UK operating from 290 branches, 112 of which have showrooms. In 2021, the 16 member companies generated a turnover of £550 million.


The three-year agreement, which comes into effect on 1 April 2022, will see nine new members join the BMF, with seven PHG merchants already in membership.


BMF CEO, John Newcomb said: “The BMF has something to offer every merchant, whether they are


specialist or generalist. We engage with every member to understand what is most important to them, and how we can best support their business through tailored training, meetings and forums and business services, and represent their interests through our lobbying and campaigning work.


PHG chairman, David Pochin, said: “As a transparent, member-led organisation, PHG develops strong and committed relationships with suppliers to


Hydrogen refuelling station in Leeds


The BMF has been approached by Leeds City Council about the possibility of developing a hydrogen refuelling station in Leeds - similar to those that already exist in Aberdeen. Officials want to identify businesses that maybe


contemplating the switch to fuel cell electric commercial vehicles


(i.e. hydrogen) in the near-to- medium term.


Hydrogen for transport is widely-seen as crucial in the development of large zero- emission vehicles - because refuelling can be done in as little as 15 minutes and has the potential to match the cost of diesel if hydrogen is produced


and sold at sufficient scale. Leeds City Council is asking for expressions of interest from BMF members.


The aim is to look at aggregating demand from a number of operators who use different vehicles - notably buses, road sweepers and bin lorries - to establish a business case for


a financially-viable refuelling station.


We have met with National Express and Ryze Hydrogen for preliminary talks. Any BMF members looking at hydrogen are encouraged to contact Brett Amphlett, BMF London Office, or Leeds City Council direct at: climate.emergency@leeds.gov.uk


Europe’s merchants show solidarity with Ukraine


The BMF hailed the success of last weekend’s European Federation of Building Materials Distributors (UFEMAT) Conference, which saw 100 delegates from 11 countries – including two from Ukraine - meet in London for the first time in almost 20 years.


With a business programme focused on ‘European Unity in a Digital Age’, the conference highlighted the shared experiences, challenges and opportunities faced by builders’ merchants and materials suppliers throughout Europe, which now includes the war in Ukraine. The conference was also addressed by two delegates with personal knowledge of the war.


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Irina Salli of the Ukraine Union Manufacturers & Merchants and Igor Dalichuk, CEO of SBK, Ukraine’s largest brick manufacturer shared first-hand experiences of the devastation this has brought to their country. UFEMAT was one of the first trade organisations to react to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, calling on members to place an embargo on importing Russian building materials and, like the


BMF, they have led the way in raising funds to support those affected by the humanitarian crisis caused by the war. The BMF’s online appeal had already raised over £45,000 for the Disasters Emergency Committee’s work in Ukraine, which was symbolically presented to Irina and Igor. A fundraising finale at the Conference Gala Dinner added over £10,000, with a further €15,000 from UFEMAT’s member appeal. Altogether the BMF and UFEMAT have raised €81,250 (£68,350) to support the people of Ukraine


The BMF, Chief Executive and current UFEMAT President, John


Newcomb said: “This conference was originally scheduled for October 2020, and much has changed across Europe since then. One thing that has not changed is the spirit of co- operation evident amongst the delegates, and their amazing generosity in support of our colleagues in Ukraine. It was truly shocking to hear personal accounts from Irina and Igor. The scale of destruction and disruption to every aspect of life, both family and business, in just a few short months is almost unimaginable. On behalf of both UFEMAT and the BMF, our sincere thanks to everyone that has contributed to our appeal.”


www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net June 2022


maximise the financial return to members. Reaching a group agreement with the BMF sits well with this ethos and membership of the industry trade body will provide PHG members with many additional benefits. The BMF has done a huge amount in recent years to support the merchant industry, with specific initiatives of relevance to P&H merchants. We are looking forward to working together to advance the interests of the industry and our sector.”


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