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OPSS looking at white label or own-brand goods
Prompted by concern from unnamed manufacturers, the Office for Product Safety & Standards has formed an industry working group to study the problem of non-compliance (real or perceived) and write new guidance. The BMF serves on this working group - as do NMBS, the CPA and others.
It follows the CPA’s own guidance to manufacturers on “Understanding Your Declaration of Performance Obligations for the GB Market” dated 13 October 2025. There is a growing realisation that
merchants may not be passing onto their customers the manufacturer’s Declaraction of Performance (DoP).
Failure by a manufacturer to draw up a DoP is a criminal offence. Merchants and distributors must pass on a DoP when providing such goods - either on paper or electronically. There are also fears that some
genuine DoPs are being cloned by unscrupulous suppliers or importers for untested goods. The OPSS is developing guidance on the use of white labels or own-brands. It is assessing the prevalence & impact of this practice to identify any gaps in compliance. The OPSS has raised this with the BMF and Data Yard. The perception is that non-compliant practices are tolerated. A further risk is that if merchants & distributors re- brand or re-label goods - or modify goods in some way -
the liability as “manufacturer” transfers to the merchant or distributor. There is a distinct difference between the term “manufacturer” and “maker”. The worry is that little attention is paid to this in our supply chain and one day, enforcement or prosecution will occur. It is wise to develop such guidance that the BMF can then promote to its members. Alternatively, merchants may decide to discontinue own-brand goods - because margins are thin - or that with extra regulation, it is simply not worthwhile.
Data Yard unlocks significant new milestones
Data Yard marks major supplier onboarding milestone Data Yard, the industry owned product data platform created by BMF and NMBS, has reached another significant phase in its rollout. A further 30 suppliers have now committed to sharing their product data through the platform, and the first supplier, Long Rake Spar, has successfully completed the full onboarding process.
This latest wave features a number of well known brands, including Etex Building
Performance, Marshalls Plc, Unilin Insulation, Velux, and Wavin UK. They join a growing community of suppliers spanning all major building materials categories distributed through builders’ merchants.
By contributing their product information to Data Yard’s secure central platform, suppliers are helping streamline how data is exchanged across the supply chain. The initiative is designed to increase data accuracy, reduce duplication, and significantly improve efficiency for both suppliers and merchants.
Klipboard joins Data Yard as strategic partner
Data Yard has also strengthened its technical capability through a new strategic partnership with Klipboard, the software provider previously known as Kerridge Commercial Systems. As a strategic partner, Klipboard will play an active role in Data Yard’s advisory groups, offering expertise built on
years of experience in ERP systems, digital catalogues and the wider builders’ merchant industry. Klipboard will collaborate closely with Data Yard on feature development and testing, ensuring that product data can move seamlessly from suppliers into merchant systems. Their involvement will support the platform’s ongoing development and adoption across the industry. • To register your interest in joining Data Yard please contact
Gareth.thomas@
bmds-idp.com.
Greater Manchester’s retrofit plan signals opportunity
Greater Manchester’s “retrofitGM” action plan underlines the growing importance of metro mayor- led retrofit strategies for BMF members - and why we seek to foster good relations with these regional leaders. Led by the Combined Authority’s Retrofit Task Force, the plan sits at the heart of Greater Manchester’s
ambition to achieve carbon neutrality by 2038. The scale of the opportunity for our supply chain is significant - more than 880,000 homes and 2,700 public buildings in the area require renovation by the target date. To support delivery, the GMCA is investing heavily through its Green Homes Grant, to drive demand for insulation, low-
March 2026
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
carbon heating systems and other retrofit materials. Beyond the demand for materials & products, the BMF is encouraged by the focus on the retrofit workforce. Through the Retrofit Skills Hub, thousands have already been upskilled, with ambitions to support 90,000 retrofit-specific jobs by 2038. This includes 1,000
new apprenticeships and the upskilling of 85,000 existing construction workers to ensure they possess the relevant technical skills for green renovation projects. As authorities across the country proceed to implement their action plans, the BMF will monitor the initiatives and the progress being made by local & regional leaders.
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