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info@bmf.org.uk www.bmf.org.uk
to be held online THE BMF WILL be holding its first virtual Forum in May. The Spring Plumbing & Heating Forum, which was due to be held at Installer2020, will now be delivered as part of InstallerFESTIVAL – a virtual industry gathering being organised by Installer from May 11-15, 2020. The digital event will replicate the structure of a physical Forum with presentations, interactive discussions and even end of session networking online. Members must register their interest and will be emailed details to login to the virtual event.
BMF CEO John Newcomb said: “We have had to postpone a number of events in response to COVID- 19 restrictions and have
BMF P&H Spring Forum
been looking at different ways to adapt to changing circumstances.
“We are delighted that the Plumbing & Heating Forum will go ahead on 13 May as planned and thank Installer2020 for their support. Members will be able to come together through a digital interface as opposed to face-to-face, but they will enjoy the same great content, discussion and debate.” Installer2020 Event Director Mike Costain said: “We’re delighted to partner with the BMF to support the P&H Forum. We had to make the difficult decision to postpone Installer2020 following guidance by Government and Public Health England. The well-being of our visitors, exhibitors and staff is our top
priority, so we hope you will agree that postponement is the sensible thing to do. “However, Installer’s market-leading online channels and audience are growing, especially now, and provide the perfect platform to host important digital industry get-togethers. “We’re delighted to have the BMF Spring Plumbing & Heating Forum as part of our ground-breaking InstallerFESTIVAL.” Installer2020 has been rescheduled to 1-3 December 2020 and the BMF will now hold their Winter Plumbing & Heating Forum on 1 December at the exhibition.
Builders’ merchants unite to offer support
MEMBERS OF THE BMF across the UK have joined forces to offer a united front in response to the COVID-19 crisis.
‘Trades Against The Virus’ has been set-up to give tradespeople a recognised route to support vulnerable people in need, using the extensive merchant network to help replenish stocks in food banks nationwide. Branches large and small have already pledged their support for the scheme, the brainchild of Ray Stafford, Managing Director of Williams & Co, a trade only plumbing and heating merchant based in Hampshire. Ray appealed the BMF for help over the weekend to move the plan forward, and the response was immediate.
Companies including Jewsons, Travis Perkins, Buildbase and PTS are among those signing-up to the cause, ensuring the length of breadth of the UK is supported by the initiative. All the participating merchants will now act as drop-off points for their trade customers, to bring store-cupboard basics, ready for transportation to a local foodbank.
Ray said: “The idea is to boost the stocks in the nation’s food banks during this time of crisis. Many food banks have already run out of items; others are struggling
to help their clients, who are among the most vulnerable in our society. With ‘Trades Against The Virus,’ we can unite and make an impact fast, to get donations to people in need.” To find your local food bank visit the Trussell Trust website,
https://www.trusselltrust.org/ John Newcomb, Chief Executive of the BMF, said: “The unique nature of the BMF network, with so many sites across the UK, transportation capability and community- minded staff and customers, puts them in pole position to make a difference to those people most in need at this difficult time.” A dedicated website includes more details about ‘Trades Against The Virus,’ including a list of builders’ merchants taking part.
www.tradesagainstthevirus.org
May 2020
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net
BMF backs CLC emergency plan to save UK construction
THE BMF WAS a co-signatory to the Construction Leadership Council’s (CLC) letter to the Prime Minister, requesting clear and visible encouragement and support for the production of building materials to continue, if at all possible, and for builders’, plumbing and electrical merchants to remain open so that essential maintenance and construction works can continue.
The CLC has asked the Prime Minister to: suspend PAYE and CIS tax due in April and May for construction and consultancy firms and workers with no financial penalty l defer/cancel Apprenticeship Levy payments for the duration of the crisis l advise all public sector clients, regulated utilities and firms in the private sector to expedite cash flow throughout the supply chain l support the directors of micro-businesses, who currently fall between the support provided by the Job Retention Scheme and assistance for the self-employed l direct all Government bodies to release all retention monies, which are estimated to total £4.5 billion across the supply chain l extend the £25k SME business continuity grants scheme to the construction sector. John Newcomb, BMF CEO said: “We are calling on Government to make it absolutely clear that builders merchants are essential workers playing a vital role in building and maintaining NHS estates, enabling the transport sector to function and keeping the lights on in homes around the country. “But of equal importance, the UK economy requires a functioning construction sector once this crisis is over to get Britain building once more. Our letter calls on Government to take steps to save jobs and companies in the long term, and to ensure that our sector can continue to function throughout the current crisis.”
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