Flying ace to speak at All Industry Conference INDUSTRY
VOICE
You could say that Phill O’Dell, the latest speaker announced for the BMF All Industry Conference in June, was born to fly. Phill was until very recently the Director of Flight Operations for Rolls-Royce plc having previously completed 18 years in the RAF, culminating in his role as Officer Commanding the Research and Development Flight of the Fast Jet Test Squadron.
Phill has not only flown a wide variety of aircraft – ranging from the Buccaneer, Hawk, Jaguar and F-14 Tomcat in his
RAF days, to the Airbus A380, Boeing 787 and the iconic Vulcan, XH 558 - he has also contributed to a number of
Draper Tools joins the BMF
Draper Tools, a supplier of quality trade, professional and DIY tools, has joined the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) in recognition of the importance of builders’ merchants as a core business channel for the company. Founded over 100 years ago selling government surplus and tools in markets in Surrey, Draper
Tools employs over 300 people at its Hampshire headquarters, and exports to over 70 countries worldwide. With over 500,000 sq.ft. of warehousing holding over 11,000 product lines, the company’s award-winning service offers merchants excellent availability coupled with fast order dispatch times.
major engine development programmes including the Trent 900 for the Airbus A380 and the Trent 1000 for the 787 Dreamliner. Most recently he has been the project pilot for ‘Project ACCEL’, Rolls-Royce’s all-electric aircraft the ‘Spirit of Innovation’, currently the fastest all-electric vehicle in the world. Phill also flew the Rolls- Royce Heritage Flight’s Spitfire at airshows and events throughout the UK and is still an ambassador for fly2help, a charity that enables people
Draper Tools CEO, Matt Sheen said: “Merchants play an important role in ensuring customers get the best tools to use for particular jobs. Draper has a huge range from power tools to handsaws as well as electrical and plumbing tools. Membership of the BMF provides us with an opportunity to support this vital sector and we look forward to playing an active role.” BMF CEO, John Newcomb
to experience the freedom of flight.
BMF CEO John Newcomb said: “Phill is one of the country’s foremost experts advancing the technology of aircraft engine development. As we all seek ways to reduce our carbon footprint, it will be fascinating to hear how the air industry is advancing engine technology.” The BMF All Industry Conference takes place in Istanbul from 15-17 June 2023. Details are available at www.
bmfconference.co.uk.
said: “I’m delighted to welcome Draper Tools into membership. I’m sure they will gain value from being part of a strong trade body in a thriving sector and I am looking forward to working with them.”
Four more BMF members become Zero Carbon Champions
Four BMF members are amongst the latest cohort of companies to become Zero Carbon Business Champions within the Construction Leadership Council’s CO2nstruct Zero programme. Cemex, Harlow Timber Group, Robert Price and Saint Gobain Interior Solutions, join 27 other BMF members as Business Champions, part of a total group of over 90 construction industry companies now working within the CLC programme.
Cemex was recognised for its ongoing efforts to be a net zero operation by 2050 in line with its Future in Action strategy. The
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company has signed up to the Global Cement and Concrete Association’s net zero roadmap and their 2030 targets have been validated through the Science Based Targets Initiative. They have already reached a milestone 41 per cent reduction in the CO2 emissions generated by Cemex’s European cement business in 2022, compared to the 1990 baseline.
As well as ensuring that all timber sourced is responsibly produced and sustainably managed, Harlow Timber Group has focused on improving energy efficiency and environmental
management within its operations. They have already achieved FORS Silver accreditation recognising their progress in reducing fuel consumption and minimising environmental impact. They are moving away from diesel forklifts, replacing them with electric platforms and lithium powered forklift trucks. Solar panels have also been installed across their branch network.
Builders’ merchant Robert Price is streamlining its own transport logistics, upgrading its fleet and improving uptake of paperless billing. They have also taken action to overcome a major
challenge faced by the industry at large due to the lack of knowledge around sustainability products. To combat this they have created their own “Sustainable Energy Centre”. This in-house showroom and training academy showcases a wide range of specialist products for decarbonisation in construction, providing specialist training to installers and specifiers. Saint-Gobain Interior Solutions has committed to achieve Net Zero Carbon by 2050, with a steering group of Exec and senior
www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net May 2023
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