COMMENT
COMMENT
Time to pick your favourites
Fiona Russell Horne Editor-in-Chief - BMJ
U “
I’d rather lie dead in a ditch than delay Brexit
Boris Johnson ” INFO PANEL
Builders Merchants Journal Datateam Business Media London Road Maidstone Kent ME15 8LY Tel: 01622 687031
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EDITORIAL Editor-in-Chief: Fiona Russell Horne 01622 699101
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www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net November 2019 CIRCULATION
ABC audited average circulation July 2018-June 2019: 7,801
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© Datateam Business Media Ltd 2019 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical including photo-copying, recording or any information storage or retrieval system without the express prior written consent of the publisher. The title Builders Merchants Journal is registered at Stationers’ Hall. Suppliers have contributed towards production costs of some photographs in this issue.
nless you’ve been hiding under a rock for the last few weeks - and quite frankly, who could blame you - you will know that we are, in fact, still in full possession of our membership of the European Union. Thanks to the continuing shilly-shallying in Parliament, and the agreement of the EU to delay our leaving, this month’s comment isn’t about the fact that we are an ex-EU nation and, therefore, where do we go from here? Nope, it’s business as usual. By which I mean we are stuck with continuing uncertainty, confusion and, if the BMBI stats are to be believed, a slowing up of merchant sales on the back of it. Not only have we not managed to do what Prime Minister Johnson was elected by his peers and colleagues in the Tory Party to do, but we are now in political purdah with a general election set for December 12th.
It’s long been said that general elections cause stagnation in many markets – including this one – because businesses and Joe Public hate uncertainty more than anything, so they tend to put off any spending decisions until the outcome of such elections is known.
In uncertain times, we need to work togther more than ever. It’s something that this industry is superbly good at. So, gentle reader, let me look forward instead to something that does bring us all together in the spirit of positivity that we really need now. The nominations for this year’s BMJ Industry Awards are now open. These awards are all about celebrating the really amazing people and businesses that make up the building materials market. That’s merchants and manufacturers as well because, as I have said over and over again, a supply chain needs
suppliers as well as customers and distributors. That’s why we have awards for the best suppliers in the heavyside, heating and plumbing, timber, landscaping, kitchens, bathrooms, roofing, and distribution sectors. Get the nominations in now. Are you, or do you know, a brilliant builder’s merchant? Who’s your favourite national merchant? Whose branch contains that amazing bathroom and kitchen showroom you saw the other week? Do you have a wonderful landscaping area that really pushes your business? Have you seen a rock-solid marketing campaign from a merchant that you think deserves greater credit from the industry?
Of course, because an industry has no future without fresh blood coming through, we have two Rising Star awards for those who are headed for greater things. And we haven’t forgotten the Apprentices and Trainees as there is an award for them too.
Do you know someone in your merchant business who takes customer service as far as they can - and then some more? Nominate them for the Customer Service Award. Who is, in your opinion, the best supplier account manager in the business? We want to give them our award.
This industry is all about people so our Industry Personality of the year will be the person you think has done the most for the industry, says the most about our industry or is just an all-round jolly-good egg. Got someone in mind? Get their name down at
www.bmjindustryawards.co.uk
Start working on those nominations now, clear your diaries for Friday May 15th 2020 and watch out for the list of nominations coming through early in the new year so you can cast your vote.
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