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New BMF service gives members hassle-free access to government kickstart scheme


THE BMF IS encouraging Members to take advantage of the government’s £2 billion pound Kickstart scheme by providing full administrative support to simplify the


engagement process and enable every BMF member to participate. Kickstart is the government’s post-Covid regeneration tool to enable employers to offer high- quality 6-month work placements to young people aged 16-24 who are at risk of long-term unemployment and are currently claiming Universal Credit. Employers will be able to claim


100% of the National Minimum Wage for their charge, up to 25 hours, plus the associated employer National Insurance and minimum automatic enrolment contributions.


The BMF believes this is a tremendous opportunity for BMF members to bring young people into their business and help them to identify future apprentices. However, the complexities and time-consuming administration of the scheme may prevent some from applying. The BMF has introduced a new service to overcome these issues and open


up the scheme to every BMF member wishing to participate. Carmen Daley, Operations Manager, BMF Apprenticeships Plus said:


“One of the largest barriers to entry is the requirement that employers undertake a rigorous application process and have at least 30 placements available. To ensure all BMF members have access to this incredible opportunity, the BMF Apprenticeship Plus team is offering a dedicated Kickstart Support Service.


“As well as providing an


BMF extends auto-membership to H&B development


THE BMF AND h&b Buying Group have extended their group membership agreement to include the 24 smaller merchants comprising the h&b Development Group.


Five merchant members in the h&b Development Group are already BMF Members and the remaining 19, together with any new recruits to the group, will be auto-enrolled into BMF membership during the period of the agreement.


Th new arrangement between BMF and h&b began on 1 September and will bring the total number of BMF members to 751 – the highest figure since 1992.


The h&b Development Group is a relatively new concept for the merchant industry which offers carefully selected smaller independent merchants who have a desire to grow their operations,


access to the vast amount of knowledge and experience within the membership, whilst also benefiting from the commercial advantages associated with an established buying group. Jamie Wyatt, h&b Trading Director said: “We are delighted that the BMF has agreed to include our Development Group within the group membership scheme. Development Group members have access to a large range of negotiated deals and are also supported both centrally and through the existing network of successful entrepreneurs. Adding


October 2020 www.buildersmerchantsjournal.net


BMF membership into this mix is another valuable benefit that will support Development Group members over the coming years.” John Newcomb, BMF Chief Executive, said: “The BMF is here to support merchants of all sizes and sectors - local, regional specialist. The h&b group have shown their commitment to helping smaller merchants develop their business and BMF membership will provide even more opportunities for them, with access to training, specialist Forums, networking and other business support.


“I am also delighted to report that the latest tranche of h&b members not only takes us to our highest overall membership in almost 30 years, but also means there are very nearly 400 BMF merchant members operating from over 5,700 branches throughout the UK and Ireland.”


access route for those who do not meet the minimum number of placements, the managed service oversees all practical and administrative elements of the initiative making it as simple as possible for all BMF members to engage.”


• To find out more about the BMF Kickstart Support Service, or to register interest, please contact Carmen Daley on 07496 370 224 or email carmen@


bmfapprenticeshipsplus.co.uk


The BMF welcome the following new members:


Merchant


Supplier


BMF DIARY DATES


In light of the continuous changes to events due to COVID-19 precautions, please check the BMF website at www. bmf.org.uk for all the latest news and events updates in this ever-changing environment.


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