The Builders Merchants Federation’s annual Mastermerchant Challenge is designed to foster teamwork and self-discovery by immersing participants in a series of demanding yet enjoyable activities.
This year’s event, set against the idyllic backdrop of Lake Windermere over a flawless summer weekend, brought together teams from builders’ merchants and building material suppliers to test their skills in collaboration, communication and problem-solving.
Against this background, the water-based challenges proved a particular highlight, with each team of four balancing on a single paddleboard to undertake a variety of manoeuvres — an exercise as much about falling in as staying afloat!
After a quick change of clothes, the teams tackled the next task: scaling a sheer rock face. Here, the climb was as much a mental challenge as a physical one, with every team member relying on collective support, encouragement and practical guidance from colleagues on the ground to reach the summit.
The adventure continued with an uphill ghyll scramble, requiring teams to navigate rocky slopes and plunge into water pools. The weekend’s contests concluded with an orienteering manhunt across Ambleside, where participants raced to locate rival teams.
This year’s participants included both seasoned returnees and gallant newcomers, and the final leaderboard reflected a balance of experience and fresh talent.
In first place and Mastermerchant champions 2025 were the Thermal Titans from Knauf Insulation, previous winners of the Super Supplier trophy. Their experience showed over the full range of activities and our congratulations go to Jo Callow, Luke Davies, Terry Callow and Gerard McGuigan.
An exceptional performance by Emma Champion of IBMG, Callum Budd of MRA Research, Kasey Barnes and Georgia Anderson of E. Tupling saw a scratch team representing BMF Young Merchants, primarily composed of Mastermerchant novices and meeting for the first time at the event, secure second position.
Finally, taking third place was Team Dove. Representing JT Dove, they couldn’t quite match last year’s winning form but it was, nonetheless, a sterling effort from Phil Holman, Thomas Brown, Jacob Tabberer and Nathan Salt.
However, this really is a competition where every participant wins. Everyone leaves having had fun, met new people, understood the importance communication and teamwork, and received a confidence boost from succeeding in something they have never done before.
No wonder so many participants can’t wait to do it all again!
To find out more about next year’s Mastermerchant Challenge, email Stacey.lock@bmf.org.uk
