It has been quite the week for the BMF following its Annual Members’ Conference & Awards at the Belfry, with the organising scooping two accolades itself as well as confirming an impressive fundraising total.
The BMF won the prestigious Best Trade Association Award at the 2026 Memcom Excellence Awards, which recognise innovation and creativity among UK Trade Associations and Professional Membership Organisations. The Memcom Awards attract a huge number of entries from a diverse range of membership organisations, and the BMF faced stiff competition from trade bodies representing road haulage, railways, parking, industrial coatings and bioindustry.
BMF CEO John Newcomb said: “Our members are at the heart of everything we do, and I am truly honoured and delighted to see the BMF’s work on their behalf independently recognised in this way. It is an incredible achievement to be named Trade Association of the Year, recognising the professionalism of the whole BMF team and providing a fitting tribute to the immense contribution of our Chairman, Richard Hill, as he steps down after a six-year term of office.
“As we move into a new era, we will continue to support our members with programmes and services that help them succeed in every market.”
At the Belfry on September 17th, the BMF Awards Dinner marked the end of 12 months of determined fundraising for the trade body’s two charities of the year — The Educational Frontier Trust (TEFT) and the Maddie Rose Foundation — raising an impressive £15,600 in a single evening. This was aided by the tireless efforts of volunteer raffle ticket sellers and Colin Murray’s energetic hosting of his first live auction, which boosted funds from the silent auction and table collections.
The event rounded off a fantastic year that raised a total of £77,850, shared between the two charities.
The BMF also announced the two charities it will support in 2027: Variety the Children’s Charity, which works to create lasting change in the lives of disabled and disadvantaged children and young people across the UK, and Band of Builders, which provides practical, financial and wellbeing support for construction workers and their families across the UK.
Speaking at the BMF Awards Dinner, Gavin Crane, CEO of Band of Builders, launched Every Merchant Matters, a new initiative supported by the BMF to make wellbeing visible, encourage conversations, signpost support and help reduce stigma surrounding mental health.
John Newcomb added: “The Awards Dinner was a fitting finale to our Annual Members’ Conference and another great example of our members’ generosity and the powerful impact of community support. A huge thank you to all who contributed to our charity fundraising at the dinner and throughout the year; the money raised will make a real difference to both The Educational Frontier Trust and the Maddie Rose Foundation.
“We are looking forward to another great year of fundraising in aid of Variety and Band of Builders, two exceptional charities that we are delighted to support.”
Lastly, the BMF was named the winner of the Full Power Utilities Partnership / Association Award 2026, recognising the Federation’s work to raise awareness among members of opportunities to reduce energy costs and improve energy efficiency.
Presented by BMF business service provider Full Power Utilities, the award recognises the value of promoting conversations about energy use and procurement. With energy costs remaining a significant consideration for businesses across the building materials supply chain, the partnership gives BMF members an opportunity to explore how to manage energy expenditure and identify potential savings.
Mike Tattam, BMF Commercial Director, said: “The Award recognises the value of working closely with our service providers to bring practical support and opportunities to BMF members. Energy is a high cost for many businesses. Full Power Utilities helps us ensure that members are aware of the options available to them.”
Presenting the Award, Jeff Topp of Full Power Utilities said: “What really stood out was the strength of the partnership. BMF has consistently demonstrated a genuine commitment to engaging with its members and helping them access relevant support and expertise.”
Suzanne Millward, BMF Regional Manager for the South West and South Wales, is pictured below receiving a trophy and a £250 cheque, which will be donated to the BMF charity partners, The Educational Frontier Trust (TEFT) and the Maddie Rose Foundation.
