It’s been an exciting few months for the BMF’s thriving Young Merchant Group, which provides one of the best informal development opportunities for merchants and suppliers aged between 21 and 40 who hold a key management position within their organisation.
In October, BMF Young Merchants’ first one-day Conference — which took place during the National Construction Week exhibition — proved a huge success attracting 150 delegates drawn from current, past and potential group members. Highlights included keynote speaker George Clarke, the architect, television presenter and campaigner, who voiced some ingenious ideas to help overcome the country’s housing shortage.
BMF Young Merchants also elected a new Chair, Glenn Paddison, Branch Director at MKM Building Supplies, and new Vice Chair, Jo Callow, Merchant Sales Support Manager at Knauf Insulation. They are keen to develop the Group’s work and influence and continue the momentum generated by outgoing Chair, Victoria Fiddies of Catnic.
Glenn said: “BMF Young Merchants is in a great position to take a leading role through the BMF Ambassador programme to promote careers in our industry to school and college leavers. I can also see an opportunity to strengthen our ties with European merchants to learn from their experiences and share best practice, perhaps in the form of a European Conference.”
Jo added: “The interaction of this group has definitely helped me as I’ve progressed my career. Having been a committed and passionate member for five years, I’m delighted that I will be continuing the strong and encouraging female presence following Vic’s term of office and look forward to working with Glenn to continue to grow the group.”
Jo also announced that Knauf Insulation will host the BMF Young Merchant overseas trip in 2019, which will tour the company’s manufacturing facility in Toulouse as well as visiting French builders’ merchants.
If you are interested in joining the BMF Young Merchant Group, contact James.Spillane@bmf.org.uk
To find out more about any aspect of BMF training, contact paige.godsell@bmf.org.uk or call 02456 854980, or visit www.bmf.org.uk/training.
