The broad range of the BMF training provision is highlighted as the Federation reveals the winners of this year’s annual Mastermerchant competition as well as outlining the upcoming Branch Managers Forum.
While a great deal of BMF training is classroom or computer based, one of the longest running training courses deliberately takes delegates out of their comfort zones and into the wild outdoors. Held over a weekend in the Lake District, the annual Mastermerchant competition is the perfect team building event.
Mastermerchant, which first took place in the 1980s, involves teams of four competing in a range of challenges that test their communication and problem-solving ability as much as their physical perseverance. The fun event has a serious purpose as the competition is designed to help colleagues discover how much more can be accomplished through teamwork. Zip wire and rope climbing tasks were added to the physical challenges this year and teams also tackled mental challenges to uncover clues and crack codes.
Chandlers Builders’ Merchants took the overall prize for the third year running, with first time entrants, Hafele, taking the Super Supplier Award. And, of course, each of the 14 participating teams returned to work with a greater understanding of their colleagues’ strengths and skills.
Branch Managers Forum
A more recent addition to the BMF training programme is the BMF Branch Managers’ Forum which has quickly established itself in the annual calendar. The two-day event is specifically designed to help Branch Managers, and those aspiring to the role, to run their branches more effectively and improve performance in every aspect.
This year’s event takes place from 30 October to 1 November at the Coventry head office, and the BMF has geared the subject matter to stimulate new thinking and galvanise action when delegates return to their branches. Chaired by Sue Reed, a BMF trainer and Fellow of the Institute of Sales Management, an impressive array of industry experts will share their knowledge on a wide variety of branch-related subjects.
Topics include leadership and management, traditional and digital marketing, increasing sales margins, diversity and equality in employment, environmental efficiency, health and safety, as well as product masterclasses.
The programme concludes with a truly inspirational speech from retired Lieutenant Colonel Stewart Hill, who has dealt with huge changes to build a new life after shrapnel from an IED tore into his brain whilst fighting in Afghanistan. Stewart will deliver an amazing insight into his achievements, reflecting on the significance of teamwork, trust and communication and how life’s obstacles can be met head on and overcome.
To find out more about the Branch Managers Forum or any aspect of the BMF’s training programme, contact Paige Godsell, Training Co-ordinator at paige.godsell@bmf.org.uk or call her on 02476 854989.
