The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has announced the five merchant companies that have been nominated to represent their region for the title of BMF Training Company of the Year.
The nominations are:
MGM Timber – Scotland & Northern Ireland
C & W Berry – North West England, West Midlands & North Wales
J T Atkinson & Sons – North East England, East Midlands, Yorkshire & Humberside
Chandlers Building Supplies – London and Southern England
Kellaway Building Supplies – South West England and South Wales
All five have been selected by the BMF for their commitment in supporting and developing their teams through their use of BMF training.
MGM Timber has been selected for its commitment to training at every level, from existing and potential managers to new apprentices. MGM currently has 11 apprentices in training through the BMF’s Apprentice Training Agency and 10 Management Diploma students, while a further 60 staff attended in-house training days covering sales, people management and the yard foreman’s toolkit.
C&W Berry has reportedly proved adept at developing young Managers through its use of the BMF Diploma, with four candidates on the current course, as well as encouraging staff to develop product knowledge via MOL distance learning courses.
J T Atkinson & Sons has also made use of BMF one and two day courses this year. In particular staff have been encouraged to develop a range of product knowledge through How to Build a House and Measuring Building Quantities workshops.
Furthermore, Chandlers Building Supplies has implemented training and development plans aligned to specific staff graded levels throughout its business. This included a two-year rolling programme for all new starters covering 12 set courses.
Kellaway Building Supplies has also taken a proactive approach to staff training which has created a team-oriented culture which is aimed at helping them to develop and retain talent within the business. Kellaway’s investment in physical training facilities has also benefitted other BMF members in the region as they host a BMF Regional Centre of Excellence that’s used for a wide range of the BMF’s open training courses.
Commenting on the nominations, BMF CEO, John Newcomb said: “It is clear to see why these companies have been selected to represent their regions, through their approach and commitment to developing staff at all levels. I am delighted that they are making full use of the broad range of formal and specialist training offered by the BMF. Whoever wins the title, each of the nominated merchants are clearly winning in terms of building excellence within their own business.”
The overall winner will be announced at the BMF Members’ Day Awards Dinner, which will take place after the BMF Members’ Day Annual Conference on 27 September.
