The Builders Merchants Federation has further enhanced its training and development provision with two key appointments to the team. Firstly, Jason Huddlestone has joined as Training, Learning & Development Manager while Marianna Peet is the BMF’s new Apprenticeship Manager.
Jason has over 20 years’ experience in Learning & Development, having worked in a range of sectors from building supply and housebuilding to financial services and retail for companies including SIG, NHBC and the Vistry Goup. He brings extensive knowledge and expertise in training, talent management, coaching, mental health and H&S to his new role for the BMF.
Marianna, meanwhile, joins from LEAP Apprenticeships and Early Careers, where she was its Early Careers Lead, focused on empowering young people, sharing opportunities with disadvantaged groups, promoting apprenticeships and networking with the building materials industry.
Marianna is an excellent advocate for apprenticeships, having achieved Level 3 Team Leader whilst she was a showroom manager at Benchmarx. She is now completing a Level 6 Career Development Professional apprenticeship. An active member of the BMF Young Merchant Group, she is passionate about the development of young people and will oversee the BMF Ambassador Forum and Women’s Network.
Commenting on the appointments, BMF CEO John Newcomb said: “These appointments will strengthen our resources in support of one of our key strategic themes – enhancing the role we play in helping members to attract, develop and retain talent in the industry.”
The Federation has also recently named a new Sector Chair for its Transport and Distribution Forum with Alan Harvey, Group Transport Director for Harlow Timber Group, stepping up to the role. Bringing “direct experience of virtually every aspect of transport and logistics” to the post, Alan began his career in 1985 when he joined the British Army’s Royal Corps of Transport. This became the Royal Logistics Corps in 1993 and, over his 25-year career in the Army, Alan served all over the world as a logistician.
Following this, as Head of Auditing for The Fleet Operator Recognition Scheme (FORS), he was responsible for the day-to-day audit operations of the FORS Certified Body, ensuring that accredited organisations are audited in line with the FORS Standard. He then moved into building materials distribution, joining Travis Perkins Group as its Compliance and Road Risk Manager, helping the business to better measure, manage and reduce road risk.
In 2020, he joined Harlow Timber Group in his current role and has been a key member of the BMF Transport Working Group since then. He is described as extremely passionate about road safety, sharing best practice and the professional development of his peers.
John Newcomb said: “I am delighted that Alan has accepted the chairmanship of the BMF Transport and Distribution Forum. His knowledge and expertise in this area will be. a huge asset to the BMF.
“I would also like to thank the outgoing chair, Chris Paul of EH Smith, for his excellent work and support for the forum over the past six years.”
