In a highly topical session, the Builders Merchants Federation’s Annual Members Conference in September will take a closer look at Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) to discover if they present a threat or an opportunity for merchants and building materials suppliers.
MMC is high on the Government’s agenda to fast-tracking energy efficient new homes, and the one-hour session devoted to the subject will be led by Mark Farmer, the Government’s champion for MMC in housebuilding and CEO and founding director of specialist construction consultancy, Cast, providing solutions for developers, investors, policymakers and the supply chain. Having spent over 30 years in the construction industry, Mark has a wealth of experience and is also a member of the Construction Innovation Hub Industry Board, the Construction Leadership Council Senior Advisors Group, a board member for Construction Scotland Innovation Centre and national co-chair of Constructing Excellence.
Mark will be joined by Brendan Twomey, MD of Berkeley Modular. Formed in 2019 and operating from a purpose-built facility, the company uses sophisticated volumetric modular manufacturing methods to deliver a high-quality housing product, without compromising on comfort or flexibility of design.
John Newcomb, BMF CEO said: “This is a highly topical subject that is sure to spark a great deal of discussion amongst BMF members. We are likely to see an increasing blend of MMC and traditional site-based construction in the coming years with opportunities for merchants and suppliers alike.”
The BMF has also announced that Construction Minister Lee Rowley MP will be a keynote speaker at the event, following on from his fact-finding visit to Lords Builders Merchants earlier this year.
As Construction Minister, Lee Rowley co-chairs the Construction Leadership Council and takes responsibility for Net Zero Industry Champions and the ConstructZero initiative. In addition to his construction role, as Minister for Business and Industry, Lee Rowley also has responsibility for supply chains, infrastructure and materials, chemicals and essential minerals, skills, and economic shocks within his brief.
John Newcomb commented: “We are delighted that the Construction Minister has agreed to speak at our annual Conference. The breadth of his role and responsibilities within the Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy will make for a highly relevant and topical address.”
The BMF Members’ Conference and black-tie Awards Dinner takes place on 15 September at St. George’s Park, Burton on Trent. The BMF’s annual Golf Tournament and other social activities will be held on the previous day, 14 September at the exclusive JCB Golf and Country Club.
To find out more and book your place of the BMF Members Conference and Awards 2022, please visit the events section at www.bmf.org.uk
