The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) raised £25,000 for charity during the Gala Dinner that concluded its All Industry Conference in Dubrovnik on 13-16 June.
The money will be divided equally between Variety, the Children’s Charity – the BMF’s partner charity this year – and Mental Health UK whose work was featured during the Conference sessions.
Conference delegates were said to have shown their generosity in many ways throughout the evening. The highlight was said to be a special live auction overseen by Conference Host, Gethin Jones, where strong bidding for a bathrobe signed by the event’s key speakers and lunch at the House of Lords donated by former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott helped push the total way over the predicted amount.
The amount raised at this year’s Conference brings the total amount raised for charity at BMF events during the last two years to just under £220,000.
Singer Heather Small, herself an Ambassador for Variety, gave a performance to complete a memorable gala evening held at Dubrovnik’s world-famous Revlin nightclub.
John Newcomb, BMF CEO, said: “We are proud of the industry for achieving so much for two very deserving charities. I would like to thank everyone who contributed both to our fundraising and during the rest of the Conference. We have received some fantastic feedback already from delegates and this was a great conclusion to a phenomenally successful event.”
Brian Dow, CEO at Mental Health UK, added: “We really appreciate the fundraising by delegates and the opportunity the BMF Conference gave us to raise the subject of mental health within the industry. I’ve been in conferences in many parts of the world and on many subjects, but this was probably the best I’ve ever been to. Incredibly well organised. Wonderful atmopshere. Great content. And generally a terrific collection of people. So, thank you very much for everything.”
The Gala Dinner ended what has been described as a hugely successful BMF All Industry Conference, where delegates were inspired, educated, entertained and enjoyed many networking opportunities.
Kevin Morgan, Group Commercial Director of the event’s headline sponsor, Crystal, commented: “It has been a privilege to be the headline sponsor at the BMF All Industry Conference in Dubrovnik and to be able to welcome everyone personally. From the stunning location to inspirational speakers, great host to fabulous entertainment and a chance to network and do business – the conference was a huge success. I’m looking forward to 2021 when Crystal will once again be the headline sponsor.”
During the Conference Crystal ran a bonus competition to encourage delegates to network by taking selfies with members of their team. The winner, David Young, Managing Director of Bradfords Building Supplies, won a luxury European city break.
The sell-out BMF All Industry Conference, themed “Building Excellence” was attended by almost 450 delegates. To see a selection of photos from the event, click here.
