The BMF’s MasterMerchant competition made a joyous return this summer after a two-year covid-enforced hiatus. The magnificent Lake District landscape sparkled in the sun for the entire weekend as 16 teams, each comprising four colleagues working in tandem, undertook a series of point-scoring adventure and teamwork challenges.
The Chandlers (IBMG) “Merchants of Menace” team emerged as the overall champions (pictured below), with second-placed SIG also taking the SuperSupplier prize. Many congratulations to both teams, especially the Merchants of Menace, who claimed top prize for an astonishing fourth time.
Chandlers and SIG may have topped the points table, but every participant walked away a winner, having enjoyed a fantastic weekend of team and relationship building. A huge well done to the teams from Harlow Brothers, Knauf Insulation, Lawsons, Marshalls, Merritt & Fryers, Southern Sheeting, Talasey, Velux, West Building Supplies and this year’s headline sponsors, Natural Cement.
“I’m sure this weekend, interacting with colleagues from other departments, will lead to better communication and mutual support back at work. Mixing with other BMF members over the weekend was also very beneficial.”
Stephen Lee, who has organised the event for the BMF for over 30 years, said: “MasterMerchant has a great history of bringing together BMF members to help promote positive relationships and a great atmosphere across the membership. The variety of challenges allows each individual to excel in their own way. Colleagues come to really value what others can bring to a team and strong bonds are built, even over this short event.
“A great example of how this can benefit a business can be seen when they enter team of individuals who don’t know each other well but whose work depends on each other’s support. The friendships they build during the event mean they are eager to assist when the call comes for help.”
Not surprisingly, after a two-year break, many participants were taking part in MasterMerchant for the first time. While they were all keen to take part, the event far exceeded their expectations.
For example, Alan Harvey, Group Transport Director at Harlow Brothers, said: “As relatively new BMF members we were attending for the first time as this seemed to be a great way to encourage teamwork, help develop our future leadership team and at the same time have some fun. The variety of events was tailored to suit all fitness levels, which enabled all team members to shine and learn from each other.
“I’m sure this weekend, interacting with colleagues from other departments, will lead to better communication and mutual support back at work. Mixing with other BMF members over the weekend was also very beneficial.”
The 2023 MasterMerchant challenge takes place from 7-9 July. For more details, or to reserve your place, email June.upton@bmf.org.uk
Click here to view the full set of photographs from the 2022 BMF MasterMerchant challenge.
