Membership of the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has grown by 12% in the past 12 months to reach a 37 year high. Total membership now stands at 850, a figure last achieved in 1985, with the highest number of merchant members (444) since 1994.
The BMF describes itself as holding “a pivotal role” within the building materials distribution chain, representing both merchants and building materials manufacturers and suppliers, and the growth in membership has encompassed companies from both sides of the supply chain.
BMF CEO John Newcomb believes the surge in member numbers is a result of the support the organisation has provided throughout the many challenges that have faced the market since the outbreak of the covid pandemic. The BMF’s work throughout this period has raised the profile of building material supply and enhanced the sector’s influence with Government as well as promoting supply chain collaboration.
John said: “We are absolutely focused on providing member value. BMF members are a huge part of the construction sector. Together they employ over 225,350 people and their combined annual turnover exceeds £44.6bn. Our mission is to help them build excellence in their business and to ensure their voice is heard.
“The current issues around product availability played to our strength and knowledge of material supply. The BMF’s central position on the CLC Task Force brings us into regular contact with Government and we have been able to develop their understanding of the role merchants play in the supply chain and provide data from merchant and supplier members on the challenges they are facing, all of which is helping to inform government action and policy.”
The BMF’s 444 merchant members operate from over 5,580 branches across the UK and Ireland.
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CLC Product Availability Working Group statement, 28th June 2022