A sector-led centralised product data platform designed to drive commercial performance through accurate, reliable information has reached a significant milestone, securing 75 supplier members within its first year.
Data Yard, developed by the Builders Merchants Federation and NMBS, is an industry-governed solution that is rapidly gaining traction across the building materials sector following its launch in 2025. Indeed, and reflecting a clear shift in the market, Data Yard’s strong level of adoption in its first 12 months is “set to gain further momentum as early adopters share their experience of the platform through a series of testimonial videos over the coming weeks.”
Gareth Thomas, Managing Director, said: “Data Yard is helping to shape the future of product data in our industry. We’re seeing real momentum from suppliers and merchants who recognise that better data means better business as well as a more accountable and safer built environment.
“The platform is creating a more connected and transparent data ecosystem, enabling seamless exchange and establishing a true ‘single source of truth’ for the sector.”
With a planned pricing increase at the end of June, suppliers are being urged to act now to secure access under current terms and lock in pricing for the next three years, providing long-term certainty and protection against future increases. Suppliers who take advantage of the offer are being told they will gain “immediate access to the platform’s benefits including improved efficiency, reduced duplication and enhanced compliance.”
Data Yard has been developed in response to increasing legal and regulatory demands, including the Building Safety Act and the Golden Thread, alongside voluntary initiatives such as CCPI.
The platform enables suppliers to upload and maintain control of their data, determining who can access, view and download it.
Through a secure, centralised system, authorised users – including merchants, buying groups and wider industry stakeholders – can access consistent product information when they need it. Furthermore, Data Yard “represents recognition that product data is no longer just operational. It is critical to compliance and risk management.”
Data Yard, established in April 2025, is managed by Building Materials Digital Services (a joint venture between the BMF and NMBS) and serves as a central data platform for the building materials industry. It enables manufacturers to submit product data in one place while providing buying groups and merchants with a single, reliable source of information.
Backed by shareholders representing approximately 50% of the market, Data Yard exists to raise the standard and consistency of product data across the building materials supply chain.
