The Builders Merchants Federation’s Young Merchants’ Group has elected Victoria Fiddies, Regional Sales Manager at Catnic – Tata Steel, as Chair and Glenn Paddison, Branch director at MKM Building Supplies, as Vice Chair.
Victoria, who was previously Vice Chair, takes over from Jamie Pierce, Marketing and Communications Manager, Parker Building Supplies, who has just completed his two-year term heading up the group.
Victoria said: “I am very excited to have the opportunity to take on the role of Chair and I am looking forward to working with Glenn. Jamie set a high standard and the BMF Young Merchants Group has grown rapidly over the last couple of years through the hard work that we put in to promote it and make it relevant to the younger generation working in our industry.”
Membership is open to merchants and suppliers aged between 21 and 40. The group meets twice a year in the autumn and spring, and also organises an annual trip overseas. As well as offering excellent networking opportunities, the meetings feature one or more speakers to encourage and inspire the group.
Victoria explained; “I’m keen for the group to hear from successful people both within our industry and from a wider community. Our next meeting in March will feature Fiona Kerr and Patricia Hendry, who both have senior roles within Travis Perkins. Hearing how they have shaped their careers and moved up the ladder is something we can all learn from and emulate.”
Commenting on his appointment as Vice Chair, Glenn said: “I’m really honoured to have been selected by my peers as Vice Chair. There are a lot of talented young people in our great industry and I feel really lucky to be involved in such a passionate group of likeminded people, all striving to achieve great things in their careers.
“I hope I can do justice to the role and support Victoria in taking the group forwards. There is a good mix of suppliers and merchants represented in the group and it continues to grow with new members coming on board all the time.”
