The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) has confirmed that Peter Hindle MBE will remain in post as Chairman until March 2020. The 12-month extension of his term of office will provide continuity at Board level as the BMF focuses on its next stage of development.
The Board is currently undertaking a long-term strategy review and the plans for the next five years will be shared at BMF Members’ Day in September.
BMF CEO, John Newcomb, commented: “Peter was instrumental in the development of our initial strategic roadmap and the Board and myself are extremely pleased that he has agreed to continue as Chairman during the latest phase of development and implementation.
“Our strategic focus on areas where we can best support our members and provide real leadership to the industry has been instrumental in revitalising the BMF and growing membership to its current high point of 650 companies. But the market we operate within is constantly evolving. Our latest strategy is designed both to reflect current changes and anticipate future developments and I am looking forward to working with the Board and the BMF team to deliver benefit to all members.”
Peter Hindle MBE added: “I am encouraged by the progress the BMF has made representing the building materials supply chain and promoting professionalism throughout the whole merchant industry. I am happy to have played a role within this and to continue my Chairmanship of the BMF for a further year. We are fortunate to have a relatively young board, with several directors joining within the last 12 months, and the BMF will undoubtedly benefit from their drive and enthusiasm in the future.”
In other news from the BMF, it has been announced that Mark Bradley, MD of Plumbase, will take over as Chair of the Federation’s Plumbing & Heating Forum from its next meeting in November.
Mark’s background in sales and operations included early roles in retail before moving into the trade sector, where his wide-ranging experience included roles with Dulux Decorator Centres, BSS Group, Buck & Hickman and Brammer Group before moving to Plumbase.
He takes over as P&H Forum Chair at what the BMF describes as a “pivotal time”. Mark views the expertise and knowledge of the people employed as the key differentiator for all merchant businesses — however, a recent report by AMA Research confirmed the internet as the fastest-growing distribution channel of the UK P&H market and predicted that online sales of plumbing products are set to increase by a further 43% by 2022.
John Newcomb said: “Plumbing & Heating was our first specialist Forum, set up four years ago to reflect the importance of this sector. It is now the fastest growing area of BMF membership. Mark takes over the role of Forum Chair from Keith Jones formerly of Wolseley, who I would like to thank for his excellent contribution in furthering the Forum’s success after it was established under our initial Chair, Ron Walker of HPS.”
