Encouraging the next generation of building materials’ industry leaders was the focus of the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants City & Awards luncheon, which took place at Apothecaries’ Hall on Monday 16 March, 2026. Seven new Freemen were also welcomed into the Company on the day.
Now in its 14th year and one of the Livery’s most popular annual events, the Awards celebrate exceptional achievement among rising stars in the building materials sector while providing a platform for these young people to network with senior industry professionals. In addition, the event recognises examples of service and dedication among WCoBM’s military affiliations and other charitable organisations the Company is proud to support through its Charitable Funds. These include the Beckenham & Penge Sea Cadets, City and Guilds of London Arts School, the Build Up Foundation and No Going Back.
WCoBM Master Lucia Di Stazio said: “Our City & Awards Luncheon is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate rising stars and young individuals who are making a difference in their field and profession and also acknowledge those who are leading the way in representing the dynamic and diverse opportunities available in the building materials sector.
“Education is an area that I am incredibly passionate about. In whatever form it takes, be it professional qualifications, apprenticeships, practical training, mentoring or work experience, it has a positive impact on people’s learning and development, creating opportunities and helping individuals reach their ambitions.”
Each year, the Awards celebrate the best students who have undergone learning through the Builders’ Merchants Federation’s training programmes. The BMF student winners were:
Best Online Student: Tia Kowalik, Sales Person at MKM Building Supplies.
Best Performing IOBM Diploma Student: Euan Blair, Trainee Manager at Beatson’s Building Supplies.
Best Performing Apprentice of the Year: Jack Evans, Assistant Category Manager – Solar PV & EV Charging at City Plumbing.
Organisations affiliated with WCoBM were also present to receive awards, namely individuals from HMS Forth; the 3rd Battalion, Princess of Wales’s Royal Regiment (3PWRR); the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight; and the Beckenham and Penge Sea Cadets. Awards were also presented to the Build Up Foundation, a charity that runs practical construction projects where young people can design and build structures in their local communities; and No Going Back, a charity and social enterprise that aims to rehabilitate ex-offenders and help them to secure employment.
All prizes were presented by Guest of Honour Dr Lois Rowe FCGI, Principal of the City & Guilds of London Art School. Dr Rowe has had a distinguished career in higher education, as well as being an active artist and researcher with a background in theatrical costume design.
She said: “I’ve been so moved hearing about the activities of the builders’ merchants and stories of some of the people we are celebrating today. Continuing to support and encourage the learning and development of individuals across our cities, the building materials industry and the important affiliations that this Livery supports ensures that we continue to build a skilled, dynamic and forward-thinking community.”
Each year, the Master also presents an award to someone within the Livery who has consistently contributed to the life and reputation of our Livery and continues to make a difference in our industry too. The 2026 Master’s Award was presented to Past Master Gary Hopkins and Chair of Turnbull & Co. Ltd.
Lucia adds: “Gary is a constant guiding hand for our Livery with his immense knowledge and positive leadership and encouragement, always thinking of others and for the greater benefit of our Company.”
On the same day, the WCoBM welcomed seven new Freemen to the Company at their admission Ceremony at Apothecaries’ Hall, taking the total number of Liverymen and Freemen to 262.
The new Freemen are Carlywn Coombes of Bence & Co, Jonathan Day of Day Aggregates, Martin Keay of AW Lumb, Ian Murphy of IBC Buying Group, Simon Taylor of Ibstock PLC, Philip Walford of Covers Timber and Builders’ Merchants, and Kevin Williams of NMBS.
Master Lucia Di Stazio said: “It was a pleasure to welcome seven new Freemen at their recent admission, representing builders’ merchants and suppliers across the building materials sector. The ceremony is a special occasion and an important time to reinforce WCoBM’s key focuses in supporting the industry, strengthening professional connections, championing the next generation and contributing to worthy causes from the Livery’s charitable fund.
“Congratulations to all!”
For more information on the Worshipful Company of Builders’ Merchants, visit www.wcobm.co.uk
The City & Awards luncheon was sponsored by BMF, Brett Martin, The Encon Group, H+H, Heidelberg Materials, Henshaws Roofing & Building Supplies, Joseph Parr Group, Keyfix, Knauf UK & Ireland, Knauf Insulation, Lawsons, Marsh Industries, MRA Research, Monument Tools, NMBS, Reisser and Siniat by Etex.
