Andy Street, the first mayor of the West Midlands, and former managing director of John Lewis will give the final address at the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) Members’ Day in September.
Andy was elected as the first mayor of the West Midlands in May 2017, and his primary role as chair of the West Midlands Combined Authority brings with it significant powers over transport, housing skills and jobs in the region. His plan to deliver 215,000 new homes by 2030 has just won the support of the chancellor, Philip Hammond, with grants totalling £350m announced in the government’s Spring Statement.
Before becoming mayor, Andy combined a career with John Lewis with a host of economic development roles. As managing director of John Lewis, he was named the “Most Admired Leader of the Year” by Management Today in its annual survey of bosses at the UK’s most successful companies. He has also been lead non-executive director for the Department for Communities and Local Government as well as a member of the Prime Minister’s Business Advisory Group.
John Newcomb, BMF chief executive, said: “Andy was elected on a manifesto aiming to revolutionise the lives of citizens within the West Midlands, where the BMF is headquartered, and we are delighted that our first mayor will be speaking at Members’ Day. In addition to his current drive to boost the West Midlands economy, during his earlier career at John Lewis he oversaw one of the most successful periods in the company’s history. His presentation will resonate with every delegate.”
John Newcomb also announced that, with regret, Vince Cable has had to pull out of the event. Mr Newcomb said: “Both Vince Cable and the BMF are disappointed that unavoidable changes to his schedule mean it is no longer possible for Vince to speak at Members’ Day. However, we are pleased that he will now be joining us at our parliamentary reception on April 24th.”
The theme of BMF Members’ Day 2018 is “The Future belongs to the Bold”. It will be held for the first time at St George’s Park, Burton on Trent – the home of England’s 28 national football teams. The business conference and the BMF’s black-tie awards dinner, which celebrates the achievements of young people working in the industry, both take place on September 27. The BMF’s annual golf tournament and other social activities will be held on the previous day, September 26.
For more information on BMF Members’ Day visit the BMF website at www.bmf.org.uk/events
