John Newcomb chief executive officer of the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) is set to be the next president of UFEMAT, the European Association of National Builders Merchants Associations and Manufacturers. His candidature for the presidency was reportedly unanimously accepted during the UFEMAT committee meeting on April 13, to be confirmed at the UFEMAT AGM in Lisbon in October.
UFEMAT was created to represent the interests of the building materials trade and supply industry throughout Europe, with a particular remit in regard to EU legislation and standards. The organisation also hosts an annual conference, where members discuss issues affecting the industry throughout Europe, to promote co-operation and best practice.
The BMF is the only trade association representing and protecting the interests of builders’ merchants and suppliers to the merchant industry in the UK and Ireland. John has headed the BMF since August 2012. Together, the BMF’s 640 members have combined sales of £28bn and employ 123,000 people. BMF’s 340 merchant members operate from over 5,000 branches across the UK and Ireland.
John Newcomb said: “I am extremely honoured to be nominated for the position of president of UFEMAT at this time. As the UK approaches Brexit, it is even more important for the BMF to strengthen its links with our European colleagues and trade bodies.
“The BMF understands how important it is to have a strong body speaking for the wider industry. With over 80% of the UK merchant industry in membership, BMF has become the trusted ‘go-to’ organisation for national government seeking the industry’s view. UFEMAT is similarly respected by European legislators for their representation of building materials supply throughout Europe.
