The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) raised £25,000 for charity during the Gala Dinner that concluded its sell-out All Industry Conference in Dubrovnik last weekend. The money will be divided equally between Variety, the Children’s Charity (the BMF’s partner charity this year) and Mental Health UK whose work was featured during the conference sessions.
Conference delegates showed their generosity in many ways throughout the evening. The highlight was a special live auction overseen by conference host, Gethin Jones, where strong bidding for a bathrobe signed by the event’s key speakers and lunch at the House of Lords donated by former Deputy Prime Minister John Prescott helped push the total way over the predicted amount.
Singer Heather Small, herself an Ambassador for Variety, gave a stellar performance to complete a memorable gala evening held at Dubrovnik’s world-famous Revlin nightclub.
John Newcomb BMF CEO said: “We are proud of the industry for achieving so much for two very deserving charities. I would like to thank everyone who contributed both to our fundraising and during the rest of the conference. We have received some fantastic feedback already from delegates and this was a great conclusion to a phenomenally successful event.”
Expressing her appreciation, Frances Lang, chief executive at Variety UK said: “Thanks to all delegates for supporting Variety. BMF members can be assured that their generosity really does change children’s lives.”
Brian Dow, CEO at Mental Health UK said: “We really appreciate the fundraising by delegates and the opportunity the BMF Conference gave us to raise the subject of mental health within the industry. I’ve been in conferences in many parts of the world and on many subjects, but this was probably the best I’ve ever been to. Incredibly well organised. Wonderful atmosphere. Great content. And generally, a terrific collection of people. So, thank you very much for everything.”
The Gala Dinner was the climax of a hugely successful BMF All Industry Conference, where delegates were inspired, educated, entertained and enjoyed many of networking opportunities.
Kevin Morgan, group commercial director of the event’s headline sponsor, Crystal said: “It has been a privilege to be the headline sponsor at the BMF All Industry Conference in Dubrovnik and to be able to welcome everyone personally. From the stunning location to inspirational speakers, great host to fabulous entertainment and a chance to network and do business – the conference was a huge success. I’m looking forward to 2021 when Crystal will once again be the headline sponsor.”
During the Conference Crystal ran a bonus competition to encourage delegates to network by taking selfies with members of their team. The winner, David Young, Managing Director of Bradfords Building Supplies won a luxury European city break.
Reflecting on the event, Mark Bradley, managing director Plumbase said: “Well done and congratulations on delivering a superb BMF Conference. It has to go down as the best one ever! The sheer organisation, planning and hard work has absolutely paid off delivering premium member value, it was simply brilliant, notwithstanding a wonderful stunning location.
“Speakers all the way through were absolutely dazzling, plus, all of them were super friendly, approachable and good fun, especially Lord Prescott who hasn’t lost his edge.”
Tony France, sales director at Ibstock said: “Well what a fantastic event. I really appreciate you giving me the opportunity to present at this year’s Conference. I thought the entire speaker line-up was superb and I know that delegates really enjoyed and engaged with the people and, particularly, the mental health themes. It was a great idea to choose to go into what can be a difficult subject to discuss and it worked perfectly.”
The sell-out BMF All Industry Conference, themed “Building Excellence” was attended by almost 450 delegates.
