The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) now has more companies in membership than at any time in the last 20 years, with the current total standing at 560.
Speaking at the recent BMF Members Day, managing director John Newcomb confirmed the figure and also announced that the BMF is adding members at the rate of one per week and that overall membership has grown by more than 75% in the last four years.
BMF chairman Peter Hindle MBE, said: “The BMF is now, to the best of my knowledge, the fourth largest construction trade organisation in the UK. In terms of the builders merchants sector our members account for £11.5bn of the sector’s overall turnover of £14.5bn.
“This undoubtedly helps us to effectively represent the interests of the industry, particularly as we engage with Government. Strategically and practically, it’s much more effective to address government with a united and cohesive message. Through the BMF our members can speak with a stronger collective voice.”
John Newcomb also highlighted the diversity of the BMF’s membership, which embraces general building, timber, plumbing and heating and roofing merchants of all sizes and in all parts of the UK, as well as the wide range of manufacturing companies that supply their building materials and systems.
He commented: “Our members include 305 builders merchants and 190 supplier members, as well as a number of trade associations and other businesses linked to the industry.
“Together, our merchant and supplier members have combined sales of over £22bn and employ over 109,000 people in the building materials industry. They play a crucial role in the building supply chain. Similarly, the BMF has a vital role to play by providing training and support services as well as representing members’ interests both at national and local level.”
