Glenn Paddison, branch director at MKM Building Supplies, is the new chair of the Builders Merchants Federation’s (BMF’s) Young Merchant Group. He will be supported by Jo Callow, merchant sales support manager at Knauf Insulation, who was elected to replace Glenn as the vice chair.
Glenn takes over from Victoria Fiddies of Catnic who has just completed her two-year term as chair.
Glenn and Jo took up their new roles following the BMF Young Merchant Group’s first conference, which was held at the NEC during National Construction Week in October.
Membership of the BMF Young Merchant Group is open to merchants and suppliers aged between 21 and 40 holding a key management position within their organisation. The Group meets twice a year in the autumn and spring, and also organises an annual trip overseas.
As well as offering opportunities to network and share experience, the meetings regularly feature one or more speakers to encourage and inspire members.
Glenn and Jo are keen to continue developing the BMF Young Merchant’s work and influence. Glenn said: “I am honoured to have the opportunity to take on the role of chair and would like to thank everyone who voted for me, as well as MKM Building Supplies for supporting me in taking up this role. I would also like to thank Victoria Fiddies for her excellent leadership during the last two years. I’m looking forward to working with Jo to broaden the Group’s scope even further.
“I believe there is more to achieve through the BMF Ambassador programme to promote careers in our industry to school and college leavers, and this group is in a great position to take a leading role in that. I can also see an opportunity to strengthen our ties with European merchants to learn from their experiences and share best practice, perhaps in the form of a European conference.”
Commenting on her appointment as vice chair, Jo said: “I’ve been a passionate and committed member of the group for five years, and the interaction has definitely helped me as I’ve progressed my career. As a keen advocate for women in our industry, I’m delighted that I will be continuing the strong and encouraging female presence following Vic’s term of office and look forward to working with Glenn to take forward the baton to continue to grow the group and deliver quality events.”
