Merchants learn loads in Latvia

Young merchants have travelled deep into the Baltic States to find out how their European counterparts operate.

Young merchants have travelled deep into the Baltic States to find out how their European counterparts operate.

The visit to Riga, Latvia is part of the initiative by the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) to broaden the horizons of young senior management from builders merchants and supplier companies by learning at first hand how the industry works overseas.

Sponsored by BuildStore, and hosted by BSW Timber, the visit is central to the young merchants scheme run by the BMF which addresses key issues affecting the future of the industry.

Members participate in open debates on important business issues, attend presentations from business speakers and have the opportunity to join the annual overseas trip.

John Seccombe, of Seccombe Builders Merchants said: "It was a great opportunity to see how an industry functions in another country and to network with other like minded people in my business.

The tour included visits to timber saw mills and ports in Riga, giving us all a complete overview of the timber production process, which is a key part of the Latvian economy.

"One of the most noticeable parts of the trip was coming in to Riga airport from the air were all you could see where acres upon acres of trees".

Membership of the young merchants scheme is open to anyone under 45 years of age who has a middle/senior role in a BMF member company.

For more information please contact chris.harding@bmf.org.uk.

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