Product category:
Builders Merchants
News Release from: Builders Merchants Federation [BMF]
Edited by the Buildingtalk Editorial
Team on 02 November 2007
BMF Members Day delivers real business
benefits
190 delegates from the merchant industry attended BMF Members Day dedicated to supplying members with a wealth of knowledge and information.
Over 190 delegates from the merchant industry attended the second BMF Members Day on October 10 2007, the BMF's annual conference and exhibition held at the National Motorcycle Museum in Birmingham Following the success of its first Members Day, BMF made this year's event even bigger and better
This article was originally published on Buildingtalk on 30 Jun 2003 at 8.00am (UK)
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The interesting and informative business day was packed full of presentations and provided an opportunity for members to attend workshops on topical issues that impact on their business.
Managing director Chris Pateman said: "BMF Members Day is dedicated to supplying our members with a wealth of knowledge and information on current controversies and share what the BMF is doing to help members respond to them, as well as offering great networking opportunities".
BMF used the event to launch its Environmental Code and facilitate a formal debate on the role of merchants and suppliers in meeting environmental and sustainability goals.
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The Government's agenda, reflecting on planning and products, is trickling down the supply chain and putting pressure on builders' merchants to adopt environmental management systems.
In response, the BMF's Environmental Code is designed to be a simple but comprehensive code of procedures that can be added to existing internal management systems as a step towards formal accreditation.
The environment emerged as the strong theme of the day, with one of the highlights being a keynote speech by Alan Cherry, chairman of Countryside Properties on 'sustainability and its influence on home building and building materials'.
He reviewed the opportunities for the supply side of the building industry and advised merchants that the industry will need a supplier base for renewable technologies to be much more effective than it is today.
A supplier exhibition showcased a wide range of products and services such as landscaping, drainage systems, tools, security systems, heating and plumbing and insulation.
Throughout the afternoon delegates attended workshops on a number of current industry issues, which were followed by audience discussions, and opportunities to ask questions and exchange useful advice.
Paul Kaye, sales director, of Freeway Commerce gave insights into the benefits of electronic trading and explained how easy it is to accomplish with the systems and low costs now involved in getting started.
John Makin, security manager at Bradfords Building Supplies helped members address the hidden problem of theft, from both customers and staff in addition to preventing fraud.
Steve Evans, president of the Local Authority Building Control (LABC), explained to members that LABC wants to work with merchants to make sure that builders use, and merchants supply, approved products that are fit for purpose.
Delegates also discovered next year's enforcement priorities from regulatory bodies VOSA, the HSE and Trading Standards.
The BMF further developed the format to enable delegates to meet and socialise with a golf tournament at the Forest of Arden Golf Club, where Marshalls took first prize, and this was followed by a pre-event dinner at the Motorcycle Museum.
To find out more and to register your interest for BMF Members Day 2008 contact Christine Harding on 020 7534 7426 or email chris.harding@bmf.org.uk.
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