The Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) recently hosted the inaugural Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) annual Roundtable debate at its headquarters in Coventry. The debate was organised for BMBI Experts to discuss topical issues such as Brexit, skills shortages, housing, legislation and the potential implications of these issues for our industry.
BMBI Experts that took part included: Derrick McFarland, Managing Director Keystone Lintels; Mike Beard, Merchant Development Director Encon Insulation; Nigel Cox, Managing Director Timbmet; John Sinfield, Managing Director Knauf Insulation; Andy Simpson, Commercial Director Hanson Cement; Steve Halford, Group Managing Director Crystal Direct; Andy Williamson, Group Managing Director IKO PLC; and Steve Durdant-Hollamby, Managing Director Alumasc Water Management Solutions.
The roundtable debate covered 6 main topics:
• Brexit, its implications & what happens next
• Capacity & Skills shortages
• Housing
• Changing customer requirements & impact of technology on merchant businesses
• Changing role of the merchant
• Standards, legislation and regulations
The BMBI Roundtable Debate was chaired by Builders’ Merchants News Group Editor Jennie Ward and included BMF Chairman Peter Hindle, BMF MD John Newcomb and MRA CEO Mike Rigby.
View the debate highlights here: