Autumn Means Conference and Awards Season
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Autumn Means Conference and Awards Season
AS we go to press with this issue of BMF One Voice, anticipation is building for the BMF Annual Conference and Awards Dinner on 17 September.
The BMF’ s flagship event of the year, taking place at The Belfry in Sutton Coldfield, is on course to achieve a record attendance, with almost 400 members already registered for the Conference. This follows the tremendous success of our overseas All- Industry Conference to be held in Marrakesh in June 2027, which sold out within two months. At a time when trading conditions remain challenging for many businesses, it is encouraging to see the value that members continue to place on industry representation, networking and collaboration through BMF events.
Alongside the Conference, our prestigious blacktie Awards Dinner provides an opportunity to celebrate the businesses and individuals helping to drive the building materials sector forward.
You can read more about the shortlisted merchant, supplier and service supplier companies on page 6, but I would like to give special recognition to those shortlisted for our three individual Young Achiever and Marketing categories.
The shortlisted nominees for 2026 are:
Young Merchant Achiever
• Daniel Broadhead, Tippers
• Elliot Young, Lawsons
( Whetstone)
• Matthew Byiers, Newline Building Products
• Sam Beach, NMBS Young Supplier & Service Achiever
• Costas Marcou, Ethan Mason Paving
• Kasey Barnes, E Tupling
• Rachel Davies, Velux
• Sam Taylor-Bould, Epicor
Marketing Excellence Award
• Joanna Morfield, Southern Sheeting
• Lana Templeton, Murdock Builders Merchants
• Rebecca Fortescue-Halliwell, ForgeFix
• Tammy Tidmarsh, Long Rake Spar
Our sector remains very much a people business, and it is inspiring to see so many talented young professionals making their mark. Through their commitment, innovation and achievements, these individuals are already making significant contributions to the success of their businesses and to the future of our industry.
While on the subject of awards, the BMF itself is also celebrating success, having been shortlisted for five prestigious trade association awards. Winners will be announced later this year by
Memcom and the Association Excellence Awards( AEA), and we are delighted that the work of the Federation continues to receive external recognition.
Finally, it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the outstanding contributions of two individuals who have played pivotal roles in the BMF’ s development. Richard Hill will step down as BMF Chairman after more than 6 years in the role at the end of October, while John Newcomb will move from Chief Executive Officer to the newly created position of Executive Chair later this autumn. Both have made an immense contribution to the growth and influence of the Federation and have helped establish the BMF as a leading trade association that delivers real value for its members.
As ever, there is much to look forward to. And by the time our next issue lands, we will no doubt be assessing the implications of the Autumn Budget on 28 October. Let’ s hope it brings positive news and meaningful support for our sector.
Jeremy Harris- One Voice Editor BMF Marketing & Communications Manager Jeremy. harris @ bmf. org. uk
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