6 team. It continues to develop future leaders using a BMF Bespoke Management Development Programme and utilises regional training courses and apprenticeships to develop team members. Neil Sabey, group managing director, is on the BMF Board, helping to shape the future direction, and the business has participated in MP visits to promote the building materials sector.
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Nominations for the BMF Member Engagement Awards
THE shortlisted companies for the Merchant member award are Bradfords Building Supplies, EH Smith, Harlow Timber Group, IBMG, MGM( Timber) Scotland, and Tippers.
The award, which is handed out at the BMF Awards Dinner on 17th September, highlights and celebrates merchant companies that are helping to drive the industry forward through their sector leadership and active participation with the BMF.
BMF CEO, John Newcomb said:“ The BMF’ s purpose is to serve its members and support the sector. Member engagement is a key strategic focus, with over 42 measures used to track involvement and participation. The more members engage, the more they benefit from their membership.”
BMF Merchant Member Engagement Award Shortlist
Bradfords Building Supplies’ ongoing support for the independent merchant sector includes involvement in industry initiatives, and knowledge sharing which benefits the wider community. The company believes collaboration is key to the sector’ s success and maintains strong ties with the BMF, manufacturers, and partners. Bradfords regularly participates in a wide range of BMF events, sponsors various initiatives, and utilises BMF Campus online Building Block courses for staff training.
EH Smith demonstrates consistent engagement across BMF training, events, forums, and business services, and participates in the Young Merchant Group. They have undertaken a series of Health and Safety training sessions for all key personnel over the past year and use regional courses in their development programmes.
Harlow Timber Group is an ownership trust business with a highly engaged
6 team. It continues to develop future leaders using a BMF Bespoke Management Development Programme and utilises regional training courses and apprenticeships to develop team members. Neil Sabey, group managing director, is on the BMF Board, helping to shape the future direction, and the business has participated in MP visits to promote the building materials sector.
Despite ownership changes and restructuring, IBMG has remained active in various key initiatives, investing time and resources to support the BMF and its members, despite ownership changes and restructuring. IBMG actively participates in BMF forums, safety groups, and regional meetings, and supports the BM Careers initiative to promote careers and attract talent. Developing people is central to its culture. IBMG advocates for apprenticeships, including the BMF Apprenticeship Pledge, and its commitment to attracting, developing and retaining new talent demonstrates a genuine investment in the future of the building materials sector.
MGM( Timber) Scotland actively engages with the BMF through regional meetings, webinars, forums, and events, demonstrating support, sharing best practices, and strengthening industry ties. It embraces BMF opportunities, valuing learning, collaboration, and networking, which benefits both the business and the wider community.
Tippers is an exceptional family-owned business that sets an example for the building materials sector. It develops people through the bespoke“ Tippers Way” programme, with a focus on Leadership and Sales to boost sales, margins, and customer service. Tippers actively supports initiatives such as the BMCareers programme to bring more young people into the industry and has participated in MP visits that highlight the role, value, and importance of merchants in delivering for customers and communities.
Nominations for the for Supplier and Service Awards
The BMF( Builders Merchants Federation) has also announced the nominations for the BMF Supplier Member Engagement Award and the BMF Service Member Engagement Award.
These Awards recognise the vital role suppliers and service members play in the building materials industry. Every company on the shortlists has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting the future success of the BMF and the wider industry. This is evidenced by their participation in BMF working groups, campaigns and industry initiatives, their willingness to collaborate and share knowledge with the wider BMF community, and their investment in BMF services and opportunities that support their business objectives.
BMF Supplier & Service Member Award Shortlist
Aco Technologies Plc Azpects Limited JCB Sales Ltd Knauf Insulation Ltd Long Rake Spar Company Ltd Polypipe Building Products
BMF Service Member Shortlist
AlphaGraphics Epicor Klipboard Moorgate Management Limited Opus Safety Ltd Specialist Driver Resourcing Ltd
BMF CEO John Newcomb said:
“ Every one of these companies has made an outstanding contribution to the work of the BMF, which has not only benefited fellow members but has also helped them gain optimum value from BMF membership for their own businesses. Any one of them would be a deserving winner, and I wish them the very best in this year’ s Awards.”
The winners will be announced at the BMF Members’ Day Awards Dinner, which takes place on 17 September 2026, after the BMF Members’ Day Annual Conference.