The Institute of Builders Merchants (IoBM) is challenging merchants across the country to pick up their tools and compete in the Practical Building Skills Challenge event.

This year’s event will take place on Wednesday 17 February at Leeds College of Building in conjunction with the Builders Merchant Federation. Celebrating its fifth year and with new support from the Federation of Master Builders this year’s challenge could be the busiest yet.

Designed to be both enjoyable and beneficial, the event offers merchant staff a taste of some of the main building disciplines that will underpin their product and practical knowledge. Ten teams of four, from merchants across the country, will compete in a series of challenges; testing their joinery, block paving, plastering, brickwork and tiling skills.

Allan Durning, president of the IoBM, said: “Each year we see more and more merchants testing their skills and competing in the challenge. With the additional support from the Federation of Master Builders, I’m sure this year will prove to be our most successful to date. I’m looking forward to welcoming this year’s entrants and crowning a new winner of the IoBM Practical Building Skills Challenge 2016.”

Everyone who has entered the challenge will receive a year’s free membership to the institute, while first and second place will be awarded special prizes. The IoBM are pleased to announce that this event is now sold out.