In September, the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) hosted the Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) second annual Round Table debate at its offices in Coventry.

The BMBI is a brand of the BMF and the debate was organised for BMBI experts to discuss topical issues, and the potential implications for our industry. It was chaired by BMN’s Jennie Ward and included BMF Chairman Peter Hindle representing builders’ merchants and Mike Rigby Chief Executive Officer of MRA Marketing who produce the BMBI report.

BMBI experts taking part included: John Sinfield, Managing Director of Knauf Insulation; Nigel Cox, Managing Director of Timbmet; Andy Simpson, National Commercial Director of Hanson Cement; Derrick McFarland, Managing Director of Keystone Lintels; John Duffin, Managing Director of Keylite Roof Windows; Paul Rivett, Managing Director of Heatrae Sadia; Tony France, Sales Director of Ibstock; Andy Williamson, Group Managing Director of IKO; Malcom Gough, Group Sales and Marketing Director of Natural Paving Products; and Michael White, Business Development Director of Alumasc Water Management Solutions.

The debate covered five main topics:

  1. Digitalisation and omnichannel selling
  2. Brexit’s effect on the industry
  3. Skills, materials shortages and capacity
  4. Economy and inflation
  5. Grenfell Tower fire and the implications.

As last year, the debate was videoed in full and individual topic videos will be available on the BMBI website and shared on LinkedIn and @TheBMBI on Twitter, as well as Vimeo and YouTube. A full write-up will also feature in the November/December issue of Builders’ Merchants News.

Visit www.bmbi.co.uk to download the latest BMBI report or to learn more about each expert, and watch this space for updates on the Round Table footage.

If you’d like your brand to become an expert and the voice of your market, call Lucia Di Stazio of MRA Marketing on 01453 521621.