The Builders Merchants Federation has announced the five companies that have been nominated to represent their region for the title BMF Training Company of the Year.

The nominees are:

MGM Timber - Scotland & Northern Ireland

C & W Berry - North West England, West Midlands & North Wales

J T Atkinson & Sons - North East England, East Midlands, Yorkshire & Humberside

Chandler Building Supplies - London and Southern England

Kellaway Building Supplies - South West England and South Wales

All five have been selected for their commitment in supporting and developing their teams through their use of BMF training.

MGM Timber was selected for its commitment to training at every level, from existing and potential managers to new apprentices. It currently has 11 apprentices in training through the BMF’s Apprentice Training Agency and ten Management Diploma students, while a further 60 staff attended in-house training days covering sales, people management and the yard foreman’s toolkit.

C&W Berry has proved adept at developing young managers through its use of the BMF Diploma, with four candidates on the current course, as well as encouraging staff to develop their product knowledge via MOL distance learning courses.

J T Atkinson & Sons has made excellent use of BMF one and two day courses this year. In particular, staff have been encouraged to develop a broad range of product knowledge through How to Build a House and Measuring Building Quantities workshops.

Chandler Building Supplies has implemented training and development plans aligned to specific staff graded levels throughout their business. This includes a two-year rolling programme for all new starters covering 12 set courses.

Kellaway Building Supplies takes a proactive approach to staff training which has created an engaging team-oriented culture which helps it to develop and retain talent within the business. Kellaway’s investment in physical training facilities also benefits other BMF members in the region as it hosts a BMF Regional Centre of Excellence that is used for a wide range of the BMF’s open training courses.

BMF CEO John Newcomb said: “It is clear to see why these companies have been selected to represent their regions, through their approach and commitment to developing staff at all levels.

“I am delighted that they are making full use of the broad range of formal and specialist training offered by the BMF.

“Whoever wins the title, each of the nominated merchants are clearly winning in terms of building excellence within their own business.”

The overall winner will be announced at the BMF Members’ Day Awards Dinner, which takes place after the BMF Members’ Day Annual Conference on 27 September.