The Institute of Builders Merchants (IoBM) will be based at Elliott Court, the Coventry head office of the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF), from September.

Run by a voluntary governing body, the IoBM recently engaged past president Andrew Pine on a consultancy basis to undertake a number of key projects, including the development of a CPD process for members and the introduction of an Industry Training Forum to identify and satisfy the training needs of today’s merchant industry. Mr Pine will use Elliott Court as his base for this work, while the BMF’s training and conference facilities will also be available to the IoBM.

BMF managing director John Newcomb said: “This is exactly how we envisaged BMF HQ being used – as a hub for the merchanting industry. The BMF’s role is at the heart of our industry and a major part of that strategy is to work more closely with key trade bodies, like the IoBM.

“Our two organisations share common goals and objectives in raising skills and standards and in wanting to attract more young people to join an exciting industry. While the IoBM focuses on the development of the individual, the BMF focuses its training programme on merchant and merchant supplier organisations. Working more closely will enable us to share information and maximise opportunities that benefit the industry overall.”

IoBM president Steve Sellick added: “There are obvious synergies between the IoBM and the BMF, with both organisations working for the good of the industry. Using the same physical base has many advantages at a critical time in the Institute’s development. In the past, we have relied on the services of a voluntary governing body, all with busy day jobs, to take our projects forward and it has not always been easy to dedicate the time required.

“With Andrew now driving forward our most important projects, the impetus afforded by a closer working relationship with the BMF should pay dividends during an important period when we are seeking to develop the skills and knowledge of those working in our industry, to support the needs of our members, and to grow individual membership of the Institute.”

From Monday 2 September 2013, the IoBM’s address will be: 1180 Elliott Court, Coventry Business Park, Herald Avenue, Coventry, CV5 6UB.