One hundred of the merchant industry’s leading influencers are set to play a key role to advance the profession of merchanting.
Having been made Fellows of the Institute of Builders Merchants (FIOBM) at a gala dinner to celebrate their contribution to the industry, they have been invited to join a new Mentoring Platform and help others to shape their career.
The dinner, which took place at the Belfry (Sutton Coldfield) on 19 May, was the culmination of a campaign organised by the BMF and BMN to name the Top 100 Merchant Influencers. The event raised £8,500 for the BMF’s partner charity Band of Builders.
The new IOBM Mentoring Platform has been designed to facilitate the mentor-mentee relationship, by enabling access to industry resources and suggesting suitable matches. The simple, easy to use platform is open to all IOBM membership grades, from student through to fellows and corporate members.
The online-mentoring arrangement will enable both mentor and mentee to share or gain a wealth of knowledge and will support the individual advancement of new and diverse talent working in, or joining, the sector.
John Newcomb, CEO of the Builders Merchants Federation, which originated the list of leading influencers, said: “The skills, knowledge and experience of this wide-ranging group, comprising some of the most experienced individuals currently working within the merchant industry, will be invaluable to the mentoring programme.
“I am delighted to see the IOBM launch this initiative to support younger colleagues, helping them to increase their knowledge and advance their career.”
