NMBS has teamed up with the Builders Merchants Federation to help developing merchant businesses further their growth with a funding scheme aimed at enabling them to benefit from the advantages afforded by membership of the industry trade body.

The NMBS Kick-Start Growth & Development Scheme will help NMBS’ smaller members to join the BMF for the first time, and is available to any business with an annual turnover of less than £2 million. The NMBS grant will cover the full cost of BMF membership for the first 12 months of a two-year annual subscription.

The second year’s fees will be paid by the member company, and they will receive a substantial discount on the BMF’s standard subscription rates.

Chris Hayward, Managing Director of NMBS, said: “NMBS is committed to supporting the trade association activities of the BMF and equally committed to supporting the growth and development of our independent merchant members.  We see real value in the BMF’s services to merchants, suppliers and indeed the whole industry and identified the opportunities this would provide to our smaller members. 

“Requiring them to commit to two year’s membership of the BMF is an important element of the Kick-Start scheme.  By encouraging the level of engagement that comes with long-term membership they will be able to fully explore and experience the BMF’s wide range of training and support services that can make a tangible difference to developing their business, which in turn may also enhance their trading relationship with NMBS.”

BMF Chief Executive John Newcomb said: “The BMF is the trade association for the entire building materials industry and we are delighted to be working with NMBS on this innovative initiative to support smaller independent merchants.  Our mission is to help our members develop excellence in their operations and there are many areas where we can provide vital support to a growing business.”