Over 1,000 independent builders’ merchants and suppliers came together to network and celebrate at the NMBS annual Dinner Dance on 26 October 2024, in the Great Room, Grosvenor House, London.
Guests were welcomed by NMBS’s CEO Chris Hayward, as he called on both merchants and their suppliers to focus on people, what defines the industry and what makes it such a great and fun place to work.
During the year NMBS has been at the forefront of supporting the Construction Inclusion Coalition (CIC), in an effort to attract a more diverse and inclusive workforce to the industry and improving everyone's working environment.
The buying group also continued to work with the BMF to drive and encourage more apprenticeships.
The headline entertainment of the evening was former Spandau Ballet member Tony Hadley. The guests were also wowed by WestEnd Live performers, and danced into the early hours along to the house band: Fully Funktional.
During the evening, guests raised £10,000 for CRASH.
Commenting on the event, Hayward said: “The NMBS Dinner Dance allows our members and suppliers to continue developing their industry relationships, create new ones and share their industry perspectives. When coupled with great entertainment and a delicious meal, it is always a highlight in many calendars.
“This year has been our Year of the Independent Merchant to help draw attention to the amazing work our sector is carrying out and the value it delivers via high-quality customer service, product knowledge and local community support.
“Our NMBS team created another unforgettable evening through their hard work and dedication, which was greatly helped by our Dinner Dance sponsors.”
