The Builders Merchants Federation’s website, launched in April 2017, has recently received the Great Things Award for the second year running.

Software company ASI developed the iMIS member engagement system that is part of the BMF’s website. Given annually at ASI's iNNOVATIONS partner and client conference, the Great Things Awards are based on ASI's mission to "Help People Achieve Great Things Through Innovative Solutions". ASI recognises iMIS clients who have demonstrated excellence in using iMIS to improve operational efficiency, advance their mission and achieve 'great things'. Its awards judge websites on content, structure and navigation, visual design, functionality and interactivity and overall user experience.

Oz Bham, the BMF’s Membership and IT Manager, said: “The BMF places high functionality at the core of its website. When we launched the site in April 2017 we had a clear set of priorities and winning this award is recognition that we have achieved those aspirations.

“We wanted our merchant, supplier and service members to understand how the BMF can deliver added value to their businesses, which have different needs. We also wanted to engage with prospective members and lead them through the process from initial contact to full membership. To achieve this, personalisation was a key aspect of the design. For example, the homepage offers the option to display the most appropriate content by job role and sector. This enables all visitors to tailor their experience depending on their exact requirements and interests.

“The overall user experience has been enhanced by signposting methods, using clear ‘call to actions’ across the website to ensure that every visitor can easily navigate to the required page with minimum effort. The call to action buttons include finding out what BMF can do for you specifically, requesting a call back where face-to-face interaction is preferred, as well as highlighting information on training up-and-coming events and latest news.

“We continue to enhance our website to maximise engagement for our members.”