The Builders Merchants Federation has just launched its first North East Regional Centre of Excellence at Marshalls near Stockton on Tees.

The BMF’s growing network of BMF Regional Centres of Excellence means training courses and regional meetings are now far more accessible to BMF members across the UK and Ireland. This 29th BMF centre, based in Marshall’s purpose-built Eaglescliffe premises, will serve BMF members in the North East region.

Marshalls is the UK's leading hard landscaping manufacturer and has been supplying superior natural stone and innovative concrete products to the construction, home improvement and landscape markets since the 1890s. Marshalls has become synonymous with quality; supplying prestigious landmarks such as Trafalgar Square, whilst also caring for the environment and communities in which it operates.

Peter Hallitt, Group Trading Director at Marshalls plc, said: “It’s good to be working so closely with the BMF. We have many joint opportunities to address in our industry, not least of which is attracting, retaining and training new young blood into our sector.

“Working with the BMF cements our relationship with our merchant customers and the opening of the BMF Centre of Excellence at our Eaglescliffe plant is another step on a journey we are proud to be part of. We hope to support the BMF more with other locations around the UK.”

John Newcomb, BMF CEO, said: “We are delighted to open our first North East regional centre at this superb Marshalls plant. Our 29 BMF centres now cover every region of the UK, offering a local solution for BMF North East meetings as well as our own training courses for members in the region.”

For details of all the BMF Regional Centres of Excellence around the UK and Ireland please visit www.bmf.org.uk/membership and for more information about Marshalls visit www.marshalls.co.uk.