The Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) fourth annual Round Table debate took place early December, hosted at Geberit HQ in Warwick. The BMBI is a brand of the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) and the annual debate is organised for BMBI Experts to discuss topical issues, and the implications for our industry. Neil Lawrence, COO of Jewson, represented builders’ merchants and Mike Rigby, CEO of MRA Marketing (creators of BMBI) joined the BMBI Experts. The debate was chaired by Jennie Ward on behalf of Builders’ Merchants News (BMN).

Five main topics were covered:

1. The climate change agenda & environmental legislation
2. Economic confidence & Politics!
3. Changes in buyer behaviour and how we sell
4. Changing Regulations, changing building practices, changing priorities
5. Merchants and distribution – where next?

The debate will be reported in the January and February issues of BMN. It was videoed in full and each video topic will be uploaded to the BMBI website in the New Year.

BMBI Experts taking part included: Andy Simpson, National Commercial Director Hanson Cement; Derrick McFarland, Managing Director Keystone Lintels; John Duffin, Managing Director Keylite Roof Windows; Malcolm Gough, Group Sales & Marketing Director Talasey Group; Mike Tattam, Sales & Marketing Director Lakes; Mike Beard, Merchant Development Director Encon Insulation; Nigel Cox, Managing Director Timbmet; John Coe, Commercial Director Alumasc Water Management Solutions (AWMS); Steven Heath, Technical & Strategy Director Knauf Insulation; Simon Taylor, Director of Sales Ibstock Brick and Jeff House, Head of External Affairs, Baxi Heating UK.

Visit www.bmbi.co.uk to download the latest BMBI reports, watch the video debates, or learn more about each Expert. Follow @TheBMBI on Twitter.

If you’d like your brand to become an Expert and the voice of your market, call Tom Rigby of MRA Marketing on 01453 521621.