In September, the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) hosted the Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI) second annual Round Table debate at its offices in Coventry. The BMBI is a brand of the BMF and the debate was organised for BMBI Experts to discuss topical issues, and the potential implications for our industry. It was chaired by Builders’ Merchants News Group Editor Jennie Ward and included BMF Chairman Peter Hindle representing builders’ merchants and Mike Rigby CEO of MRA Marketing who produce the BMBI report.

BMBI Experts taking part included: John Sinfield, Managing Director Knauf Insulation; Nigel Cox, Managing Director Timbmet; Andy Simpson, National Commercial Director Hanson Cement; Derrick McFarland, Managing Director Keystone Lintels; John Duffin, Managing Director Keylite Roof Windows; Paul Rivett, Managing Director Heatrae Sadia; Tony France, Sales Director Ibstock; Andy Williamson, Group Managing Director IKO PLC; Malcom Gough, Group Sales & Marketing Director Natural Paving Products; and Michael White, Business Development Director Alumasc Water Management Solutions.

The debate covered five main topics:

1. Digitalisation & Omnichannel selling

2. Brexit’s effect on the industry

3. Skills, Materials Shortages & Capacity

4. Economy & Inflation

5. Grenfell Tower Fire & the implications

As last year, the debate was videoed in full and individual topic videos will be available soon on ‘The Debate’ tab and shared on LinkedIn and @TheBMBI on Twitter as well as Vimeo and YouTube. A full write-up will also feature in the November/December issue of Builders’ Merchants News.

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