News • Business • Products • Training • Publications • Diary Issue: February 2012

BMF – NEW JOURNEY CONTINUES THIS MONTH’S PUBLICATIONS

MasterMerchant 2012 Entry Form

Timber Expo 2012

Health & Safety Distant Learning Module Order Form

BMF Campus

Supplier Liaison Meeting Booking Form

BMF/Didac Apprenticeship Funding Opportunities

BMF Business and BMF Product Guides Reminder of the briefing notes available to members

2012 DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

March 8 BMF Supplier Liaison Meeting,

Weston Hall Hotel, Bulkington13 BMF Yorkshire Region Meeting,

Venue tbc22 BMF Scottish Region Meeting,

Venue tbc

April 11 BMF Board meeting24 CPA Lunch, The Dorchester,

LondonJune 21-24 Conference, Hotel Don Carlos,

Marbella

September 13 BMF Yorkshire Region Meeting,

Venue tbc20 BMF Scottish Region Meeting,

Venue tbc

October 8/9 BMF Members Day, Marriott Forest

of Arden Hotel, Meriden

Events/ExhibitionsMarch 4-7 KBB Exhibition, NEC20-22 Ecobuild, London27-30 Mostra Convegno, Milan

May9-10 Greenbuild, Manchester Central

Further details of industry events are available on our website on the events page at www.bmf.org.uk

In last month’s issue of Link we reported on the changes being made at the BMF including reducing subscriptions and relocating to the Midlands.

Plans are now well underway with the first step, of changing our corporate status, now completed. We have now been registered with the FSA as an incorporated mutual society with the official name of the Builders Merchants Federation Limited.

With the first part of the new strategic plan now in place BMF is actively proceeding with the sale of its Soho Square offices; looking for new premises in the Midlands; and looking for a new MD. Otherwise it’s business as usual. We are concentrating on identifying members’ needs, ensuring that our core services continue as well as looking at new services for members. We have new transport services available, new training courses, and are continuing our lobbying, in particular on the Green Deal. Our bathroom and kitchen showroom courses were a sell-out and more are planned in April. Our Business and Selling Guides have proved popular with our members and we are giving you the opportunity to obtain further copies in this issue (see enclosed order forms).

It’s important to us that amidst all the changes that are happening we continue to provide the services that you need to run your businesses. We will keep you up to date on the changes as they happen.

NEW STRATEGY SEES REDUCTION IN SUBS RATES! One of the main priorities of the new BMF strategy was to reduce members’ subscription costs.

New rates mean that some merchants will see reductions in their subscription rates of up to 30%! The new subscription bands have been simplified and merchant members can see at first glance what their rate will be.

Annual Subscription Annual Subscription Total Turnover 2012/2013 Total Turnover 2012/2013 Under £1m £300 Under £50m £2,500 Under £2m £600 Under £100m £5,000 Under £5m £900 Under £250m £7,000 Under £12.5m £1,500 Over £250m £15,000 The BMF has received a highly positive response to the reductions, not just from our members but from ex-merchants wishing to take advantage of the new rates and return to membership. It is hoped that with increased membership, encouraged by the new rates, a further reduction could be possible in 2013/2014.

This is where you as a member can help us achieve this goal. The BMF is offering a discount to any member who can introduce a new merchant into membership. You will receive 20% of the new company’s first full year’s subscription which can be used against your next renewal.

Help us in our campaign, introduce a new member, claim your bonus, and reduce your own costs even further!

Contact chris.harding@bmf.org.uk or carole.green@bmf.org.uk

Running and maintaining your vehicle fleet is one of the biggest cost centres to your business. The BMF provides a whole range of transport services making it your one-stop shop. Our feature here just shows a snapshot of what is on offer:

NEW Tachograph Analysis Service

BMF can now offer for the first time a tachograph analysis service that is matched to members’ needs. All aspects of tachograph analysis are covered, from merchants with just a few lorries, to those with larger fleets in multiple branches. The service is fully compatible with both digital and analogue tachographs.

The service is internet based and the software used can be download or it can be set up for you. Using a smart card reader the tachograph data is uploaded and reports are sent back to you in less than 48 hours. All common driving rules, infringements and Working Time Directive legislation are covered. Reports are supplied in Adobe PDF format, emailed directly to you.

There are no upfront costs to use the system – it is operated on a ‘pay-as-you-go’ basis. And there are no significant investments in IT hardware or software.

The charge is only £ 0.25 pence per digital download, invoiced on a monthly basis.

Business Guides include:

• AgencyDriversEmploymentGuide

• ECDriversHoursRules

• ForkliftTruckandMobilePlant

• SafeLoadingandUnloading of Vehicles

• SafeUseofForkliftTrucks

• SafeUseofVehicleMountedCranes

• Vehicles,TrailersandCranes

• WorkingTimeDirective

BMF Drivers Handbook

Driving is the most closely regulated activity undertaken by a company’s employees and involves some of the greatest risk. This Handbook sets out best practice for your staff to ensure compliance with the law and for minimising risk. Over 1200 copies of the Handbook have already been issued to BMF members.

TRANSPORT FOCUS – YOUR ONE STOP SHOP FOR ALL YOUR TRANSPORT ISSUES

BMF Transportfirst

BMF Transportfirst is designed to help you ensure you are operating your vehicles efficiently and safely and in doing so helping reducing your costs. The service includes:

• TwositevisitsperannumbyaBMFAdvisor

• Auditandpersonaliseddocumentation

• SupportfromaBMFAdvisor

• CopyoftheBMFDriversHandbookforeachdriver

• BMFTransportfirst newsletter

• DiscountedratesforBMFtransporttraining

BMF Transport Training Courses

We currently offer some 19 transport training courses. These include:

• Banksman,RiggingandSlinging

• DigitalTachographsandDriversHours

• DriverCPCtraining

• DriversAssessments

• PresentationandRegulations

• TransportTrainingforNonTransportManagers

• VehicleCompliance

• VehicleProductivity

Training can also be organised for specific vehicle types.

Let BMF help you with your training needs. This is just a snapshot of the training services we can provide. If you need some specific training and its not shown here then contact us now and we can discuss it together.

Contact john.stephenson@bmf.org.uk or tel. 01522 750977

TRANSPORT FOCUS | TRANSPORT FOCUS | TRANSPORT FOCUS | TRANSPORT FOCUS | TRANSPORT FOCUS

Testimonial:Les White, MD of Crescent Builders Merchants comments: “It’s a great big Yes to Transportfirst, from us. We as an independent builders merchant, of four branches, lean on the BMF services, including Transportfirst, to keep abreast of constantly changing legislation. We rely on our drivers and managers to follow the procedures. These procedures keep us legal in the eyes of government bodies including Vosa and we would struggle on our own. The BMF visits gave me some peace of mind that we were ‘doing it right’”

Activity Report Jan/Feb 2012

January

9 Meeting with TREP on timber waste programme

10 Hosted BMF merchant members workshop to assemble Green Deal consultation reply.

18 Meeting with BMF marketing agency

19 BMF North East Regional Meeting

23 Attended Centre for Cities’ outlook Report launch (incl meeting with Greg Clark MP, Minister for Planning

26 Inspection visit to new BMF member

30 Meeting with DECC and others on Green Deal technical and legal matters.

31 Meeting with BMF Regional Chairmen on BMF Strategy

February

3 Conduct BMF visit of MP to Ridgeons, Attleborough

8 BMF Board Meeting

16 Meeting with BEEF on Part L Building Regs

LATEST POLICY NEWS

BMF RESPONDS TO GOVERNMENT SOLAR PV CONSULTATION

While all eyes were on the legal action brought by industry and environmental groups against the Government the BMF was defending its members’ interests to try to prevent solar panel supply and fit firms bypassing builders’ merchants. In a little-noticed section in the consultation, BMF staff were alarmed at an idea to have energy-efficiency improvements done as a pre-requisite to claiming Solar Feed-In Tariffs (FITs).

Specific measures or standards have not been a condition to date. But the Government now says there are strong arguments for revisiting this as part of the latest review. The intention is to make eligibility for the proposed new reduced levels of tariffs conditional on buildings meeting a specified minimum energy-efficiency requirement. In response, the BMF told the Department of Energy and Climate Change (DECC) that it is mistaken if it thinks there are any arguments to do so.

Prior to Christmas, DECC had two consultations running concurrently: this FIT review and the Green Deal exercise. BMF staff were astonished to learn the Government is considering linking the two. Each has different objectives with clear goals and ambitions. One is paid for by energy companies buying green electricity - the other by consumers to cut bills and save money.

The BMF contends that improving energy performance is about air tightness, and burning less oil or gas to heat rooms & water. The overwhelming majority of properties do not use electricity for space heating purposes. No connection between solar FITs and energy-saving improvements should be made by DECC under any circumstances.

Visit www.bmf.org.uk to view the full story or contact brett.amphlett@bmf.org.uk

25-26 SEPTEMBER 20I2

BMF are pleased to be an official partner for the Timber Expo 2012.

5% discount to members and VIP status.

See insert for more details.

TRANSPORT FOCUS | TRANSPORT FOCUS | TRANSPORT FOCUS | TRANSPORT FOCUS | TRANSPORT FOCUS

Testimonial: Stuart Sherwin, Director, KRM Building Supplies Ltd

“We have been signed up to BMF Transportfirst now for a number of years and have found it very beneficial. We have a stringent audit of our records and procedures to make sure we comply with our legal obligations. Transportfirst gives us a point of contact to go to with any queries we come across - especially when our drivers start talking to other lorry drivers about digital tachograph operation! We are builders merchants trying to sell bricks and blocks etc; running lorries is just a means of earning money for us, yet there are so many rules and regulations to adhere to it’s peace of mind to have somebody assisting you.”

Builders Merchants Federation Limited 15 Soho Square, London W1D 3HLTel: 020 7439 1753 | Fax: 020 7734 2766Email: info@bmf.org.uk | www.bmf.org.uk

Registered under the Industrial and Provident Societies Act 1965 No 31516R

NEW MEMBERS

Welcome to:

MerchantAnderson Roofing Supplies LtdUnit 1, Warren Farm, WokinghamBerkshire RG40 5QYTel: 0118 978 6468www.andersonroofing.org.uk

SupplierFakro GBAstron Business Park, Hearthcote RoadSwadlincote, Derbyshire DE11 9DWTel: 01283 554755www.fakrogb.com

SUPPLIERS LIAISON MEETING – 8 MARCH

With the Olympics practically on our doorstep, suppliers and merchants are asking questions on how they should be planning and preparing for deliveries in and around London and what effects they can expect on their businesses. Natalie Chapman, Head of Policy for London from the Freight Transport Association will be answering all these questions at the forthcoming Supplier Liaison Meeting next month.

Just as important to members is the Construction Products Regulations (CPR) which is replacing the Construction Products Directive in 2013 when all products will require a CE Mark. This has implications for the merchant sector, as well as suppliers, as they will have to ensure that the products they sell comply with the CE Mark.

The meeting is being held on the 8 March at the Weston Hall Hotel, Bulkington and is open to ALL supplier and merchant members. Come along, listen to the speakers and take part in the syndicate discussions. Complete the enclosed booking form. Contact chris.harding@bmf.org.uk

OLYMPIC PLANNINGBMF IN TRAINING

FORGING AHEAD WITH APPRENTICESHIP TRAINING

Take on an apprentice between the ages of 16-24 and get £1,500! That’s the offer from the Government to any company employing up to 50 employees. The fund will support up to 20,000 new apprenticeships in 2012/2013 on a first come first served basis.

Companies will receive an initial payment two months after the individual has started their apprenticeship with the balance being paid after they have completed the training and progressed into employment.

Included in this issue are details of a new ‘Funded training opportunities for the Professional Development of builders’ merchants staff’.

Further information on both these opportunities is available from our BMF Apprenticeship training providers Didac. Contact nina.royle@didac.co.uk or tel 0117 904 9377 for further information.

SWITCH ON TO HEALTH & SAFETY

‘Health and Safety in Builders Merchants’ is the BMF’s specialist Distance Learning Programme. Written specifically for builders merchants the module can be used as induction or refresher training for all staff. It will ensure that as a company you have met your obligations to teach good health and safety procedures.

Successful completion will result in the learner receiving an IOSH certificate (the Institute of Occupational Safety & Health).

Every employer has the responsibility to ensure the health and safety of their employees in the workplace. But it doesn’t stop there. You also have responsibility for your customers, suppliers, and the general public. So it’s vitally important that all your staff are fully trained in health and safety issues. The module costs just £125 + VAT. A leaflet and booking form is enclosed. Contact training@bmf.org.uk

Also available is a ‘Customer Care in Builders Merchants’ module.

OUR PRODUCT TRAINING!

CAMPUS

NEW! Tachograph Analysis ServiceSee inside centre spread for details.