Services

Practical business support to
keep you one step ahead

The BMF provides expert information, advice and support to help you run your business more efficiently and profitably.

NEW REPORT NOW PUBLISHED

The Builders' Merchant Branch of the Future

The UK builders’ merchant sector stands at a pivotal moment. Shifting customer expectations, digital disruption, the rise of sustainability, and the need for operational efficiency are reshaping what trade customers expect and how branches must respond.

The Builders’ Merchant Branch of the Future is not entirely a vision of tomorrow, in many cases it’s the reality of today. Those who adapt quickly will secure long-term loyalty and growth, those who delay risk being left behind.

This report sets out seven strategic pillars that will define the next generation of builders’ merchant branches. Each pillar is underpinned by best practice examples from across the industry, practical recommendations, and clear guidance on why it matters for merchants and their customers.

BMF members can access the EXECUTIVE SUMMARY, FULL REPORT & the BMF CONFERENCE SLIDE DECK - Click HERE

Here's a useful questionnaire you can use to assess your business against the pillars in the branch of the future report.

Business Services

BMF Business Services provide members with a unique portfolio of specialist support solutions designed to save money, reduce operational costs, manage compliance, and strengthen overall business performance. These services offer expert sector-specific advice, dedicated account managers, and a range of practical tools and resources tailored specifically for the Building Materials Sector. All BMF Business Services are structured to deliver measurable cost savings and include a FREE consultation for members.

The BMF has partnered with the following leading service providers:

Energy Full Power Utilities, Tel - 020 3927 8339 (Available in Ireland) Web - www.fullpowerutilities.com/partners/bmf
Employment Law/Staff e-Learning Halborns, Tel - 0870 420373, Web - www.halborns.com/builders-merchants/
Transport Prompt Training, Tel - 01773 850428 (Available in Ireland)
Safety Opus Safety, Tel - 0330 043 4015 (Available in Ireland) Web - www.opus-safety.co.uk/sectors/builders-merchants
Telecoms and Technology Complete Communications, Tel - 07876 686907
Managed Payments WorldPay, Tel - 07341 092479 (Available in Ireland)
Digital Payment Platform Ontik, Tel - 07738 391630 (Available in Ireland)
Design and Print services Alphagraphics, Tel - 07887 578718, Web - www.alphagraphics.co.uk/manufacturing/
Insurance Specialist Risk Group, Tel - 07867 369939, Web - srinsurancesolutions.co.uk/service/builders-merchants-suppliers/
Freight Forwarding DeliverMy Container, Tel 07818 040245 (Available in Ireland)

Details of each service can be found in the literature below or contact your BMF Regional Manager or usual BMF account manager.

All members can benefit from a free consultation/audit or similar offer when enquiring further about the above services, please clearly state your BMF membership details.

Sexual harassment at work: a year on, are your “reasonable steps” providing protection?

A year after the Worker Protection Act took effect, calls to ACAS about workplace sexual harassment are up 39%. Awareness is rising, and so are expectations. With the Employment Rights Bill set to raise the bar even higher, most employers can’t afford to stand still.

Read the full update here on Halborns' website - find out what “reasonable” really looks like in practice and the five steps every employer should be taking now.

Halborns are the BMF’s recommended employment law partner of choice. Experts in delivering straight-talking, proactive solutions to our members’ people challenges. Find out how they can support you

Building a Better Energy-Saving Plan for Your Business

The start of a new year is an ideal time to review your business costs, and energy should be a priority. With rising energy, fuel, and operating expenses, improving efficiency is essential. The good news is that reducing energy costs doesn’t have to be time-consuming - outsourcing energy management can often deliver significant savings with minimal effort.

The commercial energy market is now far more stable than during the period of extreme price volatility. If your business agreed a fixed contract when wholesale prices were high and you are still paying electricity rates in the high 20s or 30p+ per kWh, you may be paying well above current market levels. As of early 2026, many businesses are securing electricity rates in the low-to-mid 20p range, depending on usage and credit profile. For a business using around 200,000 kWh per year, this could mean savings of tens of thousands of pounds over a contract term.

Many merchants now work with whole-of-market energy consultants to access a wider range of suppliers and contract options, often at no direct cost. For high electricity users, reviewing kVA capacity is also crucial, as incorrect settings can lead to unnecessary charges or penalties.
Alongside securing competitive rates, reducing consumption through energy-efficient lighting, equipment, smart controls, and staff engagement can deliver lasting savings and improve sustainability. Find out how they can support you

Regular publications and bulletins

Members can access our market leading publications to keep informed and up to date. Access our publications

One Voice Magazine

P&H Voice Magazine

BMF Business News

Annual Review

BMF Handbook and Directory

H&S Business Guides

Market data

Members can access our market leading reports and research to keep informed and up to date. Access our market data

Monthly Sales Indicator Report

Builders Merchant Building Index (BMBI)

Forecast Report

Remuneration survey

KPI Report

Economic Bulletin

Data Yard

Revolutionising product data exchange in the building materials sector

The Data Yard is managed by Building Materials Digital Services Limited (BMDS Ltd), an entity equally owned by BMF and NMBS.

It will provide an industry-owned digital platform containing high-quality, e-commerce-friendly information on hundreds of thousands of products.

The Data Yard has been developed by industry experts with the aim of revolutionising industry wide product data exchange in the Building Materials sector.

The product data standards it uses has been developed by the BMF’s Working Group #2, who are championing the drive towards product data standardisation. The Data Yard will use the latest v3.01 BMF product data template, which has been developed by the industry for the industry.

It will deliver a range of benefits, including:

Centralised product data management for improved accuracy, consistency and accessibility
Enhanced supply chain efficiency through seamless data exchange
Increased regulatory compliance and transparency

Find out more Contact us for more information Visit our website

Bespoke platform designed to enhance supply chain efficiency

Ensure improved data integrity across the Building Materials sector

Promote industry-wide compliance and adoption to streamline operations

Facilitate better data sharing practices

Industry Product Data Template

Setting consistent data standards

The BMF are leading the way by setting the standards for product data in the building materials supply chain with the industry product data template.

The BMFs cross industry working group for data has developed the template to provide a practical solution to the issue of the lack of efficiencies caused by the historical emergence of multiple product data.

The template is currently a multi-tabbed Microsoft Excel file. It's easy to use and can be integrated into your current system. The Data Yard is built using the data standards in the template to drive consistency across the sector.

Download the template Download the guide