Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
The new President of the IoBM, Allan Durning, looks ahead.
The UK economy is undergoing a steady recovery following the latest recession and thanks to the construction industry, and house building in particular, the future is looking optimistic. Central to this recovery has been the merchant trade supplying the essentials to tradesmen and this makes me very proud to be part of such an important industry.
I have been honoured recently to take up the mantle of president of the Institute of Builders Merchants (IoBM) and I’m keen to ramp up activity and find new ways to support the industry at such a critical time. In particular, I’m keen to engage with professionals at every level within the industry, from the yard operative to upper-management. The merchant industry, more than most, knows the value of teamwork and we understand that every individual has an important part to play.
In a nutshell, the IoBM is seeking to improve the lives of every individual in the merchant industry by offering a clear path of further training and support to members, no matter what their position. To this end, one of the more exciting new strategies we will be implementing will be to work more closely with other organisations within our industry – indeed, we are already on the path to partnering with the Builders Merchant Federation (BMF) to accredit training.
Some other new initiatives we are looking to progress in the coming year are corporate membership schemes and an industry mentoring programme. At the IoBM I am constantly asking myself: what does best practice look like and what are the real needs of professionals in the industry? I am therefore very keen to get out on the road to meet with existing and prospective members to discuss and share ideas.
As well as new initiatives, I am eager to build upon the institute’s existing strengths. The ever-popular Practical Building Skills Challenge will take place again later this year and we will continue to add the most up-to-date information to our online training portal.
Our long-term goal is to gain chartered status and ultimately be a helping hand that enables the industry to retain the best talent, grow and prosper for many years to come.
If anyone would like to learn more about what the IoBM can do for them or their business then please do not hesitate to get in touch via our website: www.iobm.co.uk
