Builders Merchants Journal – BMJ Publishing to Builders Merchants and the UK merchanting industry for more than 95 years
Builders merchants organisations the Institute of Builders Merchants and the Builders Merchants Federation are likely to merge, following consultations with members from both sides.
The initial proposal was announced at the IoBM’s anniversary lunch in at the House of Commons in March and the proposal was put to members and the BMF Young Merchants’ Group. The responses were overwhelmingly in favour.
Following the proposed dissolution of the IoBM, it is proposed that IoBM members will be provided with the opportunity to enter into a contractual membership with the BMF. Members will have the opportunity to subscribe to a package provided by the BMF which would provide services such as attendance at events, training, and accreditation in return for a subscription fee.
Completion of the merger will be conditional upon the approval of the BMF Board at the board meeting on 4 July.
The IoBM was created by the National Federation of Builders and Plumbers Merchants, now the BMF, and the Worshipful Company of Builders Merchants in 1968.
The BMF’s May Board meeting saw the BMF Board of Directors agree in principle to the merger. At the IoBM’s AGM later this month, the organisation will be dissolved and the merger agreed.
The IoBM’s focus has been on training and developing individual skills in the industry. However with other organisations, like the BMF, introducing training or apprenticeship schemes as well, the IoBM’s influence has waned.
