Peter Hindle MBE to chair the BMF

Peter Hindle MBE will be the next chairman of the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF), taking up the position on 2 April 2014.

Hindle takes over from Terry Parker, who is to step down from the position in March after five years at the helm.

Hindle has worked in the industry for 43 years, starting as a trainee at an independent merchant before developing his career at Jewson where he held the role of managing director from 1999 until 2012.

Since 2009 Hindle has held the position of general delegate for Saint-Gobain UK, Ireland and South Africa leading the development and growth of Saint-Gobain, and its businesses in these countries. In 2013 he was given a global role as senior vice-president in charge of sustainable habitat – a key aspect of Saint-Gobain’s strategy. He also sits on the World Green Building Council Advisory Board and the CPA Industry Principals Council.

Peter Hindle said: “I have been in merchanting all my working life and it’s given me an enormously rewarding career. For some time at Saint-Gobain I’ve worked to give something back – whether this is through the work we’ve done to make the industry more attractive to younger people or launching our charity Together partnership back in 2002. So when the BMF board approached me to take this role, I was pleased to accept.

“The BMF has changed considerably over the last five years and I’m very happy with the route it is taking. John Newcomb is doing a great job as MD and my role is to help the BMF develop to meet current and future challenges. They now have a very strong membership base and I’m keen to see it develop further. The aim must be for the vast majority of merchants, whether national or independent to join so the BMF really can speak as the voice of the industry. We are all working on the same playing field with the same rules and regulations for all, and our representation will be stronger together rather than working apart.”

BMF managing director, John Newcomb, said: “Peter is one of the industry’s best known and respected figures, something that was acknowledged by a Lifetime Achievement Award last year. I can’t think of anyone better to help the BMF move forward and I will value his support in the coming months and years.”

One area where Peter Hindle is keen to get involved straight away is the BMF’s forthcoming Youth Recruitment Campaign. Hindle commented: “For some time I have been working to make our industry more attractive to young people starting out in work. I am very keen to continue this and develop the merchant profile and attract even more young people to join the industry. I started at the age of 16 but today there are very few 16 to 19 year olds entering the industry. We need to get the message across to schools and colleges who really aren’t aware of what a rewarding, diverse and challenging career merchanting can offer. It is something close to my heart and if John thinks I can help, I’m more than happy to contribute to the campaign.”