RECRUITMENT

GCS Associates is a leading specialist recruitment consultancy dedicated to supporting the builders’ merchant, construction supplies, and wider distribution sectors. Established nearly 20 years ago, GCS Associates has built a strong reputation for connecting top talent with businesses that drive the industry forward. With a deep understanding of the sector, we provide expert recruitment solutions—from junior roles to senior leadership positions—helping companies find the right people to grow and succeed.

Michael Parry, Managing Director at GCS Associates, emphasises the company’s commitment to driving positive change across the industry:
“As a business, we’re passionate about helping the industry evolve, ensuring it remains inclusive, dynamic, and forward-thinking. We believe that diversity is not just a buzzword but a crucial factor in long-term success.”

In line with this commitment, GCS Associates is proud to announce their sponsorship of the Diversity Award at the 2025 Builders’ Merchant Awards, which will take place on 28 November 2025 at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge, London.

Now in its 23rd year, the Builders’ Merchant Awards are the longest-standing and most prestigious event in the industry, celebrating excellence and innovation across a wide range of categories. The Diversity Award specifically recognises businesses that are leading the way in creating inclusive workplaces, championing underrepresented groups, and actively promoting equality across their organisations.

Entries are now open, and GCS Associates encourages businesses of all sizes to put themselves forward or nominate others who are making a meaningful impact in this space.

By supporting this award, GCS Associates hopes to shine a light on the importance of representation and inclusion—not just as a moral imperative, but as a key driver of business success.

Good luck to all the entrants, and we look forward to seeing you at the awards in November!

The UK building materials and construction supply industry is the backbone of the built environment – responsible for the products, distribution, and people that keep construction moving. But as the sector undergoes significant transformation, one challenge continues to loom large: a widening talent gap.

While innovation in digital supply chains, sustainability, and modern methods of construction is accelerating, the industry faces a shortfall in new talent—particularly among younger generations. At GCS Associates, we believe the future success of the industry hinges not only on investing in innovation but in attracting, developing, and retaining people.

Why Is There a Talent Gap?

Many organisations in the sector are grappling with a mix of:

• An aging workforce – A significant portion of experienced professionals are nearing retirement.

• A lack of industry visibility – Many young people are simply unaware of the career opportunities available in building materials.

• Misconceptions – The industry is often viewed as old-fashioned, male-dominated, or solely manual-labour based.

This talent deficit has real consequences: businesses are struggling to fill key commercial, operational, and leadership roles, and without a new pipeline of skilled workers, growth and innovation are at risk.

GCS Associates Proud to Support the BMF’s “Materially Different” Campaign

We are proud to be supporting the Builders Merchants Federation’s (BMF) new national campaign, “Materially Different,” which officially launched at the Houses of Parliament in 2024.

The campaign is designed to change outdated perceptions and highlight the diversity, inclusivity, and opportunity within the building materials industry. It promotes the message that this is a sector offering meaningful, long-term careers, not just “jobs.” It shines a light on everything from digital roles in supply chain management to commercial leadership, HR, sales, logistics, and environmental innovation.

At GCS Associates, we’ve long championed the idea that people are the industry’s most valuable asset. Supporting this campaign aligns perfectly with our mission to connect skilled, ambitious individuals with the companies that are shaping the future of construction supply.

“It’s a campaign that’s long overdue. The building materials sector is evolving rapidly, and we need to make sure that message reaches future generations. We’re proud to be part of that journey,”
– Michael Parry, Managing Director, GCS Associates

Attracting the Next Generation: What Needs to Change?

Bringing in younger talent isn’t just about recruitment — it’s about relevance. To attract Gen Z and the next wave of professionals, the industry needs to rethink how it presents itself.

Here are a few critical shifts:

1. Modernising the Brand of the Sector

Young people are drawn to innovation, purpose, and flexibility. It’s time to showcase the building materials industry as one that’s forward-thinking and technologically advanced. From low-carbon products to automated logistics, there’s plenty of innovation to talk about—we just need to tell the story better.

2. Focusing on Purpose and Sustainability

This generation is mission-driven. By highlighting the sector’s role in sustainable building and the move toward net-zero construction, we can show young professionals that this is an industry that truly makes a difference.

3. Promoting Diversity and Inclusion

Representation matters. Young talent wants to see a future for themselves—regardless of background, gender, or education path. This means creating inclusive work environments and sharing success stories from all walks of life.

4. Investing in Early Careers and Apprenticeships

Strong apprenticeship programs and early career initiatives provide a clear route into the industry. Partnering with colleges, schools, and universities is a powerful way to build relationships with future candidates early.

The Role of GCS Associates

As a specialist recruitment and consultancy business dedicated to the building materials sector, GCS Associates is uniquely positioned to help businesses overcome these hiring challenges. We:

• Work with employers to develop compelling employer branding that appeals to younger generations.

• Offer consultancy on early careers strategies, diversity hiring, and onboarding processes.

• Support the wider industry through partnerships with organisations like the BMF to advocate for positive change.

Let’s Build Something Better, Together

There’s no doubt: the building materials industry is changing. But without a clear and intentional strategy to attract younger talent, companies risk being left behind. By getting involved in campaigns like Materially Different, embracing innovation, and working with partners like GCS Associates, we can help secure the future of the sector — one talented person at a time.

📩 Interested in learning more about how we can help your business adapt and grow your team for the future?
Contact us at enquiries@gcsassociates.com or call 0161 660 2548.

David Hopkinson, Client Services Director at GCS Associates, attended the BMF North West Regional Meeting at Bolton Wanderers’ Toughsheet Community Stadium, joining key industry professionals to discuss the latest developments in the building materials sector.

Organised by the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF), the event provided a valuable platform for merchants, suppliers, and professionals to gain insights into economic forecasts, policy updates, and innovations shaping the sector.

Key Takeaways from the Event

The meeting opened with a welcome from Adrian Shelley, BMF Regional Chair, followed by updates from Chris Heeks, BMF Regional Manager for the North, and Brett Amphlett, BMF’s Policy & Public Affairs Manager, who provided insights into key policy developments affecting the industry.

A highlight of the event was the Bank of England forecast update, delivered by Alison Stuart, offering an economic outlook and its implications for the construction and building materials market.

The State of Trade discussion allowed attendees to share market insights, discussing current challenges, opportunities, and future trends. The agenda also included:

• Optimising payment collections for building materials, led by Chris Smith of Ontik Technologies.
• The role of AI in merchanting, presented by Marcin Lisowski of bubo.ai.
• UK brick market evolution, with insights from Mark Morris, Commercial Director at Breedon Products.

The meeting concluded with a BMF Training Update, followed by a networking lunch, allowing attendees to connect and collaborate on industry challenges.

Reflecting on the event, David Hopkinson said:

“Attending the BMF North West Regional Meeting has been an invaluable opportunity to connect with industry peers and discuss the key trends shaping our sector. These meetings are essential for sharing knowledge, staying ahead of market changes, and ensuring businesses in our region are well-positioned for growth.”

Supporting the BMF’s “Materially Different” Campaign

As a long-time supporter of BMF initiatives, GCS Associates is highly involved in the “Materially Different” campaign, which aims to promote careers in the building materials industry and strengthen employer branding across the sector.

This integrated programme is designed to:

✅ Put building materials on the map as a trusted, credible career choice.
✅ Use “Materially Different” branding to differentiate roles in this sector from other industries.
✅ Build pride within the industry to attract, retain, and develop top talent.
✅ Provide a wraparound programme to professionalise HR infrastructure and enhance employer branding.

Managing Director Michael Parry has played a key role in supporting this initiative, working closely with the BMF to showcase career opportunities and develop recruitment strategies that benefit merchants and suppliers alike.

David Hopkinson reinforced GCS Associates’ commitment to the campaign:

“It’s fantastic to support the BMF’s ‘Materially Different’ campaign, which is doing an incredible job in raising awareness about careers in our sector. Building materials is a dynamic, rewarding industry with huge opportunities for progression, and it’s important we continue to attract the best talent. GCS Associates is committed to working alongside the BMF to strengthen employer brands and support businesses in finding and retaining the right people.”

For more information or to discuss how GCS Associates can support your business, contact David Hopkinson at david.hopkinson@gcsassociates.com. 

At GCS Associates, we are proud to support National Apprenticeship Week by showcasing the incredible journeys of our team members who have benefited from apprenticeships. This week, we highlight Kimberley Hollis, a Recruitment Consultant at GCS Associates, whose apprenticeship played a pivotal role in shaping her career in recruitment and the building materials sector.

Kimberley’s Role at GCS Associates

Kimberley is a specialist Recruitment Consultant at GCS Associates, focusing on the Building Materials sector. Her day-to-day role involves identifying top talent, understanding client needs, and matching candidates with the right opportunities. Beyond recruitment, she offers career advice, interview coaching, and ongoing support to candidates looking to progress in the industry.

Starting Out in the Industry

Kimberley began her career in the builders’ merchant sector, working as a Customer Service Adviser at Buildbase. In this role, she gained valuable experience in customer relations, order management, and understanding the needs of trade professionals. Her passion for the industry and strong client relationships led her to GCS Associates, where she found the perfect opportunity to use her knowledge to help others find career success.

How an Apprenticeship Shaped Her Career

When Kimberley joined GCS, she was eager to build a long-term career with clear development opportunities. She undertook a recruitment apprenticeship, which provided her with a solid foundation in key areas such as finance, marketing, business development, and the recruitment process itself.

Balancing full-time work with her studies, Kimberley completed assignments, assessments, and interviews as part of the course. Her dedication paid off when she achieved a distinction with an impressive 99% score – the highest ever recorded for that qualification.

A Day in the Life of a Recruitment Consultant

Kimberley’s role is dynamic and varied. A typical day includes sourcing candidates, engaging with clients, and developing new business opportunities. Whether she’s helping a job seeker find their next opportunity or assisting a company in securing top talent, she thrives on the fast-paced nature of recruitment. No two days are the same, and that’s exactly what she loves about it!

Overcoming Challenges in the Industry

Recruitment comes with its challenges. Sometimes, even after finding the perfect candidate for a role, unforeseen circumstances arise – candidates might receive counteroffers or decide to stay in their current positions.

Another challenge is shifting perceptions within the building materials industry, especially encouraging more women and young people to consider careers in the sector. Kimberley tackles these obstacles with resilience, strong communication, and a problem-solving mindset.

Proud Achievements and Future Goals

One of Kimberley’s proudest achievements is completing her apprenticeship with a top distinction. Additionally, she takes great pride in placing candidates who go on to thrive and progress in their careers.

For those considering a career in recruitment or the building materials sector, Kimberley offers some valuable advice:

• Be resilient – Setbacks happen, but learning from them is key to success.
• Stay open-minded – There’s always something new to learn.
• Seek guidance – Asking questions and learning from others will help you progress.

Encouraging More Young People and Women into the Industry

The building materials sector has traditionally been seen as male-dominated, which can discourage women and younger individuals from pursuing careers in the field. However, this is changing. Businesses are prioritising diversity, offering more opportunities, and showcasing success stories like Kimberley’s to inspire the next generation.

Final Thoughts

Kimberley’s story is a testament to the value of apprenticeships in providing real career opportunities. The building materials sector offers stability, growth, and the chance to make a tangible impact on the world around us.

If you’re considering an apprenticeship or a career in recruitment, now is the perfect time to take the leap. At GCS Associates, we are proud to support apprenticeships and help individuals build rewarding careers.

Interested in a career in recruitment or the building materials sector? Get in touch with GCS Associates today!

The Builders’ Merchant Awards 2024 once again proved to be a highlight of the industry calendar, bringing together key figures from across the sector for an evening dedicated to celebrating excellence, innovation, and hard work. Held at [venue], the event recognised the outstanding contributions of businesses and individuals, shining a light on the achievements that continue to drive the industry forward.

As proud sponsors of the event, GCS Associates were delighted to support this prestigious occasion and be part of such a fantastic celebration. Managing Director, Michael Parry, along with the GCS team, attended the awards, enjoying an evening of networking, inspiration, and recognition of the industry’s finest. The team was stationed at Table 31, where they had the opportunity to catch up with clients, colleagues, and industry peers.

Recognising the Best in the Industry

The awards ceremony itself was a testament to the dedication and innovation within the builders’ merchant sector. Winners were announced across a variety of categories, each one showcasing the hard work and expertise that keep the industry moving forward. From sustainability initiatives and customer service excellence to business growth and technological innovation, the range of awards reflected the depth of talent and ambition within the sector.

One particularly exciting aspect of this year’s awards was the emergence of new talent. It was fantastic to see so many rising stars recognised, demonstrating the bright future ahead for the industry. Categories such as Apprentice of the Year and Rising Star highlighted the next generation of professionals making their mark, bringing fresh ideas and enthusiasm to the sector. Their contributions are essential to the continued evolution of the industry, and it was inspiring to see their hard work acknowledged on such a prestigious stage.

An Evening of Celebration and Connection

Beyond the awards, the evening provided a fantastic opportunity to connect with industry peers, exchange ideas, and reflect on the year’s successes. The atmosphere was one of camaraderie, with plenty of conversations around the challenges and opportunities shaping the future of the sector.

Speaking after the event, Michael Parry shared his thoughts: “It’s always an honour to be part of the Builders’ Merchant Awards. This event not only recognises excellence but also highlights the resilience, innovation, and talent within the industry. It was particularly great to see so many new faces being celebrated, showing just how much future potential there is in our sector. At GCS Associates, we are proud to support and engage with the talented people who make this industry so dynamic.”

As the evening came to a close, it was clear that the Builders’ Merchant Awards 2024 had once again delivered an unforgettable experience. The GCS Associates team left inspired by the achievements of those recognised and excited to continue supporting the growth and success of the industry.

A huge congratulations to all the winners, finalists, and nominees—your hard work and dedication are truly inspiring! Here’s to another successful year ahead for the builders’ merchant sector.

The Builders’ Merchant Journal (BMJ) Awards 2024 was a spectacular event that brought together industry leaders, innovators, and dedicated professionals to celebrate excellence in the Builders’ Merchant sector. GCS Associates was truly honoured to be a sponsor of this prestigious occasion and to witness first-hand the incredible achievements of those shaping the future of our industry.

A Night of Celebration and Recognition

The BMJ Awards are a key event in the industry calendar, recognising outstanding contributions, innovation, and excellence across the Builders’ Merchant sector. From dedicated teams to pioneering businesses, the event showcased the best and brightest in the industry. It was an inspiring evening that highlighted the hard work, passion, and commitment of all those nominated, reaffirming just how dynamic and resilient our sector continues to be.

Congratulations to All Nominees and Winners!

A huge congratulations to all the finalists and winners at this year’s awards! Each nomination is a testament to the resilience, dedication, and progress within the industry, and it was fantastic to see so many well-deserving businesses and individuals being recognised. Their unwavering commitment to excellence ensures that the sector continues to grow and thrive despite the challenges faced by the wider economy.

GCS Associates and the Timber Merchant of the Year Award

One of the evening’s highlights for us at GCS Associates was presenting the Timber Merchant of the Year award. Our Managing Director, Michael Parry, was thrilled to take the stage and present this well-deserved accolade to Jewson. Their dedication to excellence, outstanding customer service, and strong focus on sustainability in the timber sector make them a standout leader in the industry. This award is a reflection of their tireless efforts to set the benchmark for quality and service, and we extend our warmest congratulations to the entire Jewson team.

A Proud Moment for GCS Associates

At GCS Associates, we take immense pride in being specialist recruiters for the Building Materials sector, connecting top talent with leading businesses and helping the industry flourish. Our role goes beyond recruitment; we are passionate about supporting the continued success of businesses and professionals within the sector, ensuring they have the resources and talent they need to succeed.

Sponsoring and attending the BMJ Awards 2024 reaffirmed our commitment to supporting and celebrating those who make a real difference. The awards ceremony provided an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded professionals, exchange ideas, and celebrate the achievements that make this industry such a dynamic and rewarding one to be part of.

We would like to extend our thanks to the Builders’ Merchant Journal for organising such a fantastic event and to everyone who made the evening such a resounding success. Events like these are crucial in recognising and celebrating the passion and expertise that drive the Builders’ Merchant sector forward, and we are proud to be part of such an inspiring industry.

Here’s to another great year for the Builders’ Merchant sector! 🚀