This week, the GCS Associates team was delighted to attend the Builders Merchants Federation (BMF) Annual Conference and Awards 2025, held at the Hilton Metropole in Birmingham. Taking place on the 17th and 18th of September, the event brought together over 400 delegates, making it the largest BMF conference yet.
From the moment we arrived, there was a real buzz in the air. The conference theme, “Engaging with the Future”, resonated strongly as we joined industry leaders, colleagues, and partners to discuss the challenges and opportunities shaping the builders’ merchant sector.
A Great Start with Golf
We kicked things off on Wednesday 17th September by taking part in the BMF Members’ Golf Tournament. While our swings may not have been quite enough to secure a win this year, the tournament was a brilliant opportunity to meet fellow delegates in a relaxed setting. It set the tone perfectly for the days ahead—mixing business with a healthy dose of fun and camaraderie.
That evening, the Welcome Networking Buffet gave us the chance to catch up with familiar faces and forge new connections. Conversations flowed easily as we shared experiences and insights with colleagues from across the industry.
Conference Highlights
Thursday was dedicated to the Annual Conference and Exhibition, and it didn’t disappoint. An early start in the Monarch Suite saw us join hundreds of delegates for a packed programme of presentations, discussions, and updates.
We heard about the latest initiatives from the BMF, including the successes of the Building Materials Careers campaign and progress across the sector. These sessions offered invaluable insights and reaffirmed the importance of collaboration and innovation in ensuring the industry continues to thrive.
The exhibition stands also provided an excellent opportunity to engage with suppliers and service providers, all showcasing the latest products, solutions, and ideas.
Celebrating Success
In the evening, we donned our black tie attire for the BMF Awards Dinner. The awards shone a spotlight on individuals and businesses who have made exceptional contributions to the sector. It was an inspiring evening that reminded us of the talent, resilience, and passion that drives our industry forward.
Looking Back
Attending the BMF Annual Conference and Awards 2025 has been an inspiring and rewarding experience for the GCS Associates team. We may not have walked away as golf champions this year, but the connections we built, the conversations we joined, and the insights we gained were far more valuable.
As ever, the BMF Conference proved itself to be a cornerstone event for our industry—one that leaves us motivated, energised, and ready for the opportunities ahead. We’re proud to be part of such a dynamic community and are already looking forward to what’s next.
