Last week, leaders from across the merchanting sector gathered in London for the 2025 Builders’ Merchant Awards — the industry’s biggest annual celebration of excellence. As long-standing supporters of the merchant community, GCS Associates was proud to sponsor the Equality, Diversity and Belonging in Merchanting Award, recognising businesses that are championing inclusive workplaces and driving meaningful change across the sector.
Nearly Two Decades Supporting the Merchanting Community
For almost 20 years, GCS Associates has been a trusted specialist recruitment partner to the builders’ merchant, construction supplies, and distribution sectors. With deep industry knowledge and a people-first approach, the team has helped hundreds of businesses — from national groups to independent merchants — find the talent they need to grow, innovate, and lead.
Combining hands-on merchanting experience with recruitment expertise, GCS supports organisations with everything from branch-level hiring to senior leadership and board appointments. Whether it’s day-to-day recruitment or full executive search, the consultancy focuses on long-term partnerships, cultural fit, and real understanding of the roles and challenges within the market.
Reflecting on the company’s journey, Michael Parry, Managing Director at GCS Associates, shared:
“We’ve supported this industry for nearly two decades, and we’re proud of the relationships we’ve built along the way. What makes merchanting special is its people — and we want to help the sector become even more inclusive, forward-thinking, and resilient.”
Recognising Inclusive Excellence at BMA 2025
Now in its 23rd year, the Builders’ Merchant Awards — hosted at the Park Plaza Westminster Bridge — continue to highlight the very best in the industry, from rising stars to sustainability champions and standout teams.
The Equality, Diversity and Belonging in Merchanting Award, sponsored by GCS Associates, shines a spotlight on businesses taking proactive steps to create workplaces where everyone feels valued and represented. It recognises companies leading the way in inclusive recruitment, progression, culture, and support for underrepresented groups. Congratulations to all those shortlisted and the winners, Howarth Timber!
Parry added:
“We’re thrilled to support an award so closely aligned with our values. Diversity isn’t a box-ticking exercise — it’s about creating stronger teams, embracing different perspectives, and ensuring our sector reflects the communities it serves.”
Diversity: A Driver of Business Success
Across the industry, diversity and inclusion are increasingly recognised as essential to innovation, engagement, and long-term resilience. Inclusive organisations enjoy stronger employee loyalty, broader customer insight, and better problem-solving — but beyond the business benefits, fostering fairness and equal opportunity is simply the right thing to do.
As a recruitment partner, GCS Associates plays a key role in helping clients embed inclusive hiring practices, broaden their talent pipelines, and create accessible, supportive recruitment processes. The team offers guidance on writing unbiased job adverts, improving interview structures, and reducing barriers that may deter candidates from underrepresented groups.
“We take our responsibility seriously,” Parry explained. “Small, practical changes in recruitment can make a huge difference — and we’re committed to helping our clients get it right.”
A Recruitment Partner Who Truly Understands the Sector
What sets GCS Associates apart is its specialist focus. Many on the team have worked directly in merchanting, distribution, or manufacturing — giving them an authentic understanding of branch operations, sales environments, leadership demands, and sector challenges.
GCS recruits for roles across the full commercial and operational spectrum, from branch managers and sales specialists to national accounts leaders and senior executives. The consultancy also delivers confidential executive search, supporting boards and owners with Director and C-suite appointments that align with long-term strategy and culture.
Beyond individual placements, GCS helps businesses scale — whether opening new branches, launching new regions, or navigating restructure and transformation projects.
Looking Ahead
As the sector continues to evolve — embracing digital tools, addressing skills shortages, and responding to changing customer expectations — GCS Associates remains committed to supporting businesses through every stage of their talent strategy. We firmly believes that people are the driving force behind the industry’s future success.
