The BMF has announced the six companies shortlisted to receive its Merchant Engagement Award, which highlights and celebrates merchant companies that are helping to drive the industry forward through their sector leadership and active participation with the BMF.

The shortlisted companies are Bradfords Building Supplies, EH Smith, Harlow Timber Group, IBMG, MGM (Timber) Scotland, and Tippers.

Bradfords Building Supplies

Bradfords' ongoing support for the independent merchant sector, involvement in industry initiatives, and knowledge sharing benefit the wider community. They believe collaboration is key to the sector's success and maintain strong ties with the BMF, manufacturers, and partners. David Young, CEO, serves as South West Regional Chair of the BMF; Lee Harwood, COO, is on the BMF Board; Jonathan Chard, Group IT and Digital Director, led the development of the BMF product data template and the transition from that to Data Yard; and Giles Bradford, Head of Sustainability, chairs the BMF Sustainability Forum and Working Group. Bradfords regularly participates in a wide range of BMF events, sponsors various initiatives, and utilises BMF Campus online Building Block courses for staff training.

EH Smith

EH Smith demonstrates consistent engagement across BMF training, events, forums, and business services, and participates in the Young Merchant Group. They have undertaken a series of Health and Safety training sessions for all key personnel over the past year and use regional courses in their development programmes. The Senior Leadership team attends all BMF conferences. John Cave, Group CEO, chairs the Bricks, Blocks and Landscaping Forum. Chris Paul, Group Transport Director, is a member of the Transport Health & Safety Working Group, and team members support numerous forums throughout the year.

Harlow Timber Group

Harlow Timber Group is a unique employee ownership trust business with a highly engaged team. It continues to develop future leaders using a BMF Bespoke Management Development Programme and utilises regional training courses and apprenticeships to develop team members. Neil Sabey, Group Managing Director, is on the BMF Board, helping to shape the future direction, and the business has participated in MP visits to promote the building materials sector. Alan Harvey, Operations Director, chairs the Transport and Distribution forum and attends regional meetings, and the senior leadership team regularly attends all BMF conferences. 

IBMG

IBMG's sustained commitment reflects its dedication to strengthening both the BMF and the wider building materials industry. Despite ownership changes and restructuring, IBMG has remained active in various initiatives, investing time and resources to support the BMF and its members. IBMG actively participates in BMF forums, safety groups, and regional meetings, and supports the BM Careers initiative to promote careers and attract talent. Developing people is central to its culture, with a focus on training, nurturing future leaders, and ensuring skills for a competitive market. IBMG advocates for apprenticeships, including the BMF Apprenticeship Pledge, and its commitment to attracting, developing and retaining new talent demonstrates a genuine investment in the future of the building materials sector.

MGM (Timber) Scotland 

MGM (Timber) Scotland's commitment to excellence and people development is demonstrated through investment in employee upskilling and by equipping teams to adapt to industry changes. The company actively engages with BMF through regional meetings, webinars, forums, and events, demonstrating support, sharing best practices, and strengthening industry ties. They embrace BMF opportunities, valuing learning, collaboration, and networking, which benefits both their business and the wider community. Their ongoing engagement and participation highlight their role as a highly involved member. 

 Tippers

Tippers is an exceptional family-owned business that sets an example for the building materials sector. They are developing their people through the bespoke "Tippers Way" programme, with a focus on Leadership and Sales to boost sales, margins, and customer service. Joe Tipper, Director, spoke at the BMF All-Industry Conference in Barcelona, and the company's leadership team regularly attends regional meetings, forums, and BMF Members' Day. Tippers actively supports initiatives such as the BM Careers programme to bring more young people into the industry and has participated in MP visits that highlight the role, value, and importance of merchants in delivering for their customers and communities.

Commenting on the nominations, BMF CEO John Newcomb said: "The BMF's purpose is to serve its members and support the sector. Member engagement is a key strategic focus, with over 42 measures used to track involvement and participation. The more members engage, the more they benefit from their membership, but participation is a two-way process. The BMF and our entire sector benefit from the support and input of our most engaged members."

The winner will be announced at the BMF Members' Day Awards Dinner, which takes place on 17 September 2026, after the BMF Members' Day Annual Conference.

The BMF Annual Members Conference and Awards will be held at the Belfry Hotel and Resort in Sutton Coldfield on 16 and 17 September.