The sustainability wake-up call the building materials sector can’t ignore
The 2025 BMF State of Sustainability report is out, and it delivers a clear message: we are progressing, but we are also at real risk of losing momentum.
The Built Environment Has a Marketing Problem
I’ve just finished reading The Case for Marketing in the Built Environment (Barbour ABI, Oct 2025), and my overriding reaction is equal parts frustration and concern; our industry is mistaking activity for strategy. We are, quite simply, putting the tactical cart before the strategic horse.
Spring is in the air
Brian Berry, CEO, FMB and I met for one of our regular catchups and thought it's the perfect time to review upcoming opportunities in the sector... now that some of those long-awaited green shoots appear to be on their way…
BMF Sustainability Forum November 2024
I always enjoy the BMF’s sustainability forums, and our 2024 report provides a fascinating insight into our sector, which is so critical to the future of a more sustainable built environment.
Reasons to be cheerful, parts 1-5
An interesting conversation with Brian Berry, the CEO of Federation of Master Builders today, discussing the pressures that everyone competing in the built environment are facing today.
What installers want…really, really want…
Having spent a very hot day at the Installer Show, I thought I’d feedback some CMDi insights. Are manufacturers really listening to what installers want?
Responder or accelerator?
How to ensure your built environment organisation moves from being a COVID-19 responder, to a new norm ACCELERATOR.
Transform your brand. Transform your business.
Non-traditional competitors, with new business models powered by disruptive technologies, are still a threat and this combined with C-19 enforced changes are making reinvention and re-energising a vital priority.
Transform to win the future
With lockdowns lifting around the world, leaders are having to focus existing resources to compete in the pre-vaccine environment and reposition to win in the post-pandemic world.
Brand vs activation?
Ask any CEO about the importance of long-term thinking, and they’ll agree it’s crucial. Ask any CMO about the importance of brand and marketing spend and they’ll say the same. So why do many organisations fall into the trap of short-term marketing?