Builders Merchants Federation (BMF)
Brief
Few trade associations carry responsibility at the scale of the Builders Merchants Federation.
Representing more than 1,000 merchants, suppliers and service providers, over 220,000 employees and £54bn of combined member turnover, the BMF sits at the heart of the UK’s building materials supply chain. Its role extends far beyond membership services. It is increasingly a catalyst for industry growth, skills development, sustainability, professional standards and digital transformation.
To support this ambition, the BMF required a strategic marketing partner capable of operating as part of the leadership team, helping turn vision into action, while simultaneously delivering the day-to-day programmes, communications and initiatives that create value for members.
Our role
For a number of years, Dianne Lucas has worked as the outsourced Strategy and Marketing lead for the BMF, supported by the wider CMDi team.
Rather than operating as an external agency, CMDi became an embedded extension of the organisation, providing a unique blend of board-level strategic guidance and practical delivery support across multiple workstreams.
The challenge
The construction products, merchant and building materials sector faces unprecedented challenges. Skills shortages, digital disruption, growing sustainability requirements, increased regulation and changing customer expectations are reshaping the industry.
The BMF recognised an opportunity to create greater value for members by taking a leadership role in addressing these challenges, while strengthening engagement, attracting new members and positioning the Federation as an indispensable industry partner.
The challenge was ensuring every initiative connected back to a clear strategy: helping members improve business performance while strengthening the future of the sector.
Solution
CMDi helped create and deliver a joined-up strategic framework designed around one central mission – building excellence in materials supply:
Increase member value by helping members solve real business challenges.
This resulted in a broad range of initiatives that have transformed engagement and increased the Federation’s impact across the industry.
Strategic direction
We facilitated corporate strategy development and helped create a clear strategic narrative that aligned the board, executive team and wider organisation around common goals.
Building Materials Careers
One of the most significant initiatives has been the creation of Building Materials Careers, a sector-wide programme designed to tackle recruitment challenges and promote the industry as a modern, diverse and attractive place to build a career.
The initiative directly supports the sectors long-term workforce ambitions and contributes to wider social mobility objectives.
Institute of Builders Merchants (IoBM)
CMDi supported the repositioning and relaunch of the IoBM, helping transform it into a professional development platform that promotes recognised qualifications, career progression and industry professionalism.
Data Yard
We helped shape and launch the Data Yard proposition, a pioneering industry-owned digital platform designed to improve the quality, accessibility and consistency of product information throughout the construction supply chain.
Sustainability, engagement & innovation
CMDi has provided strategic input into sustainability programmes, sector engagement initiatives, member research and innovation projects, helping members respond to emerging market and legislative challenges.
Results
Today the BMF stands as one of the UK’s most successful and influential trade associations.
Organisational impact
Sector impact
Industry recognition
These achievements reflect not simply organisational growth, but the Federation’s increasing contribution to the future success of the entire building materials supply chain.
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Dianne has become a trusted member of our leadership team and an important contributor to the Federation’s growth and success. What makes Dianne and CMDi different is the combination of strategic insight, deep sector understanding and an unwavering focus on delivery. Whether helping shape our long-term strategy, developing major initiatives such as Building Materials Careers and Data Yard, or supporting leadership communications, they consistently bring fresh thinking, practical solutions and measurable impact. They genuinely care about our members, our industry and our success.John Newcomb, CEO, Builders Merchants Federation |
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Over many years, Dianne has become much more than an external partner. She is a trusted adviser, a sounding board and an extension of our team. She combines board-level strategic thinking with the ability to get things done, bringing creativity, innovation and commercial focus to everything she touches. The impact can be seen in our growth, engagement levels, new initiatives and the value we continue to create for members. CMDi has played an important role in helping us turn ambition into delivery.Mike Tattam, Commercial Director, Builders Merchants Federation |
Outcome
The BMF’s success has been built on a simple principle: creating ever-greater value for members while helping address the biggest challenges facing the industry.
Through a long-standing partnership with CMDi, the Federation has strengthened its leadership position, accelerated membership growth, improved engagement and launched initiatives that will benefit the sector for years to come.
From boardroom strategy to practical implementation, CMDi continues to help BMF build excellence across the materials supply chain.