LONDON: The merchant sector is undergoing a period of profound changes and challenges as it slowly emerges from one of the worst recessions in living memory. Next year, Builders' Merchants News, the Builders' Merchants Awards for Excellence and the Builders' Merchants Federation will be working in collaboration to help the industry as it moves into a new era for business.

In June 2013, Builders' Merchants News is sponsoring the Welcome Dinner at the BMF's all-industry Conference in Portugal. It is a first for BMN and the magazine will welcome delegates to the 'Fit for the Future' Conference with its powerful line-up of speakers and revised content to help merchants tackle some of the difficult times that still lie ahead.

"I am pleased to also announce that the BMF will become the official partner of the 2013 Builders' Merchants Awards for Excellence," said BMN managing editor Lisa Arcangeli. "This is another first for our two organisations and I believe that it will strengthen the message we both want to get across to the market: developing strong business solutions, offering advice and support and above all, ensuring that our industry speaks with one voice for the benefit of all."