The event's simple objective is to thank members and suppliers for their support and give them opportunity to enjoy each other’s company.

More than 1,050 independent builders’ merchants and suppliers donned black tie and ballgowns to celebrate the first NMBS Dinner Dance since the pandemic.

The industry’s most anticipated social event of the year, held on Saturday 22 October, featured a night of entertainment and networking at London’s Grosvenor House Hotel.

NMBS chief executive officer Chris Hayward took to the stage in the opulent Great Room to welcome guests and thank them for their continued support in recent years.

Bagpipes signalled the start of the night’s festivities, featuring Singing Waiters and a trio of bands - The Overtones, Men of Motown and Fully Funktional.

During the evening, guests also raised a huge £10,000 for Crash Charity, which brings the construction industry together to help homelessness and hospice organisations by supporting them with building projects and in creating caring environments.

NMBS CEO Chris Hayward said: “Our Dinner Dance has one simple objective – to thank members and suppliers for their support and give them opportunity to enjoy each other’s company and relax away from the business-as-usual environment. It really has become a lynchpin social event in the independent merchant calendar, and this year didn’t disappoint.

“We are an industry serious about what we do and during the pandemic we all raised our game and helped the country to start building again, kick starting the economy and raising people’s spirits. However, we are equally serious about looking after each other and having fun, so it’s been fantastic to have the Dinner Dance back on the calendar."