The companies were selected for their commitment to supporting and developing their teams through their use of BMF training.
The Builders Merchants Federation has announced the six companies that have been nominated for the title BMF Training Company of the Year 2025.
They are CL Jones, Fielden Factors, Lawsons (Whetstone), MGM Timber, Murdock Builders Merchants, and Robert Price Builders Merchants.
Nominated by BMF Regional Managers, who work closely with members in their area to satisfy training and other service requirements, the six shortlisted companies were selected for their commitment to supporting and developing their teams through their use of BMF training.
CL Jones has prioritised people development throughout the year, and with support from the BMF, the company has implemented programmes across the business covering Leadership Development, Sales, Finance, and Stock Management. These initiatives have improved operations and significantly impacted branch performance. The family-owned business, based in North Wales, has also signed the BMF Apprenticeship Pledge, committing to employing 30 new apprentices within the organisation between now and 2030.
Fielden Factors has identified critical business areas for growth and collaborated with BMF to deliver a tailored development programme for staff at all levels, from counter sales through to senior management. The customised training encompasses Essential Sales, Margin & Customer Service, as well as Managing and Controlling Stock and Shrinkage. Team members have also attended Transport for Non-Transport Managers. Fielden Factors has also committed to the BMF Apprenticeship Pledge and is an active supporter of the BMCareers initiative.
Lawsons (Whetstone) has developed a tailored training platform combining online and in-person components to equip staff with essential skills and knowledge to enhance performance. The programme includes Understanding How a House is Built, Sales, Margin, and Customer Service training, as well as Finance for Non-Finance Managers. The company has also introduced an in-house Diploma in Merchant Management programme to support talent development.
MGM Timber has committed to developing its staff and investing in their career paths for several years, a policy that has built loyalty within the team. Programmes including How a House is Built, Essential Sales and Yard Supervisor courses develop efficiency in customer-facing staff, while the Commercial Fasttrack and Sales in Excellence bespoke programmes have strengthened management skills.
Murdock Builders Merchants demonstrated a strong commitment to providing learning and development opportunities for their staff, with courses in Time Management, Stock Management, Essentials Sales Skills and Bespoke Sales for Category Managers. Their approach aims to support employee efficiency and professionalism with a focus on customer service.
Robert Price Builders Merchant supports team development through various classroom and online programmes. This year, they implemented management and sales training courses, including the Pathway to Branch Management, Certificate in Merchant Management, Key Account Management Training, a six-month Sales Excellence Programme, a bespoke Internal Sales Management Programme, and attended the two-day Branch Management Forum. The company has also committed to the BMF Apprenticeship Pledge and is an active supporter of the BMCareers initiative.
BMF CEO John Newcomb said: “Training is a critical resource for merchants committed to fostering development among colleagues at all levels. The six companies selected by BMF Regional Managers have demonstrated a clear commitment to learning and development, which has produced tangible benefits within their organisations. Each nominated company is a deserving candidate for this Award, and I wish them well.”
The overall winner will be announced at the BMF Members’ Day Awards Dinner, which takes place on 18 September 2025, after the BMF Members’ Day Annual Conference.
Focusing on the theme “Engaging with the Future”, the BMF Annual Members Conference and Awards takes place at the Hilton Metropole in Birmingham on 17 and 18 September.
To book your place, please To book your place, please visit https://tinyurl.com/BMFMembersDay2025 or contact Stacey.Lock@bmf.org.uk
